Straight and Crossover Cable
 on your Home Network

 

 

On any computer network an ethernet network cable is either straight or crossover cable. These two types of ethernet cable are commonly used and are refered to as 4 pair twisted cable conductors that are used for all computer networking transmissions. Each end of the cable has a connector that is called a RJ45 connector. Sometimes these cables are simply called RJ45 twisted cable straight or crossover. 

So whats the difference between a straight or crossover cable anyway? And when do I use a straight cable verses a crossover cable?

The difference is:

Straight Cable: All color coded wires are in the SAME position, on the connector ends, on both ends of the cable.

Crossover Cable: All color coded wires are NOT in the same position, on the connector ends, on both ends of the cable.

When is a Straight Cable used?    

A straight cable is normally used most of the time to connect many different network devices to a network hub, router or switch.

Here are some examples when a ethernet straight cable is used on a home network:

  • To connect a network access point device to a network router for network expansion. 
  • To connect a network router to a Internet cable/DSL modem. 
  • To connect a laptop or computer device to a network router, hub or switch. 
  • To connect a printer to a network router, hub or switch. 
  • To connect a laptop or computer to a Internet cable/DSL modem. 

 RJ45 Straight Cable

Straight RJ45 Cable

 

When is a Crossover Cable used? 

A crossover cable is normally used to directly connects two network devices of the same type to each other over an ethernet network.

Here are some examples when a ethernet crossover cable is used on a home network:

  • To connect two computers directly to each other when no router, hub or switch is available.
  • To connect two ethernet network hubs or switches directly together.

 RJ45 Crossover Cable

Straight RJ45 Cable

 

I know it looks the same!

At a casual glance both the Straight cable and the Crossover cable visually look the same. However, if you look closely at the crossover cable ends, you will see that all color coded wires are NOT in the same position, on the connector ends, on both ends of the cable. Normally, the cable also has the words Crossover or Xover printed on the cable as well.