Difference between straight cable and cross cable
Straight-through cables connect different device types (e.g., PC to switch) using the same wiring standard T568B/T568Bcap T 568 cap B / cap T 568 cap B𝑇568𝐵/𝑇568𝐵) on both ends. Crossover cables connect similar devices (e.g., PC to PC) by swapping transmit/receive pairs (T568A/T568Bcap T 568 cap A / cap T 568 cap B𝑇568𝐴/𝑇568𝐵), allowing direct communication without a hub. Most modern devices use Auto MDI-X to eliminate the need for crossovers.
Key Differences:
- Wiring Order: Straight-through has identical pinouts (
1→1,2→2,…1 right arrow 1 comma 2 right arrow 2 comma …1→1,2→2,…) on both ends. Crossover swaps pins
1↔31 left-right arrow 31↔3 and
2↔62 left-right arrow 62↔6.
- Usage:
- Straight-Through: Computer-to-Switch, Router-to-Switch, Computer-to-Modem.
- Crossover: Computer-to-Computer, Switch-to-Switch, Hub-to-Hub.
- Standards: Straight-through often uses T568B/T568B. Crossover typically uses T568A on one end and T568B on the other.
- Modern Usage: Due to Auto MDI-X, straight-through cables are now standard for almost all connections.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Straight-Through Cable | Crossover Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring Ends | Same (e.g., 568B & 568B) | Different (568A & 568B) |
| Connection | Unlike devices (PC to Switch) | Like devices (PC to PC) |
| Pairs | None crossed | Pins 1&3, 2&6 swapped |
