【My Study Note】Twisted pair Ethernet: Crossover cable
Twisted pair Ethernet: Crossover cable
Crossover cables may still be in use in older network environments. This article provides information for working with crossover Ethernet cable for older Enterprise network devices.
Note that most new Enterprise devices have the ability to detect Ethernet connection types and select the correct wires for sending and receiving data using Auto Medium Dependent Interface Crossover (Auto-MDI/MDIX) technology. The Auto-MDI/MDIX ports replace the crossover cable’s function for connecting two devices that use the same sending and receiving wires for data communications.
Crossover cables are used to connect two computing devices directly to one another. As an IT Support Specialist, you might use a short crossover cable to connect an IT administrator laptop directly to an Enterprise machine (e.g., server, switch, router, hub, etc.).
This type of connection is normally used to update, repair, and perform other administrative tasks on the Enterprise machine. A crossover cable should be connected between the Ethernet port/Network Interface Card (NIC) on the IT administrative system and the management port of the Enterprise machine.
This connection is then used to access the operating system and/or the management interface of the Enterprise machine. Additionally, crossover cables can connect two switches, two hubs, or a switch to a hub, as well as two routers, two PCs, or a router to a PC.
Like straight-through cables, crossover cables can also be identified by comparing both ends of the cable. Crossover cable ends will have different patterns in the color order of the twisted pairs.
Also, this wiring crossover is needed to connect two computers that transmit and receive data on the same wires. The blue and brown wires are not used in crossover cables.
Crossover cable key:
- Endpoint 1 of the Ethernet cable:
- Pins 1 & 2 – Green wires for sending data
- Pins 3 & 6 – Orange wires for receiving data
- Endpoint 2 of the Ethernet cable:
- Pins 1 & 2 – Orange wires for sending data
- Pins 3 & 6 – Green wires for receiving data