What
is the difference between an ethernet
cisco cable and an ethernet "crossover" cable? I would like to wire my
two computers together so that data could be transferred. Both computers have
an available ethernet port. I have additional ethernet cables available. How do
these cables differ from the crossover variety? How much should I expect to
spend on a crossover cable? ---Q from
Yahoo answers
If you have a computer network in your home,
there is a good chance that at least one ethernet lan cable is involved. It
might connect your computer to a router, a modem, a wall socket, or even hook a
wireless router up to the outside world. Whatever it does, your ethernet cable
is a vital part of your network. However, there is another similar type of
cable that is known as a crossover cable. While it has many similarities with
an ethernet cable, the exact purpose of it can be unclear.
Similarities
Between Crossover and Ethernet
Crossover cables and ethernet cables, despite
their functional differences, have many similarities. In fact, it is easy to
mistake a crossover cable for an ethernet cable if you do not know where to
look. This is because crossover cables are designed to use the same port as an
ethernet cable. They have the same number of pins, and the same general
appearance. Because of their similarity, it can be hard to tell exactly what
the difference between a crossover cable and an ethernet cable is.
Differences
between Crossover Cable and Ethernet Cable
There are many functional differences between
crossover cables and ethernet cables. For one thing, crossover cables have
their pins configured differently than ethernet cables, even though they have
the same number and connect to the same port. This difference is not very
obvious, but it is possible to tell between a crossover cable and an ethernet
cable by examining their connectors. This is because the different pins are
labeled by color, so the different configuration between ethernet and crossover
cables is made clear visually.
The difference between configuration of crossover
and ethernet cables has an important function. Ethernet cables are for
connecting two different types of devices. However, crossover cables are used
for networking two similar devices directly, without using hubs or routers.
Trying to use an ethernet lan cable in place of a crossover cable will simply
not work, and vice versa.
Uses
for Crossover Cables
Crossover cables, because they are designed to
connect two similar devices, serve many purposes that ethernet lan cables
cannot. For example, you can use crossover cables to connect two network hubs
together. This allows you to share information between the hubs, and gain extra
ports that are all on the same network. This is a great way to connect many
computers or external devices together, particularly ones without wireless
capabilities.
However, crossover cables cannot perform the
numerous functions of ethernet lan cables, which are all very important.
Uses
for Ethernet Cables
Ethernet cables, unlike
crossover cables, are for connecting two different types of devices. This is a
much more common type of connection, which you will see in almost every
network. For example, an ethernet cable could be used to connect a computer to
a modem. Alternatively, it could connect a computer to a splitter, which
connects to several external devices, such as printers. Ethernet cables are
very useful and more common than the specialized crossover cable.read more: cisco memory hardware, Cisco Flash hardware, Cisco Power Supply hardware
