In computer networking and telecommunication, communication cables are the most essential components. These cables transfer data from one unit, maybe a computer or communication unit, to another unit. These might be distances apart and accordingly, different types of cables are used.
Crossover Cable vs Ethernet Cable
The main difference between a Crossover cable and an Ethernet cable is that Crossover cables are used basically to connect two devices of the same type, connecting one computer to another computer or one switch to another. Ethernet cables on the other hand are primarily used for connecting any device to a Local Area Network.
A crossover cable is a Hub to Hub connection cable. It is usually used to connect Hubs of two devices, where the devices are of the same type. In this type of connection, the output of one device is connected to the input of the other device, hence the name Hub to Hub connection.
Ethernet cable is the most common type of network cable used today. These cables are used to connect different devices, such as switches, PCs, Routers, Modems, etc. Ethernet cable looks like a regular telephone cable, but the size of the cable is much larger.
Comparison Table Between Crossover Cable and Ethernet Cable
| Parameter | Crossover Cable | Ethernet Cable |
| Connection | Connecting two devices of the same type | Connecting a device to a Local Area Network |
| Wiring Architecture | Two different wiring standards are used on both sides, T568A and T568B | Only one wiring standard is used in a cable on both sides. |
| Pin connection | The pins of one connector do not connect to the corresponding pins of the other connector. The pins are swapped | The pins of one connector are paired with the corresponding pins of the other connector |
| Network Application | Used to connect LAN port of Router to the regular port of a Switch or Hub | Used to connect LAN port of modem to a computer |
| Uses | Used only in certain situations | Most commonly used cables in computer networking |
What is Crossover Cable?
Crossover cable is one of the most important components of Computer and Telecommunication networks. It is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect one computing device to another. It is mostly used for connecting computers to other such devices for creating a network.
The main difference between a regular Straight-through Ethernet Cable and Crossover Cable is that in this cable, both the connecting sides have different wiring standards. This means, one connection side uses a different set and architecture of wires than the other.
The two wiring standards are named T568A and T568B standards. This allows Crossover cables to reverse the Transmit and Receive signals internally, as the internal wiring of the cables is configured in such a manner. Because of this ability, Crossover cables are used for transferring data directly from one device to another.
It is mostly used to connect two computers, via switches and Hubs. This forms a computer network, where the switches are connected using Crossover cables.
They can also be used to connect two Hubs and then the hub to a computer. As they have different configurations for pins on either side, they can also be used to connect a computer to another device for direct data transfer.
What is Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables are the backbone of any computer network. They are the most essential components of electronic data transfer systems and are virtually used everywhere.
Internet, as we know, is a network of different computers connected, on a worldwide scale. This computer network transfers information from one computer to another, from one part of the world to the other. This information transfer is what is called the internet.
Ethernet cables are used to connect a computer to a Modem or a Router. It is also known as Network cable and it gives Local Area Network access to the computer. Ethernet cables have the same wiring standards on both ends, either T568A or T568B. So they can connect to a network unit, like a modem or a router, and send data from the unit to the computer.
Unlike Crossover cables, which have different wiring standards on both sides, Ethernet cables cannot be used to connect two similar devices, like connecting a computer to another computer. Hence they cannot be used to transfer data directly from one device to another.
The main function of Ethernet cables is to connect a computer to the network access unit, giving fast-paced internet access to the computer.
Main Differences Between Crossover Cable and Ethernet Cable
- Crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable which is used to connect two computing devices of the same type, to each other. Ethernet cabled is the most important component of a computer network and is used to connect the computer to a network access unit.
- Crossover cables have two different wiring standards on each end of the cable, namely T568A and T568B. Ethernet cables have the same wiring standards on both of the ends of the cable, either T568A or T568B.
- Because of the wiring architecture of crossover cables, they are able to reverse the Transmit and Receive signals internally and thus send data from one device to another. Ethernet cables cannot send data from one computing device to another and are only sued to connect a computer to the network access unit.
- The pins of the Ethernet cables connect to the corresponding pins of the modem and computer on each side. The pins of crossover cables do not connect the corresponding pins of the two devices.
- Ethernet cables are more frequently used than crossover cables.
Conclusion
Both Ethernet and Crossover cables are important components of a computer network. Ethernet cables are responsible for forming the information transfer network by allowing computers to connect to network access points like a modem or a router.
Crossover cables on the other hand allow one computing device to connect to another computing device, allowing direct transfer of data from one device to another. This allows one to transfer information between two devices.
Data transfer between different parts of the world is possible because of such electronic transfer cables and thus they play a vital role in today’s information world.
References
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/1015591.1015593
- https://www.newark.com/pdfs/techarticles/ondemand-August2012/Ethernet-Cable-for-Industrial-Environment.pdf
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/sv/2016/6878021/