Understanding Ethernet Crossover Cable Pinout
When it comes to connecting two similar devices, you typically use an Ethernet patch cable. But what if you need to connect devices with different Ethernet interfaces? This is where Ethernet crossover cables come in handy.
An Ethernet crossover cable is a specific type of Ethernet cable used to connect two similar devices, such as two computers or two switches. It enables data transmission between the devices by altering the way that the wires are connected inside the cable. In simpler words, their pinouts are different.
In a standard Ethernet patch cable, the pinouts are wired “straight-through,” meaning that the transmit pin on one end is connected to the receive pin on the other end. However, in an Ethernet crossover cable, the transmit and receive pins are swapped on one end, allowing data to transmit and receive between two similar devices.
The pinouts on an Ethernet crossover cable are as follows:
- Pin 1 (TX+) connects to Pin 3 (RX+) on the other end
- Pin 2 (TX-) connects to Pin 6 (RX-) on the other end
- Pin 3 (RX+) connects to Pin 1 (TX+) on the other end
- Pin 6 (RX-) connects to Pin 2 (TX-) on the other end
In summary, using an Ethernet crossover cable to connect two similar devices saves you from having to purchase an additional switch, which is required when using standard Ethernet patch cables.
In conclusion, Ethernet crossover cables are not as commonly used as in the past, as modern devices have built-in features to auto-detect the type of cable being used and switch accordingly. However, it's still worth knowing what an Ethernet crossover cable is and when to use one.