We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Networking

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Crossover Cable?

By David White
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 47,234
Share

A crossover cable might sound like a thing of the past, but it is still in use today in various capacities. It's a cable used to connect two computers together for the purpose of direct communication. Another name for this type of cable is a null modem.

A computer user might want to test the behavior of one computer by connecting it to another, or to connect two computers to avoid having to buy a hub. Computers can also be connected so that two people can compete against each other in a multiplayer game. In each of these instances, a crossover cable can be used to make the connection.

For the first two instances, the computer user will want to make sure that the two computers are in the same workgroup. If they are not, then they will not be able to “see” each other. Once they are members of the same workgroup, the data transfer or monitoring can begin. This is sometimes a requirement for multiplayer gaming as well, so it's best for the user to check the protocols for both the game and the cable to be sure.

Many network cards have the functions inherent to a crossover cable built in. In this case, the user does not need to connect the computers directly as long as both are on the same network, primarily using the same modem or router. The network card does the work that would normally be done by the cable.

Computer users can buy a crossover cable at most computer stores and online computer equipment vendors, although they can also be made from commonly available materials. A number of do-it-yourself websites explain how they are made. People who want to make their own should remember that the signal pins that receive on one end are connected to the pins that transmit on the other. This is different from straight-through cable, in which the pins are connected like to like.

A crossover cable can also be used to connect two Ethernet devices. These devices can be single computers or networks. The principle is the same, but the connection speed and scheme are different, as is the purpose of the connection. In all cases, however, the data send and receive functions are crossed over at both ends of the cable, enabling full data transfer between computers, routers, and even networks.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon151523 — On Feb 10, 2011

I disagree. Cross-over cabling is a thing of the past unless you use very old hardware. There is no such requirement anymore as NIC cards will negotiate automatically.

By anon123269 — On Nov 01, 2010

I agree with the post above mine. I was researching on the difference between a crossover cable and a straight through. Other explanations are way too technical, this is just about right. I'm not really tech savvy and when I read on other sites I have to read it twice or thrice. With this I just read through it once and understood it easily. good job!

By anon93936 — On Jul 06, 2010

That feature is called Auto-MDIX.

By anon63339 — On Feb 01, 2010

Second paragraph mentions that some NICs have the same functions as a crossover cable. What is the feature called? Please elaborate. Thanks!

By anon62863 — On Jan 28, 2010

Thanks for this, was looking for a 'dummies' explanation and this was great to help wrap my brain around some networking concepts.

By anon392 — On Apr 24, 2007

Short & sweet & understandable & excellent

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-crossover-cable.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.