What are the name of the cable used to connect computers in a LAN network?

An Ethernet crossover cable is a network cable used to connect two Ethernet network devices directly, such as two computers without a switch or router in between. They are used to send and receive data by enabling complex data transfers between computers, routers, and networks. Ethernet crossover cables are similar to straight-through cable except that they have pairs of wires that crisscross. Their internal wiring reverses the incoming and outgoing signals. It uses a design that allows the data output pins on one end of the cable to be connected directly to the data input pins on the other end of the cable.

Ethernet Crossover Cables vs. Straight-through Cables

These two types of ethernet cable are commonly used in most computer networking transmissions. A straight-through cable is used in local area networks to connect different devices like a computer to a network hub such as a router, router and switch, PC and switch, and so on. It is an alternative to wireless connections where one or more computers access a router through a wireless signal. A crossover cable is only required when interconnecting two devices with the same functionality.

Another significant difference between crossover cables and standard patch cables is that each type will have different wire arrangement in the cable for serving different purposes. If you hold up both ends of the cable and compare the pin-outs, you will note that the straight-through cable has matching wired pins while a crossover cable has pins that are typically reversed.

There are two standards for wiring Ethernet cables, as recognized by ANSI, TIA, and EIA. One is the T568A wiring standard, and the other is T568B. The difference between the two is the position of the orange and green wire pairs. Straight-through cables have a one wiring standard where both ends use the T568A wiring standard, or both ends use the T568B wiring standard. Unlike straight-through cables, crossover cables use two different wiring standards. One end uses the T568A wiring standard while the other end uses the T568B wiring standard.

Usually, the crossover cable has the words Crossover or Xover printed on it to distinguish it from straight-through ones.

Functionality Difference between Straight Cable and Cross Cable

Crossover cables are used when:

• Connecting a computer to a computer
• Connecting a router to a router
• Connecting a switch to a switch
• Connecting a hub to a hub and
• Connecting a router to a PC because both devices have the same components

• Connecting a router to a hub
• Connecting a computer to a switch
• Connecting a LAN Port to a switch or computer
• Connecting other dissimilar networking equipment

While in the past a crossover cable was required to connect two host devices directly, it is no longer necessary. Many modern network devices support Auto MDI-X, which automatically detects the proper connection type no matter which cable you use. For example, a computer with Auto MDI-X can use either a straight-through or crossover cable for any application.

The majority of users access the internet using wireless devices, like phones or laptops. These devices connect to the internet using Wi-Fi, wireless signals that broadcast throughout your house.

But if you've been using the internet for a while — or you have a desktop computer that you don't use Wi-Fi for — you'll probably be using an Ethernet cable instead. Ethernet cables are wires that physically connect your computer to a router or modem.

Ethernet cables can seem clunky or restricting, but they can substantially improve the speed and stability of your internet.

Here's what you need to know about Ethernet cables, how they work, and what makes them a handy alternative to Wi-Fi.

An Ethernet cable 'hardwires' your computer to an internet connection

An Ethernet cable, sometimes referred to as a network cable, is a cord that runs from a router, modem, or network switch to your computer, giving your device access to the local area network (LAN) — in other words, giving it internet access.

The benefit of hardwiring your internet connection is that it's faster and more consistent. Without walls or other objects blocking your Wi-Fi signals, you don't have to worry about sudden drops in internet speed.

Gaming with an Ethernet cable means less lag and faster loading times for multiplayer games. And every major game console can connect with an Ethernet port — although to connect a Nintendo Switch, you'll need an adapter.

Just be careful not to unplug your cable while you're using it, as doing so will disconnect you from the internet instantly. Luckily, Ethernet cables are made to snap snugly into place, so it's hard to pull them out accidentally.

Ethernet cables come in a range of lengths and colors, but both sides of the cord are the same, regardless of the brand of cable or device you're hardwiring.

Ethernet accessories can help you connect any device

Although newer, slender models of laptops don't tend to have Ethernet ports, you can still utilize an Ethernet cable with a USB or USB-C adapter.

Another common accessory to pair with an Ethernet cable is a network switch. This add-on lets you convert an Ethernet connection into multiple ones, allowing you to, for instance, hardwire both your Xbox and Chromecast to the internet at the same time.