what's the diff between crossover and network cables?

[b_hunter]

i want to connect a computer to a network i already have. i need a wire to go from a network card in the pc to a ethernet mini switch.

my question is , what type of cable to i need? there are so many: RJ45, cate, RJ11 etc can someone explain what they do and whcih i need?

seems the crossover is alot cheaper.

thanks

[Neo]

RJ** I belive is the measure of the end cap. Cat ** is measure of the cable. All network cable is RJ45. And you should get atleast Cat5e by todays standards.

[b_hunter]

thanks for your help.

could you explain what you mean when you say that i should get at least cat5e? are the older versions (if any) becoming incompatable? or is Cat5e the newest/best form of cable?

thanks

[gooner]

Cat5e is the most reliable and most commonly used in todays market.

[Neo]

BTW, The fastest consumer cable is CAT6.

[Elaine]

To answer your first question, the only difference between crossover and straight-through "network" cables, is how the wires are twisted differently in one end. All of them will have rj45 connectors. You probably just need a straight-through cable, however check your switch manual before purchasing any cable.

[b_hunter]

thanks elaine,

one more question; just found out that the XBOX requires cross-over cables and the PC requires regular cables. but whats the reason for this? seeing as they both have the same type of connection (rj45) how does the twist in the end make a difference? and what happens if you use the wrong type?

thanks

[Elaine]

It's all in how the devices are wired. If one of the devices (such as a router or switch) that are connected on one end perform the crossover function, then you only need a straight-through cable and not a crossover cable. This is because a switch/router is wired differently that a PC or XBox.

When you connect two devices together with neither of them being able to perform the crossover function(such as PC to PC or PC to Xbox), you'll need to use a crossover cable because both ports on the devices are the same. The crossover function must take place somewhere, and since there is no router or switch to do it for you, the cable must perform the crossover.

If you use the wrong cable your connection won't work.

Hopefully I didn't confuse you. :)

[Neo]

Yep. Just like Elaine sad.

You do not need cross over cables if want to conect a computer/xbox to another computer/xbox through some sort of switch/hub/router. You only use a cross over cable if you are not using a switch/hub/router and just want a "dumb" connection directly from the xbox to the computer or whichever. The kind of cable that needs to be used varies on how you wish to connect them.

[Kashinoda]

Mmm can you still use crossover cables even if your using a hub/router? Or is it ONLY patch cable?

[nimbles]

depends some hubs can detect a x-over cable and auto switch- but using standard straight through cables would be a safer bet.

[Kashinoda]

Thanks m8