How do I tell the difference between a Cat5 "patch" or normal network cable, and a Cat5 crossover cable used for connecting two PCs directly?
I'm trying to set up two PCs for friends, to share their modem connection, and I'm not sure I've got the correct variety.
Re: How do I tell the difference between cables?
Grasp one end of the cable in your hand with the RJ12 connector between your thumb and your first finger, with the electrical contacts facing you. You'll see the different coloured wires going up into the contacts. Now do the same with the other hand with the connector on the other end of the cable, and put the two side by side.
A "straight-through" (patch) cable will have the colours in the same order left-to-right on the connectors on both ends of the cable.
In a "crossover" cable the colours will be in a different order.
Re: How do I tell the difference between cables?
Don,
Here's how:
You can identify a crossover cable by comparing the two modular ends of the cable. Hold the cable ends side-by-side with the tab at the back. The first (far left) colored wire (pin 1) at one end of the cable is the third colored wire (pin 3) at the other end of the cable. The second colored wire (pin 2) at one end of the cable is the sixth colored wire (pin 6) at the other end of the cable.
You can identify a straight-through cable by comparing the two modular ends of the cable. Hold the cable ends side-by-side with the tab at the back. The straight-through cable's wires are in the same sequence at both ends of the cable.
Cheers
Re: How do I tell the difference between cables?
This site has a good guide to doing a crossover cable
http://www.littlewhitedog.com/content-8.html
hope this helps
Chris
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