Crossover Cable Info

A crossover cable comes in handy whenever you want to connect two computers directly without going through an intermediate step in your network like a hub, switch or router.

The send and receive wires in a crossover cable are flipped compared to the way they are normally oriented with a regular ethernet cable. The types of ports in end-user machines are different from the ports in network appliances, so if you want to connect two computers directly to each other, you’re going to have to use an ethernet cable that is wired to go from one port to another port of the same kind. This is the crossover cable.

There are many reasons why you might want to set things up on your network so that you need to use a crossover cable. Perhaps you are trying to play a multiplayer computer game, or perhaps you’re trying to test one computer’s behavior when connected to another without using a hub to facilitate that connection.

Each of these instances requires a crossover cable.

Even though these types of network setups are not that common today, crossover cables are still used by many people.

In order for a setup utilizing a crossover cable to work properly, both computers being connected must be in the same workgroup so that they can “see” each other over the network.

As soon as you’ve connected the two machines with a proper crossover cable, you’ll be able to send data and monitor activities between the two machines.

Where to Get a Crossover Cable

You can either make your own crossover cable, or you can purchase one from various computer retail shops or online merchants that sell networking products.

When buying a crossover cable, just make sure you get a cable that is officially designated as a crossover cable. Remember, a normal cat-5e ethernet cable won’t work.

Now, if you’re up for an adventure, it really isn’t hard to make your own crossover cable. It helps if you have some experience with cutting your own ethernet cable, but even this isn’t a strict necessity. If you are able to follow instructions and handle a few setbacks on your way to a fully functional cable, you’ll definitely be able to make your own crossover cable.

First off, you need to know that cat-5e cables are made up of eight tiny cables concealed within the shiny cable sheath. These wires are instrumental in carrying the full network signal from juncture to juncture.

When you make your own ethernet cables, there’s really only one part of the process that involves any work. You measure the length of cable you need, cut the cable to that length and then get ready for the part that requires a little concentration: configuring the wires into the clip on either end and crimping the cable snugly into the clip.

Since a crossover cable involves a different orientation of those inner eight wires than a normal ethernet cable’s setup, this is where you’ll have to pay close attention to make sure your cable functions properly. If you get the wires in the wrong order, your cable won’t transfer data from computer to computer.

Now, you’ll need a cable first. The right cable should be rated for CAT 5. Connectors are also a must for you to complete this cable. You will need two CAT 5 RJ-45 modular plugs for each end of your cable. RJ (Registered Jack)- 45 plugs are similar to the ones used in telephone lines except that these have eight contacts on the plug’s end as compared to four on the one’s used on telephone cables.

It is also important to make sure that the right jacks are used, because there are different types of jacks used for different purposes. Some jacks are used for other types of cabling such as solid core wire. The ends bought should be rated for CAT 5 wiring.

Another important requirement for successfully making your own ethernet cables (including crossover cables) is a crimper which will be used to crimp the ends of the cable. For a small amount of money (less than $20), one can buy a good crimper that can last for a lifetime of cabling jobs.

A tool for stripping off the jackets from the cable ends is another important tool in this process. Alternatively, in the absence of a stripper, one can use a sharp knife or razor blade but cautiously not to cut them or damage the wires inside the jackets.

Finally, you will need a cutter that will be used to cut a straight end from the wire ends of the cable. It is imperative that wires are cut in a straight line at the exact same length. This can be difficult to achieve without a proper cutter.

There are cabling sets you can purchase that come with all of these accessories in one affordable package. Even for just one solid job making a few cables, one of these sets will pay for itself. If you think you might be making additional cables (regular ethernet cables, crossover cables or even regular telephone cables), then consider getting one of these sets of the most commonly needed cabling accessories.

Why would you go to the trouble of making your own crossover cable? Honestly, with good crossover cables being so widely available through various internet vendors, the only real reason to make your own crossover cable is either because you’re curious in learning more about how networking technology works or you want to save money. You can make your own cables for pennies on the dollar compared to what a pre-made cable will cost you.

Making A Crossover Cable: Step-by-Step

The first step of making the cable is to cut the appropriate or needed length of cable. Measure out the length of cable you need based on how far apart the two computers or devices are or will be in the future. If the machines are close together, then obviously you won’t need to cut a very long cable.

However, it is advised that even if the machines are close to each other, the cable’s length can be cut a little longer and coiled up to allow for easy movement of the computers from each other. Configurations and arrangements can change. Plan for this.

If the cable will have to be pulled through walls or the ceiling, it is important to pull the cable through first because it is much more difficult to pull and screw a crossover cable that is already installed and on the computers.

Once you’ve got your desired length of cable, it’s time for you to strip about 2 inches of the wire jacket carefully so as not to damage the wire inside which if it happens might render the cable useless.

Then, spread the individual wires straight to avoid them being tangled up and take the 2 end jacks to be installed.

With the first end, you will want to put the wires into the standard configuration for a normal ethernet jack. Here is the correct layout of the colored wires for the first end of your cable:

1. White/Orange
2. Orange
3. White/Green
4. Blue
5. White/Blue
6. Green
7. White/Brown
8. Brown

For the other end of the cable, order the wires like so within the end clip:

1. White/Green
2. Green
3. White/Orange
4. White/Brown
5. Brown
6. Orange
7. Blue
8. White/Blue

This configuration may seem random at first glance, but there is a pattern there. Four pairs of wires are reversed, and this reversal allows both ends of the cable to work within the same type of port.

The trick once you have all the wires ordered properly is to push each wire all the way into the jack so that the wires are totally flush inside their respective channels. This can be a little tricky at first, and you may have to go through a few tries before you get a feel for it.

If you didn’t cut the wires totally straight across, then you won’t be able to align them all within the jack. At the same time, you can only strip back just the right amount of the cable sheathing or the wires will stick out from the jack. They will be exposed and will either easily break or won’t even conduct enough of the signal to allow the cable to function.

To secure the wires in the jack, use your crimper and clamp down on the jack so that it goes snug around the wires you’ve inserted.

And there you go! A fresh new crossover cable you can use to connect one computer to another without having a hub or switch in between.