There are generally three main types of networking cables. Straight-through, Crossover , and rollover cables . Each cables type has a distinct use , and should not be used in place of another.So how do you know which cable to use for what you need ?

Straight-through cables get their name from how they are made. out of the 8 pins that exist on both ends of an Ethernet cable, each pin connects to the same pin on the opposite side. Review the diagram below for a visual

Notice how each wire corresponds to the same pin. This kind of wiring diagram is part of the 568B  standard achieves the same thing, but through different wiring. it is generally accepted to use the 568A standard as pictured, since it allows compatibility with certain telephone hardware- while 586B doesn’t

Straight-through cables are primarily used for connecting unlike devices. A straight-through cable is typically used in the following situations:

• Connecting a router to a hub
• Connecting a computer to a switch
• Connecting a LAN port to a switch, hub, or computer

Note that some devices such as routers will have advanced circuitry, which enables them to use both crossover and straight-through cables. in general, however, straight-through cables will not connect a computer and router because they are not “unlike devices.”

Crossover cables are very similar to straight-through cables, except that they have pairs of wires that crisscross This allows for that devices to communicate at the same time. unlike straight-through cables, we use crossover cables to connect like devices. A visual example can be seen below:

Notice how all we did was switch the white-orange and white-green wires, then the orange and green wires, This will enables like devices to communicate. Crossover cables are typically used in the following situations:

• Connecting a computer to a router
• Connecting a computer to a Computer
• Connecting a router to a router
• Connecting a switch to  a switch
• Connecting a hub to a hub

While the rule of a thumb is to use crossover cables with like devices, some devices do not follow standards. Others provide support for both types of cables. However, there is still something that both crossover and straight-through cables can’t do.

Rollover cables, like other cabling types, got their name from how they are wired. Rollover cables essentially have one end of the cable wired exactly opposite from the other. This essentially “rolls over ” the wires but they would we need to do such thing? Rollover cables, also called Yost cables, usually connect a device to a router or switch’s console port. This allows a programmer to make a connection to a router or switch, and program it as needed. A visual example can be seen below:

Notice that each wire is simply “rolled over.” These types of cables are generally not used very much, so are usually colored differently from other types of cables.