What Is a Crossover Utp Cable?

Two computers can be easily connected using a crossover cable

A crossover UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable is a form of Ethernet network cable. Crossover cables allow you to easily set up an ad-hoc Ethernet network between two computers.

Background

Straight cables are used to connect computers to network switches or hubs. Crossover cables, wired differently internally, do not require switches or hubs to connect two computers together.

Configuration

To create an ad-hoc network of two computers, use a crossover cable to connect the Ethernet port of the first machine to the Ethernet port of the second. After manually configuring IP (Internet Protocol) addresses on the same subnet, it should be possible to share files between the two machines. This procedure is often used by IT technicians to migrate data to a new desktop PC or laptop.

Usage

Crossover cables are also used to interface with various network devices. For example, advanced routers sometimes have an Ethernet-style "console" port so the computer can be connected via a crossover cable to make configuration changes.

References

• Encyclopedia: UTP cable
• PC World: Connect Two or More PCs