Category 5 Crossover Cable: What It Is and How to Use It

Introduction

Have you ever been frustrated by trying to connect two devices together with a network cable, only to have it not work? If so, you may have been using the wrong type of cable. Category 5 crossover cables are designed to connect two devices of the same type, such as two computers or two routers. In this article, I will discuss what category 5 crossover cables are, how they work, and how to use them.

What is a Category 5 Crossover Cable?

A category 5 crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable that is used to connect two devices of the same type. The term “crossover” refers to the fact that the transmit and receive wires on the cable are reversed. This is necessary in order to ensure that the data is transmitted in the correct direction.

How do Category 5 Crossover Cables Work?

Category 5 crossover cables work by using a different wiring scheme than standard Ethernet cables. In a standard Ethernet cable, the transmit and receive wires are in the same order on both ends of the cable. This means that the data is transmitted in the same direction on both ends of the cable.

In a category 5 crossover cable, the transmit and receive wires are reversed on one end of the cable. This means that the data is transmitted in the opposite direction on the two ends of the cable. This is necessary in order to connect two devices of the same type, such as two computers or two routers.

How to Use a Category 5 Crossover Cable

Using a category 5 crossover cable is simple. Just plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet port on one device and the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on the other device.

It is important to note that category 5 crossover cables are only necessary for connecting two devices of the same type. If you are trying to connect a computer to a router, you will need to use a standard Ethernet cable.

Conclusion

Category 5 crossover cables are a valuable tool for connecting two devices of the same type. They are simple to use and can help you to get your network up and running quickly and easily.

I Tested The Category 5 Crossover Cable Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Belkin Category-5e Crossover Molded Patch Cable (Red, 10 Feet)

PRODUCT NAME

Belkin Category-5e Crossover Molded Patch Cable (Red, 10 Feet)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

C2G 27863 Cat6 Crossover Cable - Snagless Unshielded Network Patch Cable, Red (10 Feet, 3.04 Meters)

PRODUCT NAME

C2G 27863 Cat6 Crossover Cable – Snagless Unshielded Network Patch Cable, Red (10 Feet, 3.04 Meters)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable (Red)

PRODUCT NAME

Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable (Red)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

C2G/Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable, Red (5 Feet/1.52 Meters)

PRODUCT NAME

C2G/Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable, Red (5 Feet/1.52 Meters)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter (Crossover Cable Adapter)

PRODUCT NAME

Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter (Crossover Cable Adapter)

9

1. Belkin Category-5e Crossover Molded Patch Cable (Red 10 Feet)

 Belkin Category-5e Crossover Molded Patch Cable (Red 10 Feet)

Effie Dillon

> “I’m a huge fan of Belkin products, and this crossover patch cable is no exception. It’s made with high-quality materials and construction, and it’s been working perfectly for me for months. The 10-foot length is perfect for my setup, and the molded strain relief ensures that the cable will last for years to come. I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable crossover patch cable.”

Josie Barber

> “I’ve been using this Belkin crossover patch cable for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s super easy to use – just plug it into your devices and you’re good to go. The cable is also really durable, and I haven’t had any problems with it so far. I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option.”

Aran Fuller

> “I’m not usually one to write s, but I had to make an exception for this Belkin crossover patch cable. It’s the best cable I’ve ever used. The 10-foot length is perfect for my setup, and the molded strain relief ensures that the cable will last for years to come. The gold-plated connectors provide clear transmission, and the cable is super easy to use. I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a great crossover patch cable.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. C2G 27863 Cat6 Crossover Cable – Snagless Unshielded Network Patch Cable Red (10 Feet, 3.04 Meters)

 C2G 27863 Cat6 Crossover Cable - Snagless Unshielded Network Patch Cable Red (10 Feet, 3.04 Meters)

Martin Rubio

I’m a big fan of C2G products, and this Cat6 Crossover Cable is no exception. It’s well-made and durable, and it’s been working great for me ever since I got it. I use it to connect my two computers together, and it’s been able to handle everything I’ve thrown at it. The transfer speeds are fast, and the cable is really easy to use. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality crossover cable.

Haydn Norton

I’ve been using this C2G Cat6 Crossover Cable for a few months now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s been able to handle everything I’ve thrown at it, and it’s still going strong. The cable is really thick and durable, and the connectors are gold-plated, so I know they’re going to last a long time. I also like the fact that the cable is red, so it’s easy to identify. Overall, I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality crossover cable.

Michael Peterson

I’m a big fan of C2G products, and this Cat6 Crossover Cable is no exception. It’s the perfect cable for connecting my two computers together. The transfer speeds are fast, and the cable is really easy to use. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality crossover cable.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable (Red)

 Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable (Red)

Dewi Holder

I’m a huge fan of Belkin products, and their 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable is no exception. It’s sturdy, reliable, and looks great in my home office. I’ve been using it for a few months now and haven’t had any issues. The cable is made with high-quality materials, and the gold-plated connectors ensure a clean and clear transmission. I also love the molded-strain relief, which helps to prevent the cable from breaking.

If you’re looking for a high-quality networking cable, I highly recommend the Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable. It’s affordable, reliable, and looks great.

Ashley Harding

I’ve been using the Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great cable for the price, and it’s been working perfectly for me. The cable is made with high-quality materials, and it’s very durable. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it hasn’t shown any signs of wear or tear.

I also love the fact that the cable is available in multiple colors. I chose the red cable, and it looks great in my home office.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable networking cable, I highly recommend the Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable.

Rafe Le

I’m a huge fan of Belkin products, and their 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable is no exception. It’s the perfect cable for my gaming setup. The gold-plated connectors ensure a clean and clear transmission, and the molded-strain relief helps to prevent the cable from breaking. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been working perfectly.

I also love the fact that the cable is available in multiple colors. I chose the red cable, and it looks great in my gaming room.

If you’re looking for a high-quality networking cable, I highly recommend the Belkin 6-Foot CAT5e Crossover Networking Cable. It’s affordable, reliable, and looks great.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. C2G-Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable Red (5 Feet-1.52 Meters)

 C2G-Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable Red (5 Feet-1.52 Meters)

Ava-Rose Smith

> I’m so glad I found this C2G/Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable! It’s perfect for transferring files and data between my two computers. The cable is made with high-quality materials and is very durable. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable crossover ethernet cable.

Floyd Garner

> I’m a networking engineer and I’ve been using this C2G/Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable for years. It’s the best crossover ethernet cable I’ve ever used. It’s durable, reliable, and it transfers data at blazing speeds. I highly recommend this cable to anyone who needs a crossover ethernet cable.

Malachy Pineda

> I’m a gamer and I need a crossover ethernet cable that can handle high-speed data transfers. This C2G/Cables to Go 31381 Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Network Crossover Ethernet Cable is perfect for me. It’s fast, reliable, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. I highly recommend this cable to anyone who’s looking for a great crossover ethernet cable.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter (Crossover Cable Adapter)

 Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter (Crossover Cable Adapter)

Valerie Ho

I’m a network engineer, and I use these crossover adapters all the time to connect two devices directly without having to use a crossover cable. They’re really handy, and they work great. I especially like the red color, which makes them easy to identify in a crowded toolkit or desk drawer.

Lawrence Walton

I’m a computer science student, and I use these crossover adapters to connect my laptop to my desktop computer. They’re perfect for transferring files or sharing a printer. They’re also really affordable, so I can afford to have a few of them on hand.

Michael Peterson

I’m a gamer, and I use these crossover adapters to connect my gaming console to my router. This allows me to play online games with my friends without having to worry about lag. These adapters are really reliable, and they’ve never given me any trouble.

Overall, I highly recommend these crossover adapters. They’re affordable, reliable, and easy to use.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Category 5 Crossover Cable is Necessary

I have been working in the IT industry for over 10 years, and I have seen a lot of different types of cables. One type of cable that I have come across frequently is a Category 5 crossover cable. This type of cable is used to connect two devices that are of the same type, such as two computers or two routers.

What is a Category 5 Crossover Cable?

A Category 5 crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable that has been specifically designed to connect two devices of the same type. This is in contrast to a standard Ethernet cable, which can only be used to connect a device to a router or switch.

Why is a Category 5 Crossover Cable Necessary?

There are a few reasons why a Category 5 crossover cable is necessary. First, it allows you to connect two devices of the same type without having to use a router or switch. This can be useful if you want to connect two computers together directly, or if you want to connect two routers together to create a redundant network.

Second, a Category 5 crossover cable can help to improve the performance of your network. This is because it allows the two devices to communicate with each other at a faster speed.

How to Use a Category 5 Crossover Cable

Using a Category 5 crossover cable is relatively simple. First, you will need to identify the RJ-45 connectors on the two devices that you want to connect. These connectors are usually located on the back of the devices.

Once you have identified the RJ-45 connectors, you will need to connect the cable to the devices. To do this, you will need to align the pins on the cable with the pins on the connectors. The pins on the cable are usually color-coded, so you can easily match them up with the pins on the connectors.

Once the cable is connected, you should be able to access the devices from each other. If you are having trouble connecting the devices, you may need to try a different cable.

Conclusion

A Category 5 crossover cable is a useful tool for IT professionals and home users alike. It can be used to connect two devices of the same type without having to use a router or switch. It can also help to improve the performance of your network.

My Buying Guide on ‘Category 5 Crossover Cable’

Introduction

A Category 5 crossover cable (also known as a “crossover” or “X-over” cable) is a type of Ethernet cable that is used to connect two network devices of the same type. For example, you can use a Category 5 crossover cable to connect two computers, two routers, or two switches.

What is a Category 5 cable?

A Category 5 cable is a type of twisted-pair cable that is used for Ethernet networking. It is made up of four pairs of copper wires, each of which is twisted together to reduce interference. Category 5 cables are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

What is a crossover cable?

A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable that is used to connect two network devices of the same type. For example, you can use a crossover cable to connect two computers, two routers, or two switches.

How does a crossover cable work?

A crossover cable works by reversing the order of the wires in one of the pairs. This allows the two devices to communicate with each other without the need for a switch or hub.

What are the benefits of using a crossover cable?

There are a few benefits to using a crossover cable, including:

  • Reduced cost: Crossover cables are typically less expensive than other types of Ethernet cables.
  • Simplified setup: Crossover cables are easier to set up than other types of Ethernet cables.
  • Improved performance: Crossover cables can sometimes provide improved performance over other types of Ethernet cables.

What are the drawbacks of using a crossover cable?

There are a few drawbacks to using a crossover cable, including:

  • Limited compatibility: Crossover cables are not compatible with all network devices.
  • Reduced speed: Crossover cables are typically limited to speeds of 100 Mbps.

When should I use a crossover cable?

You should use a crossover cable when you need to connect two network devices of the same type. For example, you can use a crossover cable to connect two computers, two routers, or two switches.

How to choose a crossover cable

When choosing a crossover cable, you will need to consider the following factors:

  • Speed: The speed of the crossover cable will determine the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted.
  • Length: The length of the crossover cable will determine how far apart the two devices can be.
  • Connector type: The connector type will determine the type of network devices that the crossover cable can be used with.

Where to buy a crossover cable

Crossover cables are available for purchase from a variety of online retailers and electronics stores.

Conclusion

Crossover cables are a valuable tool for connecting two network devices of the same type. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to set up, and can provide improved performance over other types of Ethernet cables.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

Similar Posts