StarTech.com Network Cables

Network cables are used to connect one network device to other network devices or to connect two or more computers to share printer, scanner etc. Different types of network cables (Patch/Crossover) are used depending on the network's topology, protocol and size.

A patch cable is an electrical or optical cable used to connect one electronic or optical device to another for signal routing, whereas a crossover cable is used to connect computing devices together directly where they would normally be connected via a network switch, hub or router.

Devices of different types (e.g. a switch connected to a computer, or a switch connected to a router) are connected with patch cables and a crossover cable would be used to directly connect two personal computers via their network adapters.