What is a Patch Cable?
Definition of Patch Cables
Patch cables are short network cables that connect a wall socket to a device, or a patch panel to a device. In order to accommodate use in open environments, it is usually shorter in length and softer and smaller.
Classification of a Patch Cable
Patch cables can be divided into two types based on their transmission medium. These types are Twisted Pair Cable Patch Cords and Fiber Optic Patch Cords.
Twisted Pair Cable Patch Cords
Common Twisted Pair Cable Patch Cords are RJ-45 patch cords, that is, both ends of the patch cable are RJ-45 interfaces.
Fiber Optic Patch Cords
Also known as optical fiber connector, it refers to the connector plug installed at both ends of the optical cable to realize the active connection of the optical path. This is one of the most commonly used types of cables in the optical transceiver industry. Fiber Optic Patch Cords include the following types:
Fiber optic patch cords can be classified based on the type of connector they use. They include LC fiber optic patch cords, SC fiber optic patch cords, FC fiber optic patch cords, and MPO fiber patch cords.
From the grinding method of the machine head aspect, it can be divided into PC (physical contact), UPC (super-physical end face), APC (inclined physical contact), and other types.
Based on the material of the protective cover, it can be categorized into two types. One is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material. The other type is LSZH (low smoke and halogen-free) material.
What is a Crossover Cable?
Definition of Crossed Cables
Crossover Cable, also known as ethernet crossover, is an Ethernet cable used to connect devices of the same type. It allows data to be transferred directly between two devices without the need for an intermediary device.
Classification of Crossed Cables
From Transmission Medium
Twisted pair crossover cable: It is formed by multiple sets of insulated copper wires wound with each other to transmit electrical signals.
From Interface Type
RJ-45 Crossover Cable is one of the most commonly used types of crossover cables. It features RJ-45 connectors at both ends and is suitable for connecting devices with RJ-45 ports, like computers, switches, and routers. Other types of interface crossover cables are relatively rare. Examples of crossover cables include BNC crossover cables. These are specifically used for connecting coaxial cable devices. Additionally, fiber optic crossover cables are used for connecting fiber optic devices.
From Performance Class
Crossover cables can also be classified according to performance levels, such as Category 5 (CAT5), Category 5E (CAT5E), Category 6 (CAT6), etc. With the continuous development of network technology, higher-performance crossover cables (such as Category 6 wires, super Category 6 cables, etc.) are gradually popular.
Patch Cable vs.Crossover Cable: What’s the Difference？
Wiring Standards
What are T568A and T568B
T-568A and T-568B are two wiring standards specifically designed for Ethernet cables. They are intended to function when terminating network cables with RJ-45 connectors. These two standards define the pinouts for each wire within a cable. Both standards follow a similar single-line color-coding scheme, but the order of the color pairs is different. The line sequence of the T-568A standard from left to right is green-white, green, orange-white, blue, blue-white, orange, brown-white, and brown. The line sequence of the T-568B standard is orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, and brown. See the figure below for details.
Patch cord vs.Crossover Cable: Wiring Standards
The Patch cable has exactly the same wire sequence at both ends and follows the T-568A or T-568B wiring standard. Manufacturers arrange the two ends of the crossover cable such that one end follows the T-568A standard and the other end follows the T-568B standard.
Compatibility
It is precisely because of the different wiring standards that patch cable and crossover cable compatibility are different. The wire sequence at both ends of the patch cable is the same. This results in better compatibility. Therefore, it can be applied to most network device connection scenarios. People primarily utilize crossover cables for connecting devices in specific scenarios, like establishing direct links between computers.
When to Use a Crossover Cable and a Patch Cable？
In simple terms, a crossover cable connects two devices of the same type together for communication, such as a PC-to-PC, or switch-to-switch. Patch cable connects two different devices, such as a PC and a switch, to each other. When selecting a patch cable or crossover cable, you need to consider the actual connection needs and the type of network device. Modern network devices, considering their adaptive nature, often make patch cables the chosen universal solution.
Conclusion
In summary, there are significant differences between patch cables and crossover cables in terms of their definition, characteristics, and application scenarios. Additionally, they differ in performance, compatibility, and precautions for selection and use. In practice, it is necessary to select the right cable type according to the specific needs and the type of network equipment.
