Definition

crossover cable

A crossover cable is a cable that is used to interconnect two computers by "crossing over" (reversing) their respective pin contacts. Either an RS-232C or a telephone jack connection is possible. A crossover cable is sometimes known as a null modem. Possible reasons to connect two computers directly to each other include:

Playing a game competitively (one person at each computer) with fast response time
Testing one computer by examining its behavior at the other computer
Saving the cost of a hub when you want to interconnect two devices in the same home or office

Related glossary terms: small form factor (SFF), gigapop (gigabit point-of-presence), small form-factor pluggable (SFP), DTMF (dual tone multi frequency), carrier network, dark fiber, Router, V.xx, terminal adapter (TA), port

This was last updated in September 2005

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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