Straight-through and crossover cables are two types of Ethernet cables used to connect devices in a network, and they serve different purposes.

1. Straight-Through Cables:

   • Purpose: Straight-through cables are the most common type of Ethernet cable and are used to connect devices that have different functions in a network, such as connecting a computer to a switch or a router.

   • Wiring: Both ends of a straight-through cable follow the same wiring pattern (T568B or T568A) on both ends. For example, if one end is wired using the T568B standard, the other end will also be wired using T568B.

2. Crossover Cables:

   • Purpose: Crossover cables are used to connect devices of the same type, such as two computers directly or two switches. They allow the devices to transmit and receive data on the correct pins, facilitating direct communication without the need for an intermediary device like a hub or switch.

   • Wiring: Crossover cables have one end wired using the T568A standard and the other end wired using the T568B standard. This wiring configuration effectively swaps the transmit and receive pins, allowing for direct device-to-device communication.