Which cable type is normally used to connect a switch or hub to a router or PC?

Which cable type is normally used to connect a switch or hub to a router or PC?

• A. Crossover cable
• B. Straight-through cable
• C. Fiber optic
• D. Coaxial

Answer: (B)

Connecting a switch or hub to a router or PC uses a straight-through copper Ethernet cable. This works because the devices are typically different types in the old MDI/MDIX scheme: the PC or router port is MDI, while the switch or hub port is MDIX. A straight-through cable keeps the transmit pins on one end aligned with the receive pins on the other, so data flows correctly between the devices. Modern gear often supports auto-MDI-X, which can automatically adjust if a crossover cable is used, but the standard, most reliable choice for this connection is a straight-through cable. The other options are for different situations: fiber optic uses a different medium and transceiver, and coaxial Ethernet is outdated for typical switch-to-router connections.

Connecting a switch or hub to a router or PC uses a straight-through copper Ethernet cable. This works because the devices are typically different types in the old MDI/MDIX scheme: the PC or router port is MDI, while the switch or hub port is MDIX. A straight-through cable keeps the transmit pins on one end aligned with the receive pins on the other, so data flows correctly between the devices. Modern gear often supports auto-MDI-X, which can automatically adjust if a crossover cable is used, but the standard, most reliable choice for this connection is a straight-through cable. The other options are for different situations: fiber optic uses a different medium and transceiver, and coaxial Ethernet is outdated for typical switch-to-router connections.