
Micrel, Inc.
KSZ8041NL/RNL
September 2010
29
M9999-090910-1.4
Straight Cable
A straight cable connects a MDI device to a MDI-X device, or a MDI-X device to a MDI device. The Figure 4 depicts a
typical straight cable connection between a NIC card (MDI) and a switch, or hub (MDI-X).
Receive Pair
Transmit Pair
Receive Pair
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Transmit Pair
Modular Connector
(RJ-45)
NIC
Straight
Cable
10/100 Ethernet
Media Dependent Interface
10/100 Ethernet
Media Dependent Interface
Modular Connector
(RJ-45)
HUB
(Repeater or Switch)
Figure 4. Typical Straight Cable Connection
Crossover Cable
A crossover cable connects a MDI device to another MDI device, or a MDI-X device to another MDI-X device. Figure 5
depicts a typical crossover cable connection between two switches or hubs (two MDI-X devices).
Receive Pair
Transmit Pair
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Transmit Pair
10/100 Ethernet
Media Dependent Interface
10/100 Ethernet
Media Dependent Interface
Modular Connector (RJ-45)
HUB
(Repeater or Switch)
Modular Connector (RJ-45)
HUB
(Repeater or Switch)
Crossover
Cable
Figure 5. Typical Crossover Cable Connection