For networking, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cables that are used in Cisco devices. There are a variety of cable types, depending on what you want to accomplish with your network and what types of devices you’re connecting together. If you want to learn more about the cables used in Cisco devices, keep reading!

Here are some examples of Cisco devices and the types of cables used to connect them to other Cisco devices or servers, as well as to computers or other peripheral devices, such as printers or monitors. You’ll also find some helpful tips to ensure that you choose the right cable for your network and installation needs.

Coaxial Cable

A coaxial cable, or coax, is a type of cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer conducting shield. Coaxial cables are used in a variety of applications, including computer networking, cable television, and radio communications.

To connect cable modem cards to the HFC network, Cisco recommends using a headend-grade coaxial cable or a quad-shielded coaxial cable. Ensure that the center conductor is straight and extends 1/8 in. beyond the other end of the connector. Although there are many varieties available, like 59-series quad shield and 6-series quashield, 59 series should be preferred.

Serial Cable

One type of cable used in Cisco devices is a serial cable. This type of cable is used to connect devices that use a serial connection, such as a computer and a modem.

Serial cables are typically either RS-232 or RS-485 cables. RS-232 cables are the most common type of serial cable, and are used for connecting devices that use an asynchronous serial connection. On the other hand, RS-485 cables are used for connecting devices that use a synchronous serial connection.

Rolled Cable

A rolled cable, also called a rollover cable, looks like Ethernet cable but is not an Ethernet cable. It is used to connect a computer to a Cisco console port. It is an 8-conductor cable with RJ-45 connectors on each end.

The rollover cable is wired in such a way that the transmit pins on one end are connected to the receive pins on the other end. This allows you to connect the console port of one Cisco device to the AUX port of another Cisco device.

Rolled cables of Cisco are used to manage Cisco routers and switches from the console port of those devices. In most cases, this cable is used when configuring these devices for the first time.

By using a DB9 to RJ45 adaptor, a rolled cable connects the PC’s serial port to the router or switch’s console port. A rolled cable connects Pin 1 to Pin 8 on the other end.

How to Identify RJ-45 Rollover Cables?

You can identify a rollover cable by holding the two ends of the cable together, with the tab at the back. It is important that the wire connected to the pin on the outside of the left hand plug is the same color as the wire connected to the pin on the right hand plug. On one connector, the color wiring is reversed (pins 1 and 8, 2 and 7, 3 and 6, 4 and 5, 5 and 4, 6 and 3, 7 and 2, 8 and 1).

Crossover Cables

A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect two computing devices together directly. Crossover cables are used in situations where a standard Ethernet cable would not be able to connect two devices, such as connecting a computer to a printer.

The main difference between a crossover cable and a standard Ethernet cable is that the wires inside are crossed over so that the transmit signal on one end is received on the other end, and vice versa.

Connecting one device to another without a hub or switch is the purpose of a crossover cable. Therefore, a crossover cable can be used to connect a PC directly to another PC, without the need for a hub or switch. They are also used to connect two switches together. A crossover cable always sends pins 1 and 2 to 3 and 6, and pins 3 and 6 to 1 and 2.

Console Cable

A console cable is used to connect a Cisco device to a computer so that you can configure the device using a terminal emulator program. The cable has a RJ-45 connector on one end that goes into the Cisco device, and a DB-9 or DB-25 connector on the other end that goes into the computer’s serial port.

Most Cisco devices come with a built-in console port for connecting with a cable. You may also use an external console server for connecting multiple devices simultaneously to the same computer using this type of cable.

STP Cable

One type of cable used in Cisco devices is STP cable, which is shielded twisted pair cable. This type of cable is most often used in Ethernet networks. STP cable is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference than other types of cables, making it ideal for use in industrial environments.

This type of cable is made up of two twisted pairs of copper wires, each with a different function. The first pair is used for transmitting data, while the second pair is used for receiving data. STP cable is typically used in Ethernet networks and can be found in a variety of sizes, from patch cables to full-sized Ethernet cables.

Conclusion

Cabling is an important aspect when installing or managing a network or devices. Each cable serves its own specific purpose, so it’s imperative to know their types and how they are used. We hope this article helped you identify what cables are used for what purpose.

If you need to buy Cisco cables or you need help with the selection of the right Cisco cables for your network and devices, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.