Ethernet Cable Pin-out Configuration

It is not a must to have a hub or switch to connect two PCs or servers for networking purpose!

As long as both computer system able to talk on TCP/IP protocol and the network interface cards are functioning, these two computer system could be networked via a crossover Ethernet CAT-5 cable! In fact, crossover cable is also used to link up (stacking) 2 switches or hubs together.

Crossover Ethernet Cable Pin-out Configuration
The maximum length of Ethernet cable should not more than 100 meter to avoid signal loss (unstable network connection).

Pin Number	RJ45 (EIA/TIA 568B Color Code)	RJ45 (EIA/TIA 568A Color Code)	Pin Signal
1	Orange White	Green White	Transmit +
2	Orange	Green	Transmit -
3	Green White	Orange White	Receive +
4	Blue	Blue
5	Blue White	Blue White
6	Green	Orange	Receive -
7	Brown White	Brown White
8	Brown	Brown

Where is pin 1 position at RJ45?
Diagram below showing pin 1 position at RJ45 jack and pin 1 position at RJ45 plug respectively


To network more than two computer systems, a hub or switch is a must. A straight Ethernet cable (not the crossover Ethernet cable) must be used to linked up a computer system to either switch or hub. As the name imply, a straight Ethernet cable has same RJ-45 pin-out configuration at both end of the CAT-5 cable, either by using EIA/TIA-568A standard or EIA/TIA-568B standard.