For this example, a laptop will be connected to the internet via an internet router modem. The Ethernet cable connector is first plugged into the Ethernet socket on the laptop or device's RJ45 socket (Registered Jack 45). The other end of the cable is plugged into the router modem.
Straight-Through Cable and Crossover Cable
- Straight-through cable is the most commonly used type - used to connect unlike devices together such as desktop PC to printer or games console to internet router
- Crossover cable - used to connect like devices such as laptops to laptops
Most modern devices auto-detect the cable type and configure accordingly, but it is worth noting that older devices may not have this capability.