What is the primary use of a crossover cable?

A crossover cable is primarily used to connect similar devices directly without the need for a switch or hub. This is particularly useful in networking situations where two computers or switches need to communicate directly with each other. The way crossover cables are wired allows the transmit and receive signals to connect properly, enabling communication between devices that have the same function, such as computer to computer or switch to switch.

In contrast, crossover cables are not typically used for connecting different types of devices, such as a computer to a switch, which usually requires a straight-through cable. They are also not designed for long-distance connections; that role is usually filled by different types of networking cables or other technologies. Moreover, while they can support network speeds, their primary function isn’t to enhance speed; instead, they facilitate proper communication between similar devices.