Older XBox

The older Xbox games machines required a crossover cable cable to connect each other. This is only the case if you intend linking two older type Xboxes together or an older Xbox to a newer Xbox360. The 360 uses auto sensing so you can use any type of Ethernet cable. Remember to visit Cables2u.co.uk for your new cable.

Questions Welcome

If you a have a question regarding Ethernet cables, please leave a post and I will answer as soon as I can.

Ethernet Cable Straight Or Crossover?

Most people don't realise that an Ethernet cable can be wired two different ways described as straight or crossover. A straight through cable is a standard Ethernet or patch cable. It is used to connect a computer to a router, modem or switch. A crossover cable is used to connect two computers together to create a network between them.

In today's modern connected world there are many devices that would use an Ethernet cable. Gaming machines such as the Xbox 360 can connect to the Internet using an Ethernet lead for live gaming, they are also used by smart televisions, closed circuit video cameras and even alarm systems.


This image shows a crossover cable. Note the colour of plugs when compared with the standard straight cable further down the page.

Crossover cables are becoming less common thanks to advent of automatic crossover on many Ethernet devices, this detects the connection type and configures accordingly. A crossover cable usually have a different coloured boot on the plug to help identification.

This image shows a standard Ethernet Cable (straight wired)

The image to the left is a standard Ethernet cable as found used on the vast majority of devices. This particular cable has metal plugs, these show the cable is a shielded cable. Shielding adds a layer of foil inside the PVC jacket and metal shield around the end of the plug, this in turn helps to reduce caused by electrical magnetic interference (EMI) caused by other cables located close by.

Note the colour of the plugs match the colour of the cable. Please visit cables2u.co.uk for your new cable.

Don't be worried about buying the wrong cable.

If you are looking for a new lead to connect your computer or Xbox 360, don't be worried about buying the wrong type. Crossover cables should always be described as Crossover. If it's not described as a Crossover then it should be a standard straight cable.