2 Easy Ways to Test a Crossover Ethernet Cable

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Simple cable-testing tips for crossover ethernet cables

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 26, 2023

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Using a Cable Tester

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Connecting Two Computers

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Tips

You can easily test your crossover cable to make sure it's sending data from one device to another. Using a cable tester is the easiest way to test a crossover cable, but you can also perform simple tests by connecting the cable to two PCs or Macs. This wikiHow guide will walk you through the steps, whether you're using a cable tester or two computers!

Things You Should Know

You can purchase a basic crossover cable tester at many electronics retailers.
Try connecting two PCs or two Macs with a crossover cable to see if the other computer is detected.
If the computer is detected once connected (even if it's unidentified), the crossover cable is working.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Cable Tester

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1
Get a cable tester capable of measuring crossover cables. These are designed to check computer cables for any connectivity issues. You can find cable testers at electronics stores or online. Get a model that’s designed to measure crossover cables.
- Testers should give a list of cable types that they work with on the label or in the product description. Make sure "crossover cable" is listed so you know you've found the right tester.
- Most testers have a main unit and a remote unit. The cable plugs into each of them, and the main unit produces a reading to confirm if the cable is working.
- Testers can range from $10-15 to a few hundred dollars. The expensive types are meant for professional work, like cable installers. A cheaper model is probably fine for your needs.
- Always check to confirm that a cable tester can handle crossover cables before buying it. Some testers are only designed for straight-through cables and won’t work if you plug a crossover cable in.
2
Power the tester on. Hit the power button or switch on the device. A light on the display should light up and indicate that the tester is on.^{[1]
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- Read all of the instructions that come with your tester. Different testers might have slightly different procedures.
- On some testers, you have to hit a different button to power it on. Follow the directions for the tester you use.
- If the tester won’t turn on, it might need a new battery. Try putting a fresh battery in to see if that works.
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3
Plug the cable into the jacks on the main and remote unit. Insert one end of the crossover cable into the ethernet jack on the main unit until it clicks. Then plug the other end into the jack on the remote unit to complete the connection.
- It doesn’t matter which side of the cable goes into which jack. As long as both sides of the cable are inserted, it will make a connection.
4
Press the test button to examine the cable. This begins the test. Wait a few seconds for the tester to give you a result.^{[2]
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- On some testers you may have to hold the test button down, and on others you can just press it once. Follow the instructions on your tester.
- Other testers start testing automatically once you turn the device on and connect the cables.
5
Use the cable if all of the appropriate lights on the display light up. The display on the main unit will light up after the test is complete. On most testers, if all the green lights are lit, then that means the cable is good. You can then use this cable.
- The specific light pattern depends on your tester type. Check the manual to see the combination that indicates a good cable.
6
Replace the cable if the lights don’t light up. If the cable is damaged or wired incorrectly, then the connection lights won’t light up. This means the cable needs fixing or replacement.
- Some testers indicate what the problem with the cable is, like a short. This means something is wrong with the wiring in the cable.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connecting Two Computers

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1
Plug the cable into the ethernet jacks on two computers. Move 2 computers close enough for the cable to reach between them. Plug one end of the cable into the ethernet jack on one computer, and do the same for the other computer.
- Confirm that you’re using a crossover cable. This won’t work with a straight-through ethernet cable.
On Windows, you can find the control panel by entering “control panel” into the search tab. On a Mac, click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click on the control panel to open it. You only need to do this on one of the computers, so choose either. ^{[3]
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This controls sharing options between 2 computers. If your cable is working properly, then the second computer should appear in this menu.
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Look for “unidentified network." This is how the second computer will show up if you don’t have sharing enabled on your computer. However, it does indicate that the cable is successfully transmitting between the computers. If you just wanted to know if the cable is working, then this is all the testing you need to do.
- If nothing shows up, then that means the cable isn’t transmitting between the two computers and you probably need a new one.
- If you wanted to connect both computers, then you’ll have to go through a few more steps to enable file sharing and link the computer IP addresses. This links them to each other.

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Tips

Crossover cables only work to connect similar devices, like 2 PCs. They won’t work to connect different devices, like a PC and a TV.^{[4]
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Always read the instructions that come with any cable testers or cables you use.

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