FAQs

Ethernet Cable Questions

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Written by Administrator

Questions about Ethernet cables are quite common, so below are the answers to some of the common questions:-

What type of Cable do I need to connect?

First of all, lets start with the type of cable you should use. I would recommend Cat5e. Cat6 will work, but there is no need for it when using the Xbox as the neither the Xbox or Xbox 360 is cable of 1Gb transfer speeds (which is the main reason for using Cat6).

Straight or Crossover?

Here are the cables you can use for different setups-

Original Xbox to Original Xbox - Crossover Cable Only

Original Xbox to PC - Crossover Cable Only

Original Xbox to Ethernet router - Straight Through (Patch) Cable

Original Xbox to Hub/Switch - Straight Through (Patch) Cable

Xbox 360 to Xbox 360, PC, Hub/Switch or Ethernet router  - Straight Through (Patch) Cable or Crossover Cable

The reason the Xbox 360 can use either a Straight through cable or a crossover cable to connect to anything, is because the network card in the 360 supports MDIX. Which means it can automatically cross or uncross a cable as it sees fit.

What length ethernet cable can I use?

Up to 100metres. You can run it beyond 100metres but you can get data drop outs. You will get the same performance from a 1metre cable as you will a 100metre cable. Dont worry about the length of the cable.

Make sure your using the correct cable

RJ45 and RJ11 cables look quite similar ensure your using the correct one, RJ45 having the larger end connector which fits snug, the RJ11 cable (which is meant for modems, ADSL WAN connections and phones, is the smaller connection and will be loose in a RJ45 socket, which obviously won't work

Click on the image to enlarge

Can I run the cable outside?

Yes, but should you? No.

Running a length of copper cable down the outside of your house is not recommend. If you want to do this, use wireless or homeplugs.

Running copper cable outside your home can act as a lightening arrestor. Lightening will always look for the easiest path to ground itself, if its your cable, it will fry anything on either end and possibly result in a fire. If you must do this please invest in a grade of Ethernet cable that is suitable for outdoor use.