Technical Bulletin

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TECHNICAL
REFERENCE
TR103
Crossover (Flipped) Wiring
Although not specifically defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, crossover patch cords, also known as flipped patch cords,
are used to connect a PC directly to another PC, a hub to hub, or switch to switch. The term crossover is used
because the send and receive pairs are crossed from one modular plug (end 1) to the other (end 2).
Most modern hubs and switches have auto-sensing ports that allow the use of straight patch cords (T568A or
T568B) for direct connections; however, regardless of equipment capabilities, many installers prefer the use of
crossover cords for all direct connections. For visual differentiation, it is common for crossover cords to be
deployed in a different color than standard straight-through cables.
Users should be aware that many low end crossover cords on the market support data transition rates of only
10/100 megabits per second. This is because only 2 of the 4 conductor pairs have been crossed. As shown in
the illustration below, Panduit cords crossover all 4 pairs. Known as “full crossover”, Panduit cords transmit data
on all 4 pairs at speeds up to 1 gigabit per second.
Because of their popularity, Panduit stocks a standard offering of Category 6 UTP crossover patch cords.
Standard foot lengths include 2 to 10 feet (one foot increments) 15 and 20 feet. Standard meter lengths include 2
to 5 meters (one meter increments) 1 and 1.5 meters. Standard colors are RD (Red), YL (Yellow), and GY
(Gray). The table below shows the part number matrix for these standard cords.
Cross Over Patch Cord Part Numbers - Standard
Patch Cord Type Part Number
Cat 6 UTP (CM)
UTPSP**xxFY
** = Length xx = Color Code