Most switches and routers these days allow for a standard straight through cable to connect each other. (So any CAT 5e or 6 cable you find at Best Buy will be fine)
Older devices (Such as a Cisco 2900xl switch) require a cross over cable to connect like devices such as a switch to switch. These cables can also be found at Best Buy and will be clearly labeled "Cross Over".
There are two different standards of straight through cables if making your own. See the related link.
To make a cross over cable, wire one end with the A standard and the other with the B standard.
when you are connecting same devices like computer to computer or switch to switch or router to router to use cross over cable. when you are connecting different devices like computer to switch or computer to router to use straight cable.
straight through
To connect two devices of the same type together. e.g. You would use a crossover cable to connect a router to another router, a switch to another switch or a computer to another computer. If you are connecting diferent devices together, such as a router to a switch, a straight through cable should be used.
cross cable
yes
Twisted pair cable (RJ45)
Cat5 cable
To extend an Ethernet cable, you can use a coupler or a switch. A coupler connects two Ethernet cables together, while a switch can extend the reach of the cable by connecting multiple devices. Make sure to use high-quality cables and avoid exceeding the maximum length for Ethernet cables, which is typically around 100 meters.
we use straight cable to connect between the router and switch as router and switch are different devices.
To connect a PC to a switch you should use a straight through UTP cable.
A cross-over cable is used to connect two computers together without the use of a connecting device, such as a switch or hub. When daisy-chaining hubs and switches, some older equipment has a special port called the up-link port. This port requires the use of a cross-over cable to add hubs to hubs, etc.
Unless your hub has a switchable port, you use a crossover cable.