• Zanathos@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    16 hours ago

    The configuration has absolutely no bearing on performance. It is purely for standardization. Straight through cables work with either because it’s literally just connecting the copper on either end. The difference between A and B is just flipping 2 pairs around although I forget which. Only 4 or 5 cables of 8 are even used to this day which is crazy.

    • adjectivenoun@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      12 hours ago

      There are 4 pairs of 2 wires, for 8 overall. They are all used, but the pairs are redundant. From what I understand, when you send a positive pulse on, say, the solid blue wire, you also send a negative pulse on the stripy blue and white wire. The twisted pairs should counteract any interference, but if it doesn’t, the arrival of the bumps with opposite polarity should foolproof things a little.

      Oh yeah it’s called differential signalling.