What type of cable is commonly used to connect a switch to a computer?

A straight-through cable is commonly used to connect a switch to a computer due to its design, which is specifically configured for connecting different types of devices. In networking, a straight-through cable has the same pinout on both ends, making it suitable for connecting devices such as switches to endpoints like computers, printers, or servers.

When data travels over Ethernet networks, a switch typically connects to devices that have different roles; for instance, the switch is a layer 2 device that manages traffic between devices on the same local area network, while computers act as endpoints that send and receive data. The straight-through cable effectively facilitates this connection, ensuring proper communication between the differing devices without issues related to signal reversal.

In contrast, crossover cables, which reverse the transmit and receive signals, are generally used to connect similar devices, like switch to switch or PC to PC. Coaxial cables are primarily used in specific broadband contexts, and fiber optic cables, while they offer high-speed connections over longer distances, are not used for direct connections to computers in typical LAN setups.