When to Use Rollover vs. Console Cables

Quick Definition: Rollover and console cables are often confused. A rollover cable is a wiring scheme that flips all the pins, while a console cable is any cable used for out-of-band device management.

If you want to work in the information technology field—particularly in networking—you’ll need to know your cables. And there are lots of different kinds of cables, defined by various industry specifications or vendor-specific standards. Straight-through and crossover standards, for instance, are based on Ethernet standards in the TIA/EIA-568 family, while a rollover cable, which is traditionally used as a type of console cable, has its own configuration.

The terms rollover cable and console cable are often used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? Before we go too far into the distinctions of the rollover or console cable, maybe we should back up a minute. What is the rollover cable rolled over from? What is the baseline for these Ethernet cables? That would have to be the straight-through cable. 

What is a Straight-Through Cable?

A straight-through cable is the most common type of Ethernet cable. In a straight-through, each wire inside the cable connects to the same pin number on both ends: pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, and so forth. 

Because of this one-to-one wiring, straight-through cables are the standard way to connect different types of devices in a network, such as a computer to a switch. A straight-through cable uses TIA/EIA-568A or TIA/EIA-568B wiring standards as shown below. They are usually built with twisted-pair cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a).

To learn more, see the CBT Nuggets article T568A vs T568B.

Pinout Configuration

Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether the cabling uses EIA/TIA 568A or EIA/TIA 568B. The important part is that both ends use the same standard (A-to-A or B-to-B) and connect to the same pin. So the pinout configuration looks like this:

• Pin 1 ↔ Pin 1

• Pin 2 ↔ Pin 2

• Pin 3 ↔ Pin 3

• Pin 4 ↔ Pin 4

• Pin 5 ↔ Pin 5

• Pin 6 ↔ Pin 6

• Pin 7 ↔ Pin 7

• Pin 8 ↔ Pin 8

Common Uses in Networking

A straight-through cable connects unalike devices, traditionally described as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) to Data Communications Equipment (DCE).

• Examples of DTE: PCs, laptops, printers, VoIP phones.

• Examples of DCE: Switches, routers, wireless access points.

Typical straight-through connections are essentially any connection between unalike devices, such as: 

• PC or laptop → Switch

• Switch → Router

• Wireless access point → Switch

• VoIP phone → Switch

These are the standard links that users traditionally encounter in wired networking. Now that we have a general understanding of standard Ethernet connections, let’s look at the variations, including rollover, console, and crossover cables. 

Read Ethernet Cabling Essentials: Connectors and Cable Management to learn more about Ethernet cabling. 

What is a Rollover Cable?

Simply put, it’s a straight-through cable in reverse. Instead of each pin connecting to the same pin number on the other end, the entire pinout is flipped: pin 1 connects to pin 8, pin 2 to pin 7, and so on. This “rolled over” wiring scheme is what gives the cable its name

Unlike straight-through and crossover cables, which carry Ethernet traffic, a rollover cable is designed specifically for console access. It connects a computer or terminal to the console port of a router or switch, providing out-of-band management for configuration and troubleshooting.

Although other vendors, such as Juniper and HP, may have used them, rollover cables have been synonymous with Cisco cables since the company began bundling them with its equipment in the 1980s. Cisco included the flat, light-blue RJ45-to-DB9 rollover cable with their routers and switches to make console access universal across their product line.

Keep in mind: while all rollover cables (Cisco cables) are console cables, not all console cables are rollover cables. The terms rollover cable and console cable are often used interchangeably because, for years (before USB), the rollover cable was the primary console cable used by network engineers. Now let’s nail down the pinout. You can learn about all these cables and more in the CBT Nuggets training class CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Online Training.

Pinout Configuration

You will notice here that Cisco created a cable with the exact reverse wiring of the straight-through cable. The purpose of reversing the wiring was to make the console cable distinct from Ethernet patch cords, reducing the chance of confusion.

• Pin 1 ↔ Pin 8

• Pin 2 ↔ Pin 7

• Pin 3 ↔ Pin 6

• Pin 4 ↔ Pin 5

• Pin 5 ↔ Pin 4

• Pin 6 ↔ Pin 3

• Pin 7 ↔ Pin 2

• Pin 8 ↔ Pin 1

Common Uses in Networking

A rollover cable isn’t for Ethernet traffic at all—it’s strictly for management access. Its job is to connect a computer or terminal to a device’s console port so you can configure or recover the device.

Typical rollover cable uses include:

• Initial configuration of a router or switch before it’s on the network.

• Password recovery or factory reset procedures.

• Troubleshooting when a device is offline or misconfigured and can’t be reached over the network.

• Firmware upgrades or low-level maintenance tasks.

• Training labs and certification practice (Cisco, CompTIA Network+, and CCNA), which require students to have direct CLI access.

In short, if you need to talk directly to a networking device at the most basic level, regardless of its IP address or network state, the rollover cable is the tool for the job. In practice, console access often means sitting in the data center, laptop in hand, plugged directly into the device’s console port.

What is a Console Cable?

A console cable is a type of cable that connects a computer or terminal to the console port of a network device. Its purpose is to provide out-of-band management—meaning, direct access to the device’s command-line interface (CLI) for configuration, recovery, or troubleshooting. The term “console cable” can also refer to unrelated products (like Wii console power cables), but in IT, it specifically means a management connection to networking devices.

For many years, the default console cable was the Cisco rollover cable (RJ45-to-DB9, light blue, flat). Today, however, console cables also include USB-based connections, such as USB-A to RJ45, USB-A to mini-B, or USB-C to USB-C. 

Pinout Configuration

The pinout of a console cable depends on its type:

• Rollover Console Cable: Uses the reversed pinout (pin 1 ↔ pin 8, 2 ↔ 7, etc.).

• USB Console Cables: Follow USB wiring specifications rather than Ethernet-style pinouts.

• Adapters (RJ45 ↔ DB9 or USB-Serial): Provide conversion between the console port and the computer’s available port.

The key point: console cable refers to the function, not a single wiring scheme.

Common Uses in Networking

There’s no need to repeat them here. See the list of uses for the rollover cable. Console cables, in the broader sense, fulfil the same use cases, such as initial setup and emergency access.

What is a Crossover Cable? (And Why It Matters in This Conversation) 

We should also briefly discuss the crossover cable.  A crossover cable is an Ethernet cable where the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) pairs are swapped at one end. This allows two similar devices to communicate directly without a switch or hub in between. Unlike straight-through cables, which connect different types of devices (DTE to DCE), crossover cables connect like-to-like devices. For example, PC to PC or switch to switch.

Pinout Configuration

A crossover cable uses different wiring standards at each end:

• End 1: T568A

• End 2: T568B

The result is that pins 1 and 2 (transmit) on one end connect to pins 3 and 6 (receive) on the other end, creating the crossover.

Common Uses in Networking

• Direct PC ↔ PC connection without a switch.

• Switch ↔ switch uplinks (older equipment).

• Router ↔ router links for lab setups.

• Legacy lab environments where auto-sensing NICs are not available.

The table below provides a summary of all the cable types discussed in this article: 

Rollover and Console Cables: Practical Considerations

Now that we've explored rollover, console, crossover, and straight-through cables, let's talk about how the differences between rollover and console cables shake out in the everyday world of networking. 

Advantages

In general, console cables and Cisco-type rollover cables provide direct out-of-band access to routers, switches, and firewalls. They work even if the device has no IP address or network connectivity. They are inexpensive, straightforward, and often bundled with hardware. Console access is universal, supported by every major network equipment vendor.

Disadvantages

On the other hand, rollover/console cables require physical access to the device. You have to be on-site to make the connection (unless you use a remote console server). With the advent of USB, there may be a need for additional connectors or adapters beyond just the Cisco standard DB-9 and RJ-45 cable ends. Another thing to keep in mind is that standard Ethernet cables won’t work for these connections. And keep in mind that the bandwidth is limited. 

How to Create a Rollover Cable

You can make your own rollover cable, but it’s hardly necessary. Most engineers today use pre-made console cables supplied by the vendor. That said, here’s how to make one in a pinch:

• Start with a piece of Cat5/5e cable and two RJ45 connectors.

• Wire one end according to TIA/EIA-568B.

• Wire the other end in reverse order (pin 1 → pin 8, pin 2 → pin 7, and so on).

• Crimp and test with a console session.

Best Practices for Using Rollover and Console Cables

To use rollover and console cables more effectively, there are a few best practices that will keep things running smoothly—and make your life a little easier. 

• Label and color-code console cables.

• Keep adapters handy (USB-to-Serial, USB-to-RJ45, USB-C) since modern laptops rarely have DB9 ports.

• Use terminal emulation software (PuTTY, Tera Term, SecureCRT) with the correct settings (9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control).

• Store spares in your toolkit.

• Secure console access by limiting physical access to networking racks/cabinets.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues with Rollover and Console Cables

Compared to Ethernet connections, console links are fairly simple and trouble-free. But problems do arise. Make sure all your connectors (RJ45, DB9, or USB) are seated correctly—this will help you solve the most common issues. And of course, you want to be sure you're using a rollover cable and not a patch cable. Another issue could be electromagnetic interference (EMI) with lower-quality cables.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

If problems still persist, following these steps will point you in the right direction: 

1. Double-check the cable type and connections.

2. Swap in a known-good cable or adapter.

3. Test for cable integrity with a tester if available.

4. If shielded cables are in use, ensure proper grounding to reduce EMI.

Always keep a labeled, tested console cable (and adapters) in your toolkit.  It’s often the fastest way to rule out connectivity problems. 

Conclusion

Rollover and console cables are often mentioned together because they’re closely related. A rollover cable is simply a wiring scheme that flips all the pins end-to-end. A console cable is any cable that connects to a device’s console port. For many years, Cisco bundled rollover cables with its equipment, which is why the two terms became almost interchangeable.

Today, console cables may also come in USB-based forms, but the function hasn’t changed: they provide direct, out-of-band access to configure, troubleshoot, or recover networking devices. Understanding how rollover and console cables fit into the bigger picture—alongside straight-through and crossover Ethernet cables—helps prevent mistakes in both lab and production environments. Having the right cable ready and knowing how to use it remains a basic but essential skill in networking.

Want to learn more about cabling? Check out our post How to Troubleshoot General Networking Issues  or Real-World Cabling and Devices Online Training.