What kind of devices can typically be connected using a crossover cable?

Crossover cables are specifically designed to connect similar devices directly to each other, allowing them to communicate without the need for intermediary devices, such as switches or routers. When looking at the connection of a computer to another computer, a crossover cable facilitates this direct link by rearranging the transmitting and receiving pairs of wires, enabling both devices to send and receive signals properly.

In contrast, when connecting devices like routers to switches, or modems to routers, straight-through cables are typically used. These configurations involve a different communication architecture and often require the involvement of network devices that handle the traffic routing and forwarding, rather than a direct device-to-device connection. Similarly, connecting a printer to a network usually involves using a wireless connection or being plugged into a switch or router, rather than using a crossover cable for direct communication. Therefore, the correct understanding of crossover cable functionality centers around its role in facilitating direct connections between like devices, such as a computer-to-computer configuration.