A server technician needs to connect two gigabit NICs without MDI-X. Which cable type offers the fastest transfer rate?

The choice of a CAT6 crossover cable is the most suitable option for connecting two gigabit NICs that do not support MDI-X (Medium Dependent Interface Crossover). Crossover cables are designed specifically for situations where two identical devices, such as NICs, need to communicate directly.

In gigabit Ethernet, data is transmitted using all four pairs of wires in the cable, making it crucial to utilize a cable that can handle high-speed data transfer effectively. The CAT6 standard supports frequencies up to 250 MHz and can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances. This makes it superior in terms of performance compared to CAT5 and straight-through cables.

While straight-through cables are commonly used to connect different types of devices, such as a switch to a NIC or a router to a computer, they do not facilitate direct communication between two identical NICs. Given that the scenario specifically involves connecting two identical devices, the crossover configuration provided by a CAT6 crossover cable is essential for ensuring effective communication and the fastest transfer rates provided by the standard.

In contrast, rollover cables are predominantly used for console connections and would not be employed in the situation of connecting NICs directly. Similarly, while CAT5 cables can be used