What type of cable is typically used to connect different types of devices, such as switches to routers?

The typical cable used to connect different types of devices, such as switches to routers, is a straight-through cable. This type of cable is specifically designed to connect devices that operate at different layers of the OSI model, where one device is usually a host (like a router or computer) and the other is a switch or hub.

In a straight-through cable, the pinouts on both ends are identical, ensuring that the transmit pins on one end connect to the receive pins on the other end. This is essential for proper communication between devices of differing roles, such as a switch and a router.

Crossover cables, in contrast, are used for connections between similar devices, like switch to switch or router to router, where the transmit and receive signals must be crossed to ensure proper communication. Coaxial cables are generally used in coaxial networks and for cable television, while patch cables are a more general term often used for short connections in networking but do not specify the type (straight-through or crossover).

Thus, a straight-through cable is the most appropriate choice for connecting routers to switches due to its design and function in network communication.