What is a null modem cable used for?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 03, 2026
A null modem serial cable (frequently called a crossover cable) is used to connect two DTE devices together without the use of a DCE device in between. For this to happen, the Transmit (TXD) and Receive (RXD) pins on one of the serial connectors are flipped.
Is null modem cable straight through?
What is a “Null Modem” Cable? Null modem, also called crossover, is a term associated with serial (RS-232) cables. A standard serial cable, also called an AT cable, has the wires inside the cable running straight through. Take a DB9 cable as an example.
Why do we need null modem?
Data Terminal Equipment Device The null modem cable (crossover cable) should be used when interfacing between a serial port and a DTE device. To enable handshaking between the two devices, the Request to Send (RTS) pin of one device must be connected to the Clear to Send (CTS) pin of the other device.
How do I know if I have a null modem serial cable?
To tell if your NI serial cable is null modem or straight though, search for its part number in NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features and note the cable type in the description. Alternatively, you can use a handheld DMM to test continuity on the individual pins of your serial cable.
What is a null modem connection * 1 point?
Null modem is a communication method to directly connect two DTEs (computer, terminal, printer, etc.) With a null modem connection the transmit and receive lines are crosslinked. Depending on the purpose, sometimes also one or more handshake lines are crosslinked.
How do I test a null modem serial cable?
Is a PC serial port DCE or DTE?
The RS-232 specification defines two types of serial devices, DTE and DCE. DTE normally refers to the serial port on a PC or terminal, while DCE refers to a modem or other type of communications device.
What is null modem configuration?
Null modem is a communication method to directly connect two DTEs (computer, terminal, printer, etc.) using an RS-232 serial cable. With a null modem connection the transmit and receive lines are crosslinked. Depending on the purpose, sometimes also one or more handshake lines are crosslinked.
What is a DB25 connector used for?
The DB25 (originally DE-25) connector is an analog 25-pin plug of the D-Subminiature connector family (D-Sub or Sub-D). As with the DB9 connector, the DB25 is mainly used for serial connections, allowing for the asynchronous transmission of data as provided by standard RS-232 (RS-232C).
What is the purpose a DB25?
TASCAM and many others are using a connection over DB25 connectors,which has been standardized into AES59.
What is a null modem adapter?
A null modem is a cable or adapter which allows two serial devices to communicate without a modem. Some null modems connect only the data lines between devices while others include handshaking signals as well.
What is a DB25 connection?
What is a DB25 connection? A type of D-Sub connector. DB-25’s are commonly found on computing equipment where they are employed to connect peripherals. They are common to parallel ports or RS-232 ports on PC computers, but also often used in a variety of ways in the audio community.