Cannot understand lan cable type

[asad1111]

i have dsl connection in my home the wire that is used to connect my pc with router is yellow colouerd lan cable now i have learned that straight wire lan cable is used to connect a router and pc but i connected two laptops using this cable without any switch and router and it workedBUT HOW? two laptops can only be connected directly using crossover lan cable now i don't understand this please help

 

[DaleSwanson]

Newer devices can automagically detect which type of cable is plugged in and which is needed. It then adjusts accordingly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_dependent_interface

 

[asad1111]

thanks i didn't have the slightest clue about MDI