Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
It's possible to network two computers with just a cable, but there are a few tricks involved to get things working properly.
Can I network two computers with just a cable?
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Yes.
BUT ... it's easy to get it wrong unless you know a couple of tricks. But once it's working, it's a very quick and handy way to transfer files and share an internet connection among just two machines.
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There are two simple tricks:
First: a regular network cable will not work. You need what's called a "reversing" or "cross-over" network cable. The problem is that a regular cable will connect the transmitter of computer A to the transmitter of computer B, and the receiver to the receiver. What you want is the "reverse" - you want the transmitter of one computer connected to the receiver of another. (Hubs, routers, and the like know to listen to the transmitter, and send to the receiver - so "normal" cables work just great when you're connecting to those.)
Second: you may need to install an additional network protocol. If all you're doing is connecting two computers, you may need to install either the IPX or NetBEUI protocols. It's more complicated than is necessary to get into here, but these protocols allow computers to identify themselves, rather than relying on some other device to assign them an address. In this case things that rely on TCP/IP will not work. However, if you use Internet Connection Sharing on one of the computers to share a connection, then TCP/IP, and all the tools that rely on it, will work and no additional protocols will be required.
Article C2018 - June 11, 2004
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
How do i figure out ip address
Posted by: Boris at March 23, 2010 3:43 AMhi i have managed to connect the 2 pcs using a direct network cable but is saying local network only, how do i make them share the internet? the laptop uses win xp sp2 and the other dsktop is using vista os. please help
24-Mar-2011
straight through cable will work, plz try
Posted by: sharath at September 4, 2011 12:52 AMI have 2 desktops with win xp OS.I want to network thenm to share and transfer files.I have internet connection in one computer.My ISP's cable is directly connected to my one desktop thru a cable.ISP has not given any router or modem.its jst one cable connected on d back of CPU.i have one ip address alloted from ISP whch can work for one pc only.tat ip addr is registed with my ISP . i m unable to access net on both desktop.....I have linksys router.HOW CAN I SHARE FILES BETWEEN 2 DESKTOPS AND ONE LAPTOP IN A WIRED MANNER. WHAT ARE THE EXACT STEPS?CAN YOU PLEASE HELP..THANKYOU
26-Nov-2011
@malcome - guessing you are a windows user go to start menu run cmd when the command prompt appears type in ipconfig. now you you are looking at all your ip configuration. google if you need more help.
@ Shraddha - you will need at least another network card in your internet pc and then you can cross over that one to your first pc. use windows feature of "Internet connection Sharing" to share the internet Google for more info and the exact steps.
Posted by: Morpheus Exegis at January 4, 2012 9:37 AM