Summary: 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?
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.
•
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.
Related Links:
Ask Leo! - What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?
Ask Leo! - How should I set up my home network?
Article C2018 - June 11, 2004
Hi Leo, I want to make a connection between a laptop and computer then I want to send stream of audio between them (not like a data but audio signals)
Posted by: E.Saadee at March 6, 2008 11:15 AMwe want to network our all office computers now please suggest us that which topology we should use.
Posted by: Shakeel Ahmed & Asadullah at March 18, 2008 1:36 AMI found this article and it worked pretty well for me
http://probedeep.blogspot.com/2008/03/connecting-home-computers-set-up-home.html
Posted by: code freak at March 29, 2008 7:01 AMWell you can also See this article on
http://www.clubdesi.in
Posted by: doniv amrev at May 2, 2008 2:00 AMthanks for sharing Such a great...........Details of Making LAN COnnection........
I need them and get them
can you please which hub i can buy and which one would be better I m US based.
http://www.link.scrapinme.com
Posted by: Abhinav at May 2, 2008 2:04 AMLeo,
Your comment about needing a crossover cable is old-school.
The network card in any machine newer than five years or so will automatically detect the cable type and crossover if necessary. So you can throw away that old crossover cable and only carry the one patch cable from now on.
Posted by: Phillip at June 12, 2008 5:35 PMi want to know how make the "gatway"in networking for internet sharing like workgroup & domain
Posted by: kashi at July 21, 2008 5:42 AMhow do i install the IPX/SPX?
Posted by: tommy at July 25, 2008 11:47 AMwhen i go to the local connections and to protocols it isnt listed in the install section and i dunt have it already either
plz help
please tell me how to create a network with a cable but without internet (that is, i don't care about internet, i only want to share files between computers and play multiplayer games)
Posted by: bogdan at August 16, 2008 8:38 AMPlease tell me the steps in networking laptop(Vista) and pc(XP) via cross over cable.
Posted by: THARANGA at June 3, 2009 2:43 AM