USB Networking

[Jim Walker]

Is it possible to network or direct connect two computers running Windows XP
using USB or USB2 ports and a cable. The Networking wizzard looks for a
serial or parallel connection but the Laptop I'm using only has USB.

 

[Jim]

Haven't seen this done w/ *only* a USB cable, but there are USB-based NICs,
which then can be connected as peers via crossover cable (
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=133 ), or patched to a router/switch. Of
course, there are wireless USB adapters too (
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=268 ,
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=175 ). If it's even possible to use only
USB cable, given the right software, you'd need the equivalent of a "null"
USB cable. Not sure what that would cost, but between that and the
software, real adapters might prove to be a more cost effective solution.

HTH

Jim

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Is it possible to network or direct connect two computers running Windows XP
using USB or USB2 ports and a cable. The Networking wizzard looks for a
serial or parallel connection but the Laptop I'm using only has USB.

It isn't possible to connect two computers using a standard USB cable.

Here are two ways to do what you want:

1. Get a pair of USB Ethernet adapters and connect them just like
Ethernet adapters that mount inside a computer. Connecting two
computers directly, without a hub, switch, or router, requires a
specially wired crossover cable.

2. Get a USB-to-USB cable, with added circuitry, that can connect two
computers directly. Here are some sites for more information:

http://www.buslink.com/usbtrans.htm
http://www.usbcable.com/94-3832.htm
http://catalog.belkin.com/usbpopup.process?pc_id=20963&Catalog_ID=1
http://www.usbstuff.com
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Major347]

I AM TRYING TO CONNECT TWO COMPUTERS (A REG. PC AND A
LAPTOP) I DO HAVE A USB BRIDGE CABLE BUT I STILL CAN'T
CREATE A NETWORK BETWEEN THE TWO. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!

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