Connecting 2 computers (WinXP) over USB 2.0

[Izumi Nirasawa]

I am wondering if there is a way to connect two computers over USB 2.0.

I have two Sony VAIO notebooks and connect them using DV connection (IEEE
1394). As soon as I connect both ends of the Firewire cable, both computers
recognize it and create a LAN connection.

Now, I have two other notebooks with no DV port. But they both have USB 2.0
ports. So I bought a USB cable with Type A connecter on both ends, and
connected it to the machines hoping that a LAN connection is created. Of
course, nothing happened. I suppose I need an adapter driver to emulate
Ethernet over USB.

I searched for something like that on the Web without any success. It is
provably because of my poor search criteria (I get millions of hits without
relevant information).

Can someone point me to a right direction?

Thank you.

Izumi

 

[Richard G. Harper]

There are a number of products that allow you to connect two computers via
USB cable and transfer data, but you can't do it without a special cable and
software. Do a Google search for "USB connect two PCs" and you should find
several such products.

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[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am wondering if there is a way to connect two computers over USB 2.0.

I have two Sony VAIO notebooks and connect them using DV connection (IEEE
1394). As soon as I connect both ends of the Firewire cable, both computers
recognize it and create a LAN connection.

Now, I have two other notebooks with no DV port. But they both have USB 2.0
ports. So I bought a USB cable with Type A connecter on both ends, and
connected it to the machines hoping that a LAN connection is created. Of
course, nothing happened. I suppose I need an adapter driver to emulate
Ethernet over USB.

I searched for something like that on the Web without any success. It is
provably because of my poor search criteria (I get millions of hits without
relevant information).

Can someone point me to a right direction?

Thank you.

Izumi

You're lucky that nothing happened when you connected the A-A cable.
It could have burned out the USB circuits (or more) on both computers.

I assume that both VAIO notebooks have wired Ethernet connections. If
so, you can connect them to each other using a crossover Ethernet
cable. It's easier, less expensive, and more reliable than trying to
network using USB.

If you really want to use USB, get a pair of Ethernet over USB
adapters and connect them using a crossover Ethernet cable. I've used
ones from Belkin and D-Link.

There are also USB-to-USB networking devices, but I haven't tried
them. Here's are some examples:

http://catalog.belkin.com/usbpopup.process?pc_id=20963&Catalog_ID=1
http://www.meritline.com/usb-2-network-cable-usb-to-usb.html
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?s=SD&T1=202+0144
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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