USB Networking

[CyberManic]

Could anyone please help me. This is my first post ever, so please be patient.
Is it possible to connect two computers together via USB ports??
I want to connect my laptop to my tower at home, have run out of IRQ's, so prefer not to add any more cards.
Have heard conflicting reports as to the viability, so after reading many of your comments, am asking those who know!

Thanks

[jamis]

Yes, there are USB networking kits, though off the top of my head I can't think of one specifically...


Check necxdirect.com's network section.. they should have a USB category.

[CyberManic]

Thanx jamis, checked out the site, but as i live in Australia it's a little impractical.

Do you know if I just use an A to A USB cable if it will connect successfully, or do I need more.
Not much info I can find down under.

Thanx again

[TOAD6147]

First of all, according to your stats, this is your 3rd post, not your first. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif To the best of my knowledge, there is a special USB adapter/cable arrangement for that direct cable type of USB hook up. There are also USB hubs but I understand they aren't very good. The easiest /cheapest way is to use a null modem cable and connect via COM ports and install the Direct Cable Connection protocol under ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. One comment, however, on your perceived dilemma concernig sparse IRQ's: even though you feel you've run out of them, PCI cards are very good about sharing IRQ's and I doubt you will have any problems what so ever if you added an NIC which would probably be your overall easiest solution along with a max 5 meter crossover cable. Also, check www.homepcnetwork.com (http://www.homepcnetwork.com) for further help. Hope this helps and good luck!

[CyberManic]

Thanks toad,
This buy the way is my 4th post and thats what will show on my stats.
When I first posted, it was my first ever post!!
Unfortunately I can't use the com ports as suggested, that is in fact how I was communicating between my laptop and tower, but with the addition of other devices it has become a big hassle to continue that way.
It still seems that no matter who I ask they can't tell me whether a direct A to A USB cable will work.
The only reason I haven't tried it is one guy said I could damage my comouters if I tried.
Please can someone tell me if it will work??

Thanx,

[bewick1]

Belkin provide a very neat kit called the Belkin Direct Connect. Retails in the UK @ about £60 so I suppose A$ about 180

It works fine. Easy set-up etc
HOWEVER it states on the box that maximum throughput is 12Mb/s - i.e. megaBITS not megaBYTES so it's about 1.5 Megabytes per sec.

I could only make it shift 0.25Megabytes per sec and a UK mag found the same (after I'd bought one) that's fine for moving small files but I had a directory of 800MB which I needed to shft to and from a laptop regularly.

I took this up with Belkin and they finally admitted that this was the real speed of the thing. But if all you wnat to do is share normal files and look at another machine it copes with that faultlessly

[CyberManic]

Thanx bewick,
will look out for it over here.

[Pauly]

Do your PCs have firewire http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Pauly (edited 06-13-2001).]

[CyberManic]

No Firewire unfortunately.

But I get your drift, Thanx Pauly

[Pauly]

Good http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Firewire's a great alternative if you already have it. WindowsME can do IP over Firewire 'out of the box' and there are a number of 3rd party IP over Firewire drivers for Win2k/Win98.

With a max speed of 450Mb/s, you know you want it http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Just a shame Firewire cards are so bloody expensive - still if you already had them ...

[OC Guy]

Here you go! This should be everything you need. Just go to this website: http://www.lfchosting.com/helmig/j_helmig/dccmain.htm

[CyberManic]

Thanx OC Guy, your the Man.

CyberManic