The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers.
You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another
peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two
computers for sharing these and other network resources, consider the
options described below.
Connecting Two Computers Directly With Cable
The traditional method to network two computers involves making a
dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. Several
alternatives exist for networking two computers in this manner:
- Ethernet crossover cable
- Null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable
- Special-purpose USB cables
Ethernet - Of the above choices, the Ethernet method is preferred
as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal
configuration required. Additionally, Ethernet technology offers the
most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two
computers to be built fairly easily later. If one of your computers
possesses an Ethernet adapter but the other has USB, an Ethernet
crossover cable can still be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port.
See also: Ethernet crossover cables
Serial and parallel - This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection (DCC)
when using Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but offers the
same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option
if you have such cables readily available and network speed is not a
concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than
two computers.
USB - Ordinary USB cables must not be used to connect two
computers directly to each other. Attempting to do so can electrically
damage the computers! However, special USB cables designed for direct
connection exist that can be used safely. You may prefer this option
over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters.
To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial or parallel cables requires
- each computer have a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable, and
- the network settings on each computer appropriately configured
One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers to each other for networking.
Next > Connecting Two Computers through Central Device
Connecting Two Computers With Cable Through Central Infrastructure
Rather than cable two computers directly, the computers may instead be
joined indirectly through a central network fixture. This method
requires two network cables, one connecting each computer to the
fixture. Several types of fixtures exist for home networking:
Implementing this method often entails additional up-front cost to
purchase more cables and network infrastructure. However, it's a
general-purpose solution accommodating any reasonable number of devices
(e.g, ten or more). You will likely prefer this approach if you intend
to expand your network in the future.
Most cabled networks utilize Ethernet technology. Alternatively,
USB hubs can be employed, while powerline and phoneline home networks
each offer their own unique form of central infrastructure. The
traditional Ethernet solutions are generally very reliable and offer
high performance.
Connecting Two Computers Wirelessly
In recent years, wireless solutions have enjoyed increasing popularity
for home networking. As with cabled solutions, several different
wireless technologies exist to support basic two computer networks:
Wi-Fi connections can reach a greater distance than the wireless
alternatives listed above. Many newer computers, especially laptops, now
contain built-in Wi-Fi capability, making it the preferred choice in
most situations. Wi-Fi can be used either with or without a network
fixture. With two computers, Wi-Fi networking minus a fixture (also
called ad-hoc mode) is especially simple to set up.
- How To - Set Up an Ad Hoc WiFi Network
Bluetooth technology supports reasonably high-speed wireless
connections between two computers without the need for a network
fixture. Bluetooth is more commonly used when networking a computer with
a consumer handheld device like a cell phone. Most desktop and older
computers do not possess Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth works best if
both devices are in the same room in close proximity to each other.
Consider Bluetooth if you have interest in networking with handheld
devices and your computers lack Wi-Fi capability.
Infrared networking existed on laptops years before either
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technologies became popular. Infrared connections
only work between two computers, do not require a fixture, and are
reasonably fast. Being very simple to set up and use, consider infrared
if your computers support it and you lack the desire to invest effort in
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
If you find mention of an alternative wireless technology called HomeRF,
you can safely ignore it. HomeRF technology became obsolete several
years ago and is not a practical option for home networking.
See also > Gallery of Home Network Diagrams
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