Author Topic: Computer "networking" question (Read 666 times)

Golfer · « **on:** October 18, 2006, 10:30:17 PM »

Is it possible to take an ethernet cable from a laptop to a desktop and have them connect to one another for the purpose of sending files from the laptop to the desktop?

If so...how

Boroda · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2006, 10:42:37 PM »

You need a "hub" ("switch", "concentrator") box, or simply a special cable (crossover). If you have networking people at work - just ask them to make such a cable for you, or go buy it in a nearest computer shop.

Golfer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 18, 2006, 10:57:31 PM »

Is this something I can make by chopping up a few ethernet cables? I've got those!

I took a look at bestbuy.com and they have a 14' one for 25 bucks so I'm not feeling bad at all.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:11:16 PM »

Yeah, a "crossover" or a "patch" cable will work. They also have software specifically for this at best buy or office depot or where ever.

Golfer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:13:15 PM »

If I bought a crossover from best buy (looked at a Geek Squad unit online) do I need software in addition to that or will it be an option in my "network connections" list?

Thanks

DiabloTX · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:25:18 PM »

Honestly, I couldn't tell you as I've never done this. But from what I understand the software makes it alot easier. I sold quite a few of them when I worked at Office Depot a while back.

Boroda · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:26:39 PM »

It depends on your OS, but usually you don't need anything else.

If you have a standard RJ-45 TP patch-cord you can easily make a crossover yourself: cut it in two and connect green wires on one end to orange on other. White-orange to white-red, solid orange to solid red. You need to simply connect "transmit" wires on one end to "recieve" wires on another, and vice versa. If you have some adhesive insulating tape - it's no problem at all.

Golfer · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:29:21 PM »

is an RJ-45 a regular ethernet cord? I'm very much retarded in these matters

I've got a patch cord that the cable guy left here with my modem. It has "patch cord" printed on the side with the white/orange/green/blue wires.

ramzey · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2006, 12:08:53 AM »

cant you just buy USB cables to do this?

edit
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248

Debonair · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2006, 12:20:28 AM »

"lol"

ramzey · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2006, 12:30:04 AM »

whats funny in that?

there is many other methods to transfer files between PC's

wireles to wireles
usb to usb, serial to serial

if you have desktop connected to dsl or cable, just pick up router and go wireless, create workgroup and use it for both of your computers
or if you like you can connect both of them by cable via router

If desktop is not connected to internet buy cheap wireless card and use peer to peer connection. I assume you do have wireless in your laptop?
If you dont like to buy PCI wireless card, buy cheap router .In this case works same as wireles acces point or you can buy wireless acces point.

If distance is no issue , buy USB cables. If distance is a isssue, go wireless , dont bother with wires.

cost of solution is 20$+/- 10$ depends on what you pick

FBplmmr · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2006, 05:24:33 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by ramzey
cant you just buy USB cables to do this?

edit
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248

the guy asked if he could use an ethernet cable...please follow along:rolleyes:

Nilsen · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2006, 05:46:05 AM »

The fastest solution would be firewire to firewire if you have them on both. I belive that is actually faster than gigabit to gigabit patch cabeling even if gb is faster in theory.

x0847Marine · « **Reply #13 on:** October 19, 2006, 09:41:51 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Golfer
Is this something I can make by chopping up a few ethernet cables? I've got those!

I took a look at bestbuy.com and they have a 14' one for 25 bucks so I'm not feeling bad at all.

You can get a router for $25. BTW a generic cat 5 / crossover is $9 or $10 at a place like Frys.

Eagler · « **Reply #14 on:** October 19, 2006, 09:47:42 AM »

you coulda burned it to a dvd by now