Is it possible to connect two computers directly via straight thru cable?

[Diablo]

Is it possible to connect two computers directly via a straight thru cable? I read an article yesterday on the Internet saying that it's possible. I was wondering if it's really possible? Has anybody tried it out?

[† ballard]

Yes, you can connect two computers together a few different ways. One way is through your home network (wirelessly though your router or having both computers connected to the router with ethernet cables.)... another way is using an ethernet cable and plugging one end into one computers ethernet port and the other end into the other computers ethernet port.

I have done this several times to play games through LAN with my friends. I have also connected two xbox360's together with these methods to play multiplayer without the need for xbox live.

[Diablo]

Yes, you can connect two computers together a few different ways. One way is through your home network (wirelessly though your router or having both computers connected to the router with ethernet cables.)... another way is using an ethernet cable and plugging one end into one computers ethernet port and the other end into the other computers ethernet port.

I have done this several times to play games through LAN with my friends. I have also connected two xbox360's together with these methods to play multiplayer without the need for xbox live.

I know that we can connect two computers directly using a ethernet cable. But usually this ethernet cable is a "crossover cable". I want to know if you can do it with a "straight thru cable". Check out this page to know difference between a "Straight thru cable" and "Cross over cable".

http://www.technicalcommunicationcenter.com/2011/08/09/what’s-the-difference-between-a-“straight-through-cable”-and-a-“crossover-cable”/

[† ballard]

Sorry, I misunderstood what you were asking. To answer your question...

"Yes, two computers can be connected and can exchange data through a regular straight-through cable, provided both their NICs support Automatic MDI/MDI-X configuration."

"Automatic MDI/MDI-X Configuration is specified as an optional feature in the 1000BASE-T standard[1], meaning that straight-through cables will usually work between Gigabit capable interfaces. This feature eliminates the need for crossover cables, obsoletes the uplink/normal ports and manual selector switches found on many older hubs and switches, greatly reducing installation errors. Note that although Automatic MDI/MDI-X is generally implemented, a crossover cable would still be required in the occasional situation that neither of the connected devices has the feature implemented and enabled.

Even for legacy 10/100 devices, many NICs, switches and hubs automatically apply an internal crossover when necessary. Besides the eventually agreed upon Automatic MDI/MDI-X, this feature may also be referred to by various vendor-specific terms including: Auto uplink and trade, Universal Cable Recognition and Auto Sensing."

Source:

http://assorted.in/technology/connecting-two-computers-with-a-straight-through-cable

[mando_22]

I know that we can connect two computers directly using a ethernet cable. But usually this ethernet cable is a "crossover cable". I want to know if you can do it with a "straight thru cable". Check out this page to know difference between a "Straight thru cable" and "Cross over cable".

http://www.technicalcommunicationcenter.com/2011/08/09/what’s-the-difference-between-a-“straight-through-cable”-and-a-“crossover-cable”/

EDIT: Whoops sorry started reply before ballard's post was up. Should have hit refresh button...

Actually it is possible with a straight through cable so long as both NIC cards support automatic crossover and have it enabled.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_crossover_cable#Automatic_crossover

Of course if that doesn't work you can take off the end connector of the cable, rearrange the wires to crossover, and put a new end on it.