2

Is the file sharing of two PCs, connected with a crossover cable, both directions or only one?

Would I be able to connect to a PC and play LAN games over this mini-network?

Would this be extremely fast?

1
  • Did any answer help you? if so, you should accept the answer so that the question doesn't keep popping up forever, looking for an answer. Alternatively, you could provide and accept your own answer.
    – Ron Maupin
    Aug 7, 2017 at 19:13

2 Answers 2

4

Most of the modern NICs (network interface cards) do not require a crossover Ethernet cable. You can connect them with a straight-through cable and the NIC will flip one of the ends into crossover (the technology is called Auto-MDIX).

Back in the early days this was a requirement when you wanted to connect two computers to use a crossover cable but since NICs evolved with this technology, it is no longer a requirement.

And yes, you will be able to play LAN or exchange files between these two computers.

It will be fast enough to play - 100Mbps or 1Gbps (depends on your NIC).

I hope this helps.

Cheers.

2
  • Does this apply to PCIe network cards or also motherboard ethernet ports. And can you maybe tell me or make a approximation of which year the ports are from and would have these features. Feb 26, 2016 at 19:13
  • @Jeroentetje3 books.google.com/ngrams/… gives you a good idea of when it arrived as a technology
    – Baldrickk
    Feb 22, 2018 at 10:54
1

Both directions, yes, and yes.

If it's gigabit capable then it will auto mdx (no crossover cable necessary) if it's only 100 mb then you're better off using a crossover cable, but you can check for auto mdx somewhere in the settings for you network adapter, Linux it's just ethtool I think.

Seen people get a 40 gbit point to point connecting going, it's beautiful.

2
  • Does only one of the 2 connected pc's need an auto-MDX? Feb 28, 2016 at 8:07
  • Yes, the Auto-MDX feature works if it is available on one or on two neighbouring interfaces.
    – vk5tu
    Aug 1, 2017 at 17:41

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.