jglazer63
asked on
Recommendation for USB network
I don't want to get into the details about why I need to do this, it has to do with VPN problems.
I would like to create a small USB network between 2 PCs such that I can share the folders on one PC with the other. I bought a USB network cable and it came with PC-LINQ software which is usable, at best. Its not a network, its just a copy program across the USB wire. I want more than that.
Can anyone recommend either software to use with this cable or a kit I can get that will accomplish what I need?
Thanks!
Jon
I would like to create a small USB network between 2 PCs such that I can share the folders on one PC with the other. I bought a USB network cable and it came with PC-LINQ software which is usable, at best. Its not a network, its just a copy program across the USB wire. I want more than that.
Can anyone recommend either software to use with this cable or a kit I can get that will accomplish what I need?
Thanks!
Jon
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ASKER
A. its a laptop. B. I already thought of that ;-). USB only here.
I'll check that link SImsjrg
I'll check that link SImsjrg
Even though it is a laptop, why not explore the possibility of installing a USB network card.
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416833872&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
I understand you might have your reasons for using just the USB cable, but I just wanted to throw this out there in case you didn't consider it.
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416833872&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
I understand you might have your reasons for using just the USB cable, but I just wanted to throw this out there in case you didn't consider it.
Can we know the Laptop/s if it is two laptops. That would make it easier, why not provide the necessary information up front its like working in the dark, there is a quite a lot to consider here, the more detials about the systems only the quicker the solution and less guess work.
also is this two laptops or one laptop to one dekstop, xp home or xppro sp1 /sp2
are both the same operating systems. sp?
these facts make all the diference between a quick solution and a long trying to figure out what and why it doesnt work.
Even if you can get the computers connected your still facing how to share files so that you can access each other, and different operatings systems have more complex networking.
If your trying to connect windows98 to xp its harder on 98 than xp.
If you want to connect to laptops only no internet.
Connecting Two PCs Using an USB-USB Cable
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248
click next 5 pages illistrated.
also is this two laptops or one laptop to one dekstop, xp home or xppro sp1 /sp2
are both the same operating systems. sp?
these facts make all the diference between a quick solution and a long trying to figure out what and why it doesnt work.
Even if you can get the computers connected your still facing how to share files so that you can access each other, and different operatings systems have more complex networking.
If your trying to connect windows98 to xp its harder on 98 than xp.
If you want to connect to laptops only no internet.
Connecting Two PCs Using an USB-USB Cable
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248
click next 5 pages illistrated.
And then you only offer 50 points for this techinical question. :)
ASKER
The necessary hardware infor I thought would be USB. Yes I forgot to mention XP (one home one Pro). I cannot imagine what other info you need asside from USB hardware wise. The fact that one is a laptop is moot since again I am asking for a USB to USB solution.
I tried a USB network card but it is trapped by the VPN. Since the the USB to USB copy via PCLINQ seems to function ok, I thought this might be a solution.
Thanks for the help!!
Jon
I tried a USB network card but it is trapped by the VPN. Since the the USB to USB copy via PCLINQ seems to function ok, I thought this might be a solution.
Thanks for the help!!
Jon
If you want to try something wild...
You could download the "Virtual LAN" drivers from this competing product. It *might* work with your USB Cross-over cable
http://www.linkusb.com/
You could download the "Virtual LAN" drivers from this competing product. It *might* work with your USB Cross-over cable
http://www.linkusb.com/
You could just use Windows connection wizard and use a paralell or serial cable to set it up to network that way.(Create NEW ,advanced and just follow the wizard.
Cheaper and easily availble parts at you local Radio Shack , Best Buy or CompUSA.
Cheaper and easily availble parts at you local Radio Shack , Best Buy or CompUSA.
If you go serial,you will need a Null modem cable.
ASKER
pgm, i appreciate the help but really I specified USB from the beginning.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Trapped by the VPN?
Sounds like a corporate laptop and you don't have admin rights issue.
Sounds like a corporate laptop and you don't have admin rights issue.
ASKER
Its my laptop, I have full rights, i just cannot seem to access the network stack when connected to the VPN so I would like to use it as a "gateway" or "bridge" between my machine through the VPN to the remote machine to copy files and what-not.
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jglazer63 hows it going, not much progress it seems.
Your pretty tight with the details, now I see your asking how to use remote access,
why the remote access??
Dont you have both computers in the same room with you??
The pc link is designed to have both computers in the same room sitting next to it other.
If your attempting to access another Laptop or computer ( this is a secret) whether it is on a on a server or another site your using the wrong hardware.
all I know so far is that you have a Laptop ( xp home or pro) dont know where this situated..
and another computer somewhere you want to access via usb and remote now???
That is why I asked for the specifications,
so once again
you have a Laptop > operating system on the Laptop?<< need to know
other computer your trying to connect to << need to know its operating system and if sp2 is onboard both or one and which one.
Where these two computers are loacted, just specify if in one room or one at work on a server etc.
--------------------------
I have copied this off the web page incase you dont open the URL.
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/review/pc-linq.asp
Just plug the pc-link cable into the two computers' USB ports, load the pc-link software and copy away. It really could not be much simpler. There's no security to set up, no 'network configuration' and no 'network shares'. When the pc-link explorer like software is loaded on each computer, they automatically find each other and allow copying.
Technical
pc-link is a USB 1.1 device limited to USB 1.0 speeds. You can probably expect about 4Mbps throughput - about the same as a wireless network. When running under Windows XP, the program must be placed in 'compatibility mode' but works fine otherwise.
Driver Updates
http://www.good.way.com.tw/shop/driver_list.asp
==========================
Same here copied off web page incase you dont open the URL
http://www.ezlan.net/direct.html
How I connect two computers to exchange files?
Option 1: Pure Ethernet.
Install Network Interface Card (NIC) in each computer (PCMCIA NIC a Laptop) and Connect them with CAT5e Crossover cable. (Total cost about $15 between Desktops, $35 between Desktop to Laptop). The connection can run at a speed of 100Mb/sec.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
--------------------------
Option 2: Mixed connection (Ethernet, and USB).
Let say that your Desktop has already NIC. Your Laptop has a USB port and you don't want to buy PCMCIA network card. You can plug a USB to Ethernet unit into the Laptop, and then connected the two computer via CAT5 crossover cable. (Total Cost about $30)
Speed of transfer depends on the type of USB.
USB1.1 will yield a Transfer of 11Mb/sec.
USB2.0 will yield a Transfer of 480Mb/sec.
Example: EZ CONNECT COMPACT USB 10/100 CONVERTER.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing.html
--------------------------
Option 3: USB Direct.
Important - Never connect a regular USB to USB cable between two computers, the result may be one or two fried Motherboard.
Get a USB Direct Connect Module, it is a USB cable that has a special Network module installed on it. This Module act as a "NUll" connection and isolates the 5Volts lines between the two computers.
Example: USB2 to USB2 File Transfer Cable.
Connect the two computers with the special cable through the USB ports; install the Drivers and your are Connected.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing.html
USB1.1 will yield a Transfer of 11Mb/sec.
USB2.0 will yield a Transfer of 480Mb/sec.
--------------------------
If you use USB2.0 Special Cable both computers have to be USB2 capable. Otherwise it will default to USB1.1 and yield transfer 11Mb/sec. (Total cost about $20-$30).
--------------------------
Option 4: Direct Cable Connection.
This type of connection uses a cable to connect two parallel printer port (LPT), or two serial ports (COM.). It is the most inexpensive, but the slowest, and the most awkward. (Cost about $10).
You can find settings info here. Direct Cable Connection.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/
--------------------------
In sum.
The Easiest - Option 3
The Cheapest - Option 4
The Practical - Option 2
The fastest with elegant look for the future - Option 1
Your pretty tight with the details, now I see your asking how to use remote access,
why the remote access??
Dont you have both computers in the same room with you??
The pc link is designed to have both computers in the same room sitting next to it other.
If your attempting to access another Laptop or computer ( this is a secret) whether it is on a on a server or another site your using the wrong hardware.
all I know so far is that you have a Laptop ( xp home or pro) dont know where this situated..
and another computer somewhere you want to access via usb and remote now???
That is why I asked for the specifications,
so once again
you have a Laptop > operating system on the Laptop?<< need to know
other computer your trying to connect to << need to know its operating system and if sp2 is onboard both or one and which one.
Where these two computers are loacted, just specify if in one room or one at work on a server etc.
--------------------------
I have copied this off the web page incase you dont open the URL.
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/review/pc-linq.asp
Just plug the pc-link cable into the two computers' USB ports, load the pc-link software and copy away. It really could not be much simpler. There's no security to set up, no 'network configuration' and no 'network shares'. When the pc-link explorer like software is loaded on each computer, they automatically find each other and allow copying.
Technical
pc-link is a USB 1.1 device limited to USB 1.0 speeds. You can probably expect about 4Mbps throughput - about the same as a wireless network. When running under Windows XP, the program must be placed in 'compatibility mode' but works fine otherwise.
Driver Updates
http://www.good.way.com.tw/shop/driver_list.asp
==========================
Same here copied off web page incase you dont open the URL
http://www.ezlan.net/direct.html
How I connect two computers to exchange files?
Option 1: Pure Ethernet.
Install Network Interface Card (NIC) in each computer (PCMCIA NIC a Laptop) and Connect them with CAT5e Crossover cable. (Total cost about $15 between Desktops, $35 between Desktop to Laptop). The connection can run at a speed of 100Mb/sec.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
--------------------------
Option 2: Mixed connection (Ethernet, and USB).
Let say that your Desktop has already NIC. Your Laptop has a USB port and you don't want to buy PCMCIA network card. You can plug a USB to Ethernet unit into the Laptop, and then connected the two computer via CAT5 crossover cable. (Total Cost about $30)
Speed of transfer depends on the type of USB.
USB1.1 will yield a Transfer of 11Mb/sec.
USB2.0 will yield a Transfer of 480Mb/sec.
Example: EZ CONNECT COMPACT USB 10/100 CONVERTER.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing.html
--------------------------
Option 3: USB Direct.
Important - Never connect a regular USB to USB cable between two computers, the result may be one or two fried Motherboard.
Get a USB Direct Connect Module, it is a USB cable that has a special Network module installed on it. This Module act as a "NUll" connection and isolates the 5Volts lines between the two computers.
Example: USB2 to USB2 File Transfer Cable.
Connect the two computers with the special cable through the USB ports; install the Drivers and your are Connected.
You need to configure both computers to form a Network, and then switch On file Sharing.
Instructions for Network configuration.
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing.html
USB1.1 will yield a Transfer of 11Mb/sec.
USB2.0 will yield a Transfer of 480Mb/sec.
--------------------------
If you use USB2.0 Special Cable both computers have to be USB2 capable. Otherwise it will default to USB1.1 and yield transfer 11Mb/sec. (Total cost about $20-$30).
--------------------------
Option 4: Direct Cable Connection.
This type of connection uses a cable to connect two parallel printer port (LPT), or two serial ports (COM.). It is the most inexpensive, but the slowest, and the most awkward. (Cost about $10).
You can find settings info here. Direct Cable Connection.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/
--------------------------
In sum.
The Easiest - Option 3
The Cheapest - Option 4
The Practical - Option 2
The fastest with elegant look for the future - Option 1
If you were using firewire you would only have to assign the 1394 interface an IP Address and Subnet and you would be good to go.