Connect Two Computers Using A Switch

Connect Two Computers Using A Switch

A switch is a special piece of networking equipment that looks like a router, but which is much simpler. A switch can connect two computers (or more), but it can only connect them on the same network. You can’t use a switch to connect two computers to the Internet unless you plug the switch into a router.

These days, switches are primarily used when you need to connect more computers together than you have ports on your router. For example, server rooms at big companies use switches with 96 ports on them to connect up to 95 computers to a router or another switch.

Although switches are dirt cheap, we suggest that you don’t buy one unless you’re sure you need it to connect two computers.

Connect Two Computers Directly

Connect Two Computers Directly

You can also connect two computers using a crossover cable without needing a router, a switch, or a modem. But configuring the computers to use the crossover cable is difficult for networking novices, so I suggest you look instead for a bridged USB cable (also called USB networking or USB-USB). Be careful buying a bridged cable—it should have a small box near the middle. If it doesn’t, don’t use it or it will burn out your computer.

After you get a bridged USB cable, plug it into both computers. Windows should automatically enable it for you. Then you can use the Link mode to copy files between the two computers.

The Harder Way To Connect Two Computers

The Harder Way To Connect Two Computers

Sometimes your Internet Service Provider (ISP) doesn’t give you all of the equipment you need, so you need to go out and buy it yourself. Here’s exactly what you need to connect two computers together or to the Internet.

1. A Router will let two computers talk to each other. A router will also let those computers talk to computers on another network if one is available. Almost all routers today work on three networks: the Internet, a local wireless network, and a local wired network. You don’t need to use all three networks to use a router—just one network is fine.
2. Ethernet cables or Wireless cards depending on how you want to connect to your network. You need one cable or card for each computer, except for computers with built-in wireless cards.
3. A Modem if you want to connect to the Internet. There are dial-up phone modems, DSL modems, cable modems, and fiber optic (FIOS) modems; you also need an ISP that can communicate with your modem. It is also possible to connect two computers to one modem to share the internet connection.