Today everything wireless has gained weight compared to cable. We have a wide variety of devices that we connect without the need for wiring. We can surf the net through Wi-Fi, for example. However, sometimes it is better for us to connect equipment by cable or we have no other option than that. In this article we are going to talk about how to connect two computers together . But let’s see how to do it without using a Wi-Fi router.
How to connect two computers to each other
In many cases it is interesting to connect two computers with each other to share information, to work together or use any type of resource. Connecting two computers to each other is easy if they are both connected to the same network. But of course, for this we will need a router.
There are alternatives through which we can connect two computers to each other by cable. For example if we want to connect two laptops. Of course, we are going to need hardware help, as we are going to see.
Via crossover cable
One of the options for connecting two computers to each other without using a router is to use an Ethernet cable . Although years ago it was necessary to use a crossover cable, today all network cards feature Auto MDI / MDIX, so network cards will self-configure correctly. However, you could also use a crossover cable if you already have it, otherwise, with the typical flat network cable it is enough and it will work well, precisely because of this functionality of the network cards.
We are going to have to carry out a series of steps also at the software level. We can easily do this in Windows 10 and before connecting the cable. We have to go to Control Panel. Once here we look for System and assign a different team name in each case. We will also have to assign a workgroup name. In this case it has to be the same in both cases.
Once this is done we have to go to Network Connections (Networks and Internet). We enter Network and Sharing Center and Change adapter settings. In the Ethernet option we right-click and click Properties. In Internet Protocol version 4 and Properties. We must ensure that the IP address in each case is different, so that a conflict is not created. For example put 192.168.0.1 and in the other 192.168.0.2.
Once we carry out these initial steps we can go to the folder that we want to share , we click the second button to Properties, Share and Advanced sharing. We mark the Share box and accept. Later we go to the folder that has been shared, second mouse button and Grant access to, we select Specific Users. There we have to select All and we can also add new users. We give to Share.
From now on we will be able to access that folder from the other computer. Both will be connected through a crossover cable, without the need to use a router as an intermediary.
Connect two computers with a switch
Another option we have to connect two computers to each other without using a router is using a switch as an intermediary. Again we will need additional hardware, which in this case is this device. The switch in this case acts as an intermediary for the data, it uses a Store-and-forward architecture, so that all the data goes through the switch to later transmit it to a secondary computer.
Basically what we do is connect a LAN network , but without using a router or having access to the Internet. These devices have the function of facilitating the connection to several computers. What we will need in this case is to have two computers with a wired network connection, an RJ45 network cable and the switch or hub that is responsible for connecting both computers. Logically, we will also need to make a network configuration like the previous one, they must be in the same subnet, for example one PC will have IP address 192.168.0.2/24 and the other PC will use 192.168.0.3/24.
Connect two computers via Bluetooth
Yes, we can also connect two computers via Bluetooth . One more alternative that we can take into account and use in a very simple way.
Logically, both computers will have to have Bluetooth connectivity. Laptops generally have this feature built in, but we can buy a device for a low cost in case we don’t have one. To use it, just go to Settings, we enter Devices and there in Bluetooth. You have to make sure we have it activated. We give Add Bluetooth and a search will begin. The other computer should show up. We connect and it will show us a security code on both devices.
Once this is done, we will have our two computers connected by Bluetooth without using a router.