Re: Networking Two Computers via USB

From: Bernd Walter (ticso_at_cicely12.cicely.de)
Date: 12/31/04

  • Next message: M. Warner Losh: "Re: Networking Two Computers via USB" 
    Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 16:45:56 +0100
To: Douglas Allen <kb9agt@yahoo.com>

    On Thu, Dec 30, 2004 at 10:36:07PM -0800, Douglas Allen wrote:
    > Hi hackers,
    >
    > I am interested in connecting my Linux machine to my windows XP machine.

    Neither Linux nor Windows is FreeBSD, why do you ask in a FreeBSD
    list?

     
    > I was going to try the USB ports first. Now I've opened a can of worms.
    >
    > Assuming one could buy a USB A-male to A-male cable, is there a danger in connecting
    >
    > each computer directly? Where can I get more information on the pin outs of the USB ports?
    >
    > I see that adaptors are sold for such purposes. Is that because there is some danger of
    >
    > frying those ports? I know there is a power connection on a USB port. I don't need to supply
    >
    > power to any PC port. What leads may I use just for data? Do they need to be like a null-
    >
    > modem cable? Probably that's why there are so many schemes to xfer data such as flash
    >
    > memory keys. I want to go direct without a hub or an adaptor. Is there a cable to make it
    >
    > all work ok? Any reply would be greatly welcome. 73s all.

    USB is single master.

    You can't connect two masters (hosts) directly together.

    A-A cables are illegal in sense of the USB specs, they don't work and
    can even damage the systems.
    Thosese cables are mostly sold because in a early USB specification
    there was only A connectors and a early hardware designs used A
    connectors instead of B.
    I personally would avoid such hardware.

    There are other options to connects computers together via USB.
    - Use two USB-Ethernet adapters and X-link them together and
      do Ethernet.
    - Use two USB-serial adapters and X-link them together and do
      ppp, slip, xmomdem or whatever.
    - Use a special host to host adapter - those simulate an serial
      adapter at each host side.
      AFAIK those adapters are all limited to USB-1.1 speed, so the
      Ethernet way can be faster if both sides can do high speed. 

    -- 
B.Walter                   BWCT                http://www.bwct.de
bernd@bwct.de                                  info@bwct.de
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  • Next message: M. Warner Losh: "Re: Networking Two Computers via USB"

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