How to Connect Two Computers Through a Network Card Without a Hub
When two computers are connected using a network card, they usually connect using a router or other network hub. However, it is possible to directly connect two computers using nothing but an Ethernet cable. A special type of cable known as an Ethernet crossover cable is used to create this direct connection, resulting in a pure Ethernet network. Using a crossover cable is easy, and it will take only a few minutes to get the computers connected and communicating.
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Instructions
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Plug the crossover cable into the Ethernet ports of the two computers that you wish to connect.
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Open the "Network and Sharing Center" on both computers by right-clicking on the "Network" icon in each computer's notification area (in the lower-right corner of the screen, next to the clock). Select "Network and Sharing Center" from the context menu that opens.
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Click "Manage Network Connections" to access the "Network Connections" window, then right-click on the network adapter that represents your Ethernet port. (If you only have one network device, it should be the only option on the screen.) Select "Properties" from the context menu.
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Click the check box next to "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)," making sure that it is checked and selected, then click the "Properties" button.
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Set the IP address on one computer to "10.1.1.1," then set the IP address on the other computer to "10.1.1.2." Set the subnet mask on both of the computers to "255.255.255.0." Click "OK" to set the IP changes, then close all open windows except for the Network and Sharing Center.
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Turn on "Network Discovery and File Sharing" in the Network and Sharing Center if it is not already. You may need to reboot each computer if this setting was turned off. This setting will allow the computers to see each other on the basic network you've created and will also allow them to share files and folders. Close the Network and Sharing Center once the computers are connected.
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References
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