Hi, my flatmates want to play a game by connecting computers directly together cos the internet sucks. Only thing is I don't know the first thing about networks. Is it a simple case of getting a RJ45 cable(?) and connecting both together through ethernet data ports or is it more complicated then that.
Connecting 2 computers directly?
- Thread starter manoz
- Start date
Yes it is that simple - if you get the correct cable. You need a crossover Ethernet cable if you want to connect the machines without any other hardware.
Windows will automatically assign IP addresses to each machine so all you need to do is configure the game appropriately.
Windows will automatically assign IP addresses to each machine so all you need to do is configure the game appropriately.
Bear in mind some LAN ports (controllers) can automatically adjust for crossover/patch links and thus can use a simple patch cable. This is only really on more modern LAN controllers but it might be worth checking the cable as often it does work.
Just found out that the game is counter-strike, we'll try it, thanks, doubt the Lan ports can automatically adjust on their comps as they are a few years old. I'll go see what they upto
EDIT: We connected the comps together and fired up the game on both comps, any idea what next, it's using steam? (This is presuming that the comps might do the crossover/patch thing.) What would it do if the cable thing didn't work, nothing?
EDIT: We connected the comps together and fired up the game on both comps, any idea what next, it's using steam? (This is presuming that the comps might do the crossover/patch thing.) What would it do if the cable thing didn't work, nothing?
Last edited:
Basher said:
As said, not necessarily. A network card that'll do autosensing would work fine with a patch cable.
Maybe, if you're running ICS - it's more likely you'll get a "limited or no connectivity" error and/or get an autoconfiguration IP (169.x.x.x).