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USB two-machine interconnection refers to the direct connection between two computers. This method can be achieved through various means such as network card connections, serial port connections, parallel port connections, Modem connections, infrared connections, and USB connections. In this article, we will focus on how to use a USB cable for two-machine interconnection.
USB dual-machine interconnection is a practical solution that allows two computers to communicate without the need for a traditional network card. It offers a data transfer speed of up to 15 Mbps, supports remote PC detection, and enables easy file operations like cut, copy, paste, or drag-and-drop between windows. You can also print files from a remote computer using a local printer. The USB cable features hot plug support and remote wake-up functionality, with a transmission range of approximately 5 meters. However, it should be noted that the USB network cable cannot function if the server is turned off, and its scalability is limited compared to a standard network setup. That said, it's more than sufficient for simple file sharing between two machines.
This USB virtual network cable can also be connected to multiple computers via a USB hub, though this may increase the chances of disconnection or instability. Additionally, installing drivers is required, which makes the process less convenient compared to using a real network card.
When purchasing a USB network cable, there are two main types available:
1) USB direct connection – suitable only for file transfers.
2) USB network cable – functions similarly to a network card, enabling file sharing, online gaming, and shared internet access.
For two-machine interconnection, it’s recommended to use the USB network cable. A single USB network cable essentially acts as two network cards and one cable. While this method has been around for a while, it's not widely used. However, with the widespread availability of USB ports on both desktops and laptops, it has become a practical option for home users who want to connect two computers.
It’s important to distinguish between a regular USB cable and a USB network cable. Using a regular USB cable for dual-machine interconnection can potentially damage your USB ports or even the motherboard, as the USB network cable requires a built-in chip for proper communication.
USB network cables come in two versions: USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. USB 1.1 offers a transfer rate of 12 Mbps, while USB 2.0 can reach up to 480 Mbps. Although the theoretical speed of USB 2.0 is about 40 times faster than USB 1.1, real-world performance is usually around 15 MB/s. For better performance, it's advisable to choose a USB 2.0 network cable, as it offers significantly faster speeds compared to a 100 Mbps PCI network card. Even though USB 2.0 cables are twice as expensive as USB 1.1 ones (ranging from 40-60 yuan vs. 20-40 yuan), they provide much better performance.
To use a USB 2.0 network cable, your motherboard must support USB 2.0. If it doesn't, you can use an external PCI-to-USB 2.0 adapter card, which is commonly based on VIA USB 2.0 control chips.
Setting up the connection involves several steps:
1) **Driver Installation**: Before connecting the hardware, install the driver from the CD that comes with the USB network cable. Enter the CMOS settings by pressing “DELETE†and enable the USB option. After booting, insert the driver CD and follow the installation prompts. On Windows XP, you don’t need to restart after installation. Once installed, plug in the USB cable, and the system will prompt to install the driver.
2) **Network Settings**: On the server computer, go to “Start > Settings > Network Connections†to find the new “USB Virtual Network Adapter.†Right-click and set the IP address to 192.168.0.1 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Repeat the same steps on the client computer, setting the IP to 192.168.0.2 and the default gateway to 192.168.0.1. After configuration, you should see the other computer in “My Network Places.â€
3) **Sharing Operations**: Use the PC-Linq software to manage file transfers and resource sharing. The interface resembles Windows Explorer, allowing you to easily copy, move, or delete files. You can also access the CD-ROM drive of the remote computer and share printers. However, note that file operations cannot be interrupted once started. Be cautious when deleting files, as accidental deletion can lead to data loss.
Finally, for laptop users, it's essential to close the PC-Linq window before unplugging the USB cable to avoid crashes or blue screens caused by sudden disconnections.
In summary, USB-based two-machine interconnection is a flexible, fast, and cost-effective solution that offers many of the same features as a traditional Ethernet connection. It supports file, device, and printer sharing, as well as internet access and online gaming. Its plug-and-play nature makes it an excellent choice for mobile users who need a reliable way to connect two computers.
August 11, 2025