Belkin transfer cable versus cross over cable

[Corporate Thug]

can anyone tell me the difference between this and a regular cross over cable (other than the fact the belkin product has a different connection)?

I want to make a file transfer between two comps and I don't see any reason why anyone would buy this instead of a cross over cable that costs ~$5.

 

[xSauronx]

that belkin cable is a special usb cable made to connect two computers. some people dont know the first thing about networking and will lean towards that as USB is more familiar. i expect that cable comes with some software to make the setup easy, whereas an ethernet cable wouldnt.

 

[Corporate Thug]

so if you know how to use a cross over cable, there is no difference?

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
so if you know how to use a cross over cable, there is no difference?

No, there's a big difference. Using a crossover cable will only get network connectivity between two machines without a switch/hub in the middle. The Belkin cable is a USB device that you can use with their software to facilitate the transfer of files/settings between the two computers.

 

[Nuwave]

In addition to crusty

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is a 480 Mbps interface

Where as your NIC on either computer can be either 100Mbps or 1000Mbps interface.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Nuwave
In addition to crusty

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is a 480 Mbps interface

This is nice on paper, in reality these USB2 modules do not even get to the 100Mb/sec. Ethernet.

To put it simple, if you can use Ehernet crossover avoid the USB.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: Crusty

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
so if you know how to use a cross over cable, there is no difference?

No, there's a big difference. Using a crossover cable will only get network connectivity between two machines without a switch/hub in the middle. The Belkin cable is a USB device that you can use with their software to facilitate the transfer of files/settings between the two computers.

would there be any difference (other than theoretical speed) if I was to do PURELY file transfers (in other words, I'm not transferring settings, .exes, etc...) ?

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Crusty

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
so if you know how to use a cross over cable, there is no difference?

No, there's a big difference. Using a crossover cable will only get network connectivity between two machines without a switch/hub in the middle. The Belkin cable is a USB device that you can use with their software to facilitate the transfer of files/settings between the two computers.

would there be any difference (other than theoretical speed) if I was to do PURELY file transfers (in other words, I'm not transferring settings, .exes, etc...) ?

I would say you'll get more out of Ethernet. With a crossover cable you can get gigabit speeds between computers if their NIC's support it... but honestly I have no idea how well USB 2.0 performs with this kind of data.

 

[vailr]

If both ethernet ports are Gigabit, then there shouldn't be a need for a specifically "crossover" type cable.
The Gigabit port spec includes auto-sense for correct operation when connected with either cable type.

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: vailr
If both ethernet ports are Gigabit, then there shouldn't be a need for a specifically "crossover" type cable.
The Gigabit port spec includes auto-sense for correct operation when connected with either cable type.

Of course, but the OP didn't specify. It's just hard to imagine a recent computer without a gigabit ethernet port onboard. Either a straight through or crossover will work for gigabit ports.