Can you hook two computers up with USB?

[BCinSC]

You used to be able to direct connect with parallel. Can you with USB? Considering USB2's max 480Mbps, it should be faster than 100BaseT ethernet, right?

OK then, can you daisy-chain a bunch together?

Can two or more systems share a USB hard drive? Can you boot from a USB drive?

 

[Nebor]

No, USB isn't for networking. You can however use Firewire for networking.

I don't think that two computers could share one hard drive... yes, you can boot from a USB HD if you have a fairly recent motherboard that allows for it.

 

[Kwatt]

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Kwatt

 

[MDE]

It can be done, but you'll need a third-party program to do it. FireWire or plain old Ethernet (or USB 10/100 adapters) would be better. USB has ridiculously high CPU usage too, considering what FireWire and a decent ethernet controller could use.

 

[Abhi]

There are special usb to usb wires for this kinda thing...

 

[BlackMountainCow]

Well, I have two PCs connected via USN right here and it works like a charm! All I had to do was to buy a special cable for it that has a small box attached to it. Plug and Load!

 

[OZEE]

using a cross-over cable on the ethernet ports would have to be easier AND cheaper AND faster

 

[BCinSC]

Kwatt, that link was awesome. Just the info I was looking for, especially the hybrid network.

OZEE - I've got cross-over cables and for 2 systems that's great (always handy for transferring large amounts of data between systems without having to crack case). I'm building sort of a Frankenstein project.

 

[vailr]

USB 2.0 NetLink Cable, High Speed Network Cable
Text
This one is both PC and Mac compatable, but is OOS.
USB 2.0 Super Link cable
http://www.pcwebshopper.com/usb20sulica.html
This one is for PC's only.

 

[Kwatt]

Originally posted by: BCinSC
Kwatt, that link was awesome. Just the info I was looking for, especially the hybrid network.

OZEE - I've got cross-over cables and for 2 systems that's great (always handy for transferring large amounts of data between systems without having to crack case). I'm building sort of a Frankenstein project.

I have not used the USB connection in 3 or 4 years. And only used it for notebook gaming.

The speed seemed to be about as fast a 10M ethernet. Between 2 computers but when you added a 3rd or 4th with a hub the speed felt like it dropped a lot. I never did any test and I had always had some tequila before the game started. So take the info with a grain of salt and the tequila with a lot of salt a slice of lime.



Kwatt

 

[BCinSC]

Well, 3-4 years ago guarantees USB1. Now we have USB2. Maybe much more acceptable?

 

[DeeTees]

As an interersting note many MSI mothrtboards have all of the required circuitry for USB networking built in, together with a USB A port. Only one of the computers needs the special circuitry, however it is possible to daisy chain many computers as long as all have the sircuitry except the terminal computer.

My memory suggests that the USB network was OK but after the addition of a third user everything slowed down, including processing of non-network programs.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: DeeTees
As an interersting note many MSI mothrtboards have all of the required circuitry for USB networking built in, together with a USB A port. Only one of the computers needs the special circuitry, however it is possible to daisy chain many computers as long as all have the sircuitry except the terminal computer.

My memory suggests that the USB network was OK but after the addition of a third user everything slowed down, including processing of non-network programs.

My K7T turbo R limited edition had the thing built in.. pretty cool!

 

[BCinSC]

OK, how about sharing a USB CDRom drive via a hub?

 

[BCinSC]

Anyone?

 

[AIWGuru]

USB is not for networking. The answer to all of your questions is no.
Buying a special device to allow you to hook up two PCs via usb is RETARDED! Just buy a damn crossover cable.
Man...

 

[BCinSC]

DUDE, CHILL. AS STATED I HAVE A CROSSOVER CABLE. WHAT I WANT IS TO MINIMIZE HARDWARE AND BOOT FROM SHARED IMAGE.

 

[EeyoreX]

USB is not for networking. The answer to all of your questions is no.
Buying a special device to allow you to hook up two PCs via usb is RETARDED! Just buy a damn crossover cable.
Man...

USB.org FAQ. I call your attention to Q5. Was USB designed for networking? Probably not. Can you go telling people it is it for networking and you are certain he can't do what he wants with USB? No you can not. Obiously the USB Implemeters Forum says networking can be done. Who are you to say otherwise? Of course before anyone goes plugging USB cables in willy-nilly. Read the following question as well

As far as sharing the CD-ROM, you should be able to plug it in to one computer, use Windows to share it and have other computer(s) access it. No guarantees from me, I'm just guessing here. For booting from though, I think that's more sketchy, but I think that could work too...

\Dan