USB A to A Cable - can u hook up 2 computers?

[Souka]

Ok...here's the scoop... I'm a techie of sorts but I was asked a question and I had no idea, so I'd figure someone here at AT would know....

Two computers with USB 2.0 ports and WinXP OS
one USB A - A cable (both ends are flat ...will plug into usb port on system)
User wants to transfer large amount of data between two computers......

What will happen if you plug the cable and hook up both the systems?

User thought it would be an easy way of transfering files.... but a little alarm went off in my head regarding possible dammage to computer(s).....


Any thoughts? Safe? if so, what will happen?


Thanks!

 

[montag451]

will hurt the computers -
at the very least, if it is possible to do it, [don't know if it is], you would need a 'null' cable,
this would swap round tx and rx wires.

let us know if it is possible

 

[Matthias99]

will hurt the computers -
at the very least, if it is possible to do it, [don't know if it is], you would need a 'null' cable,
this would swap round tx and rx wires.

let us know if it is possible

WTF?

It works just fine; you can establish a TCP/IP network like this and transfer data without a problem. Search for "usb network" and I'm sure you'll find plenty of threads on the topic.

 

[Vagrant]

you will need a usb networking cable setup like this

http://www.aten-usa.com/main.php?loc=_category&ID=41

As Montag said, you need the little dongle in the middle to sort out the Rx and Tx and also the power channels , otherwise it could get smokey and expensive.

 

[montag451]

well, i just learnt you can network using usb.
didn't realise they did that .

i've seen usb hubs that would do the networking, that is what the swapround connector in the middle of the cable is, but not single cables.