Point-to-Point Connections, Infrared, Powerline and Phoneline Options

When networking two computers, the cheapest and simplest way to connect them is through a point-to-point connection. Crossover cabling, direct cable connection (DCC), or infrared connections are three methods for building point-to-point home networks: (see below)

Direct Cable Connection (DCC) is a feature built into Windows computers beginning with Windows 95. Direct Cable Connection (DCC) is only available on Windows computers. Learn more about DCC here:

• About Windows Direct Cable Connection (DCC)

Crossover cabling works best when networking computers running different operating systems. Crossover cabling also support the Fast Ethernet speeds required for a shared home Internet connection.

Mobile computers typically support infrared networking via built-in infrared ports. Infrared networks run at slow speeds but are extremely useful for point-to-point file sharing.

Powerline networks use the electrical power lines of a home instead of Ethernet cables to transmit network data. Phoneline networks utilize telephone lines run between different rooms of a home. Both powerline and phoneline options can be set up by purchasing special kits for that purpose.

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