Smart & Connected Life Working From Home How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network A direct connection is the simplest way to network by Bradley Mitchell Writer An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. our editorial process LinkedIn Bradley Mitchell Updated on February 03, 2021 reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Lifewire Tech Review Board Member Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. our review board Article reviewed on May 31, 2020 Michael Barton Heine Jr Tweet Share Email Working From Home The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Online The Ultimate Guide to Online Learning at Home The Ultimate Guide to Skype What to Know Connect both computers with one cable, such as an ethernet crossover or special-purpose USB cable.Or, connect the PCs through a central infrastructure, such as an ethernet or USB hub. Two cables are required.For newer computers and laptops, connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared. Wi-Fi is preferred. This article explains how to connect two computers to one home network. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and an internet connection. Lifewire / Maddy Price Connect Two Computers Directly With a Cable The conventional method to network two computers involves making a dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. You need an Ethernet crossover cable, a null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable, or special-purpose USB cables. Ethernet Connections The Ethernet method is the preferred choice as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal configuration required. Also, Ethernet technology offers the most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two computers to be built later. If one of your computers possesses an Ethernet adapter, but the other has USB, an Ethernet crossover cable can be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port. Serial and Parallel Connections This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection in Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option if you have Ethernet cables readily available, and network speed is not a concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than two computers. USB Connections Ordinary USB 2.0 or newer cables with Type-A connectors can connect two computers directly to each other. You may prefer this option over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters. To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial, or parallel cables requires that: Each computer has a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable.The network settings on each computer are appropriately configured. One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers for networking. Connect Two Computers With a Cable Through a Central Infrastructure Rather than cable two computers directly, the computers can be joined indirectly through a central network fixture. This method requires two network cables, one connecting each computer to the fixture. Several types of fixtures exist for home networking: Ethernet hubs, switches, and routers.USB hubs.Phoneline and powerline wall outlets. Implementing this method often entails an additional up-front cost to purchase more cables and network infrastructure. However, it's a general-purpose solution that accommodates any reasonable number of devices (for example, ten or more). You will likely prefer this approach if you intend to expand your network in the future. Most cabled networks use Ethernet technology. Alternatively, USB hubs work well, while powerline and phoneline home networks offer a unique form of central infrastructure. The standard Ethernet solutions are generally reliable and offer high performance. Connect Two Computers Wirelessly In recent years, wireless solutions have increased in popularity for home networking. As with cabled solutions, several wireless technologies exist to support basic two-computer networks. Wi-Fi Connections Wi-Fi connections can reach a greater distance than wireless alternatives. Many newer computers, especially laptops, contain built-in Wi-Fi capability, making it the preferred choice in most situations. Wi-Fi can be used either with or without a network fixture. With two computers, Wi-Fi networking minus a fixture (also called ad-hoc mode) is especially simple to set up. Bluetooth Connections Bluetooth technology supports reasonably high-speed wireless connections between two computers without the need for a network fixture. Bluetooth is commonly used when networking a computer with a consumer handheld device like a cellphone. Most desktop and older computers do not possess Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth works best if both devices are in the same room in close proximity to each other. Consider Bluetooth if you have an interest in networking with handheld devices and your computers lack Wi-Fi capability. Infrared Connections Infrared networking existed on laptops years before either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technologies became popular. Infrared connections work between two computers, do not require a fixture, and are reasonably fast. Being simple to set up and use, consider infrared if your computers support it, and you lack the desire to invest effort in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If you find mention of an alternative wireless technology called HomeRF, you can safely ignore it. HomeRF technology became obsolete several years ago and is not a practical option for home networking. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit