How to Use One Ethernet Cable on Two Different Computers

If you are trying to connect two computers to the internet, but you only have one ethernet cable, you might have a problem. Because most network setups involve each computer plugging into a router or modem with an ethernet cable, you would think that two cables are a requirement for two computers. However, it is actually possible to share an internet connection between two computers. There are many ways to do this. What follows should  give you the information you need to do it yourself.

Tools and Materials Needed:

    •    Ethernet Cable
    •    Computer
    •    Wireless Hub

Step 1 - Connecting to the Internet

First, in order to share an internet connection between two computers, you must have a way of connecting to the internet. If you are trying to conserve cables, a wireless hub is a great way to do this. However, for a wireless hub to work, one of your computers must have an up to date wireless card. If either of your computers can connect to the internet through your wireless hub, you can continue.

Step 2 - Checking the Cable

To connect two computers directly with one ethernet cable, you will need a specific kind of ethernet cable. Standard ethernet cables used to connect a computer to an external device will simply not work. For this particular job, you need a special type of ethernet cable known as a crossover cable. Crossover cables, unlike standard cables, can be used to connect two similar devices such as computers. However, identifying a crossover cable can be tricky.

If you have your cable's original packaging, you can simply check if it is labeled as a crossover cable or not. This should settle the issue of what kind of cable you have completely.

If you do not have the original package, check the pin configuration at the cable's connectors. Pay close attention to the colors of the pins, as this is how you can tell how the pins are configured. If the pins are configured in the same way on both connectors, you have a standard ethernet cable. If they are configured differently, you have a crossover cable.

If you have a crossover cable, you are almost finished. However, there are several possible solutions that you can try with a standard ethernet cable as well.

Step 3 - Connecting the Computers

If you have a crossover ethernet cable, plug one end into one computer, and another end into the other. With a few adjustments to their network settings to make sure that the computers recognize each other, they should share the wireless internet connection. If you have an extremely fast connection, and a slower ethernet cable, your second computer will be limited in connection speed. However, this is unlikely to be a significant problem.

If you have a standard cable, you could put it aside and purchase a crossover cable. Alternatively, you could try to find a different solution. For example, if you have a wireless router that has several ethernet ports, you could plug your standard cable into the wireless router and use it to connect physically to your second computer.