Unusal request --Direct Wire connection between laptop and desktop


  1. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #1

    Unusal request --Direct Wire connection between laptop and desktop


    Hi there

    Just wondering if this is possible

    On Desktop computer have OODLES of storage and multi-media file but slow Wifi card.

    Laptop (new) has mega fast Wifi - AC 5GHZ. Almost as fast as LAN.

    Want to chromecast some movies to a TV in a friends house.

    Can I direct Wire the laptop to the desktop so I can share the multimedia files and then use the laptops fast Wifi to beam it to the remote TV via chromecast.

    I can't run Lan cables all over the place - but if a direct connection can allow me to use the WIFI adapter of the laptop then problem solved.

    What sort of cable do I need -- I don't believe you can just stick a bit of Lan cable between the two computers (or can you).

    Years ago there was a thing called LAPLINK -- relied on old serial COM ports --that would be too slow - and in any case no COM ports on these computers.

    Any ideas --I don't care if it's "Heath Robinson" --it's not a permanent setup - but we want to watch a load of movies etc and his wifi isn't fast enough (the ISP internet service is superfine and his router is capable of high wifi speed), --We've been banished to his shed where the computer is - because the women want to do something else !!!!.

    Note - normal sharing works but is a bit of an abysmal failure since I can only get about 500 Kbs -not Mbs !!!!!) from his wifi card on the desktop so normal sharing is TOO slow. The data won't get delivered to the laptops wifi fast enough to watch the movies without re-buffering every few secs - especially if it's 1080p with subtitles that usually need transcoding on the fly).

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
       #2
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
       #3

    Addition to above: If both devices support it and the ports are designed for it. sorry.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hi there

    HDMI is MEDIA - and Internet sharing is still limited by the SLOW wifi of the desktop.

    The problem is to receive data from the desktop at a decent enough rate so the laptop cam transmit it with its much superior wifi card.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
       #5

    It was a thought, I never tried it, my HDMI Ethernet cable for PC to TV is rated 1GB.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Cliff S said:
    It was a thought, I never tried it, my HDMI Ethernet cable for PC to TV is rated 1GB.
    Hi there

    This looks as if it will work -- a LAN CROSSOVER cable

    2m Crossover Ethernet / Patch Cable: Amazon.co.uk: Computers Accessories

    Will try this --only 5 EUR once I get the scandalous VAT back from UK --we're out of the EU so doable. Amazon UK delivers OK usually here within a day or two -- will just watch UK footie and drink booze this time !!!!!.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #7

    After you get your crossover cable look in Program & Features and under Turn Windows Features on and off and activate Telnet Clint and see if that would work with communication between the two. I used that many years ago to share between systems.

    Jim
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Hi there

    Thanks for the tip -- I'd forgotten about that although telnet is still useful of course.

    Amazing how some of the early "Low Tech" solutions can still provide decent answers to these sorts of problems. !!!

    BTW in new laptops and Surface Pro tablets the built in WIFI is FAST -- I don't think I'll be the only one doing this sort of thing -- I'm not lugging a big desktop around to plug directly into a TV and I don't think the bus on the mobos of some of the older desktops would benefit anyway by changing a Wifi card -- the internel gigabyte one (LAN) will work for fast connectionto the laptop while the SATA HDD's will deliver the files to the laptop's wifi fast enough. I really don't want LAN cables all over the place so this solution looks ideal for some situations. Much easier moving a laptop !!!!

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #9

    Let us know when you get it working and the actual setup. May need it in the future.

    Jim
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:55.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums