How can i set up a lan with out a router/server

[timmy]

I have 2 standard computers 1 with xp 1 with vista. Can i set-up a lan without a router/server for multi-player gaming. I have tried an ethernet cable from one computer to the other and the computers sensed that they where conected but when i went to set-up a multi player game i got an eror mesage saying could not conect to surver. How can i cheaply fix this? PLZ reply with an anser i don't want to have to buy a server.

 

[seboj]

Now I may be wrong, but I don't think it's possible to do what you're wanting w/out a router. If someone knows a way, please correct me.

 

[montyuk]

you had the wrong type of cable, you need a twisted pair, i have one of these somewhere that i bought ages ago, obviously cant find it when i need it.

a standard straight cable can only be used for connecting to a router, a twisted cable its like the old twisted null modems in that it tricks the computer into thinking its connected via a router.

could always look for a second hand cheap router off ebay.

 

[Devastator_uk]

Actually although the cable you need is a twisted pair, so is the one you use to connect to a router, what is needed is a crossover cable rather than a straight (or patch) cable.

UK:
http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/Cables-and-Tools/subcat/Crossover
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/2m-Cross-Over-(X-Over)-CAT-5e-RJ45-Cable-10-100-GbE-(XRT-602)

US:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2052810132%201230513960&name=5E%20(Crossover)

 

[montyuk]

well done dev, for the life of me i couldnt remember what it was called!