Re: Directly connecting two computers

[Alex Mestiashvili <alex@biotec.tu-dresden.de>]

On 04/26/2014 08:56 PM, Richard Hector wrote:
> On 27/04/14 05:36, Martin wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have two computer that I want to connect directly, similarly as I did
> > long time ago with Null-Modem cable ( or LapLink cable).
> >
> > I have obtained a crossover ethernet cable that I plug in network card
> > of each computer. Now the problem is how to configure eth0 on both
> > computer so they can communicate.
> >
> > In /etc/hosts on both computers I have
> > 192.168.231.2   neolit
> > 192.168.231.3   paleolit
> All good so far.
>
> > On one computer I have this entry in /etc/network/interfaces
> > auto eth0
> > iface eth0 inet static
> >      address 192.168.231.3
> >      pointopoint 192.168.231.2
> >      netmask 255.255.255.255
> I don't know if pointopoint can work with ethernet cards, but anyway
> there's no need for it.

The netmask is obviously wrong.

point-to-point is 31 bit - the last octet of the netmask  is 254.

if the op wants to have a smallest possible subnetwork than he can go 
with 30 bit - 255.255.255.254.

Regards,
Alex