What All Ethernet Port Should Have

Posted in Apple 4 years, 10 months ago.

I was just listening to Leo Leporte’s KFI podcast (Episode #173) and as is always the case when I listen to Leo’s podcasts, learning something I can’t believe I didn’t know.

Apparently, Powerbooks (the newer ones at least) feature auto sensing ethernet ports. What does that mean? Well if you’ve ever wanted to transfer files from on computer to another without a wireless or wired network, you’ll know that you typically need a crossover cable to allow the two computers to connect. It seems that Powerbooks (and maybe other Apple models) have the ability to determine that you are attempting to connect two computers directly to each other and with a standard ethernet cable will reverse the port connections, simulating a crossover cable.

Brillant!