Connecting Two Macs to Ethernet

[hughvane]

I have just purchased an M2 Mini (abbr. M23), and am in the tortuous process of setting it up to utilise 64-bit software.

I need to transfer various apps and other software from my M18 which is still, and will remain on, OS Yosemite. The router has facility for four ethernet devices. I have a spare long cable but have to run it across the floor - not a good idea at my age/stage.

Is it possible to have one Mini connected to the router by cable (preferred), the other using Wireless?

 

[MacInWin]

Yes. As long as both are logged into the same network, how they get there is immaterial.

Congratulations on the new system!

EDIT: It might be better/faster if you have a current backup of the old system to use that drive directly attached to the new Mini and use Migration Assistant to do the move. That way you get the fastest interface speeds (the drive and port).

 

[hughvane]

Yes. As long as both are logged into the same network, how they get there is immaterial.
Congratulations on the new system!

Thank you, and both Minis are connected to the internet successfully.

Moving on - the next battle is with two Minis to one monitor, toggling from one to the other via an HDMI switch. There is 32-bit material I use on a daily basis, so just the later Mini with Ventura is not satisfactory.

For reasons best known to itself, the switch has failed to recognise the M23, so I'm down to pulling the HDMI plug from one to push into the other. I read somewhere aeons ago that it is not advisable to do so 'live' in case of arcing, but so far (eyes/fingers crossed) it has worked. Thoughts?

 

[MacInWin]

Well, in the long run using a monitor that way is very inefficient. I would recommend a second monitor for the old one if you like the monitor you have and want to move it to the new Mini, or a new monitor better fitted to the specs on the new Mini if you want to go that way. Pesonally, I would never use a KVM or monitor switch because of the complications involved in making it work.

 

[ferrarr]

Most monitors have multiple inputs, and can be easily switched between inputs.

 

[hughvane]

I would recommend a second monitor for the old one if you like the monitor you have and want to move it to the new Mini, or a new monitor better fitted to the specs on the new Mini if you want to go that way.

Thanks again, but space is the deciding factor. Already I have a third Mini (M10), used for functions that Apple abandoned. It is connected to a 22" S'sung monitor, which had been used with the M18 until I decided on something bigger (mainly) for gaming.

I do have the option of stacking the M18 over or beside the M10 to use the smaller monitor, but I'd rather stay at this work station if I can, mobility being my major challenge. I'll try the pull-and-plug - very carefully - meanwhile.

 

[hughvane]

Most monitors have multiple inputs, and can be easily switched between inputs.

Thank you, and I confess that I have not gone to great lengths to learn how to drive this S'sung 28" to do as you suggest with two Ms and two HDMI cables.

 

[pm-r]

Thank you, and both Minis are connected to the internet successfully.

The Wi-Fi connection is certainly handy and convenient, but if you prefer usually much better speed and reliability, you might want to consider using an ethernet cable instead for that connection as well as long as it is within the normal maximum 328ft / 100m cable length, and if your printer or any other devices are ethernet/network capable, I would be inclined to add them as well to your ethernet Network.

Most normal routers would have enough ethernet connection ports to do that easily.

And for using your two monitors, there are lots of quite affordable HDMI switches available.

I don't know what you are doing about your keyboard and mice for each Mac you will probably need, but there used to be switches available to accommodate that situation as well if they still work with current Mac models.




- Patrick
=======

 

[hughvane]

The Wi-Fi connection is certainly handy and convenient, but ... better speed and reliability ... using an ethernet cable.

And for using your two monitors, there are lots of quite affordable HDMI switches available.

I don't know what you are doing about your keyboard and mice for each Mac.
Patrick

Thank you Patrick, your input is much appreciated.

Scenario:
•Two Minis at this work station, M23 and M18
•One S'sung 28" monitor via dedicated HDMI cable
•One Mini (M10) on a separate desk with a S'sung 22" monitor - used occasionally for older apps.

I use an ethernet cable slung up a wall, across the ceiling then down to the router. It works well with the available (o-cable) speed. It is well within length limits.

For printing I use
•a Brother monochrome laser, connected via USB cable - works well
•a Canon MG inkjet printer connected via USB cable, it also operates on wifi if I can get the setup right.

Mouse - Rapoo wireless x 3, one for each Mini, toggling isn't really necessary
Keyboard - Apple bluetooth compact (+ other random b/t k'boards).

Essentially, tho not ideally, I can pull-and-plug cables like ethernet and HDMI seeing the M18 sits atop the M23 atop a Promate cooling base. I've managed so far to avoid arcing from the HDMI plug.

I shall investigate HDMI switches further. One of the two I have does work, but erratically.

EP

 

[Slydude]

Just a couple of thoughts based on a quick read of your setup. I might have other ideas when I re-read more carefully later.

If either of your monitors supports being connected to two computers simultaneously that's a great solution as Bob has mentioned. Monitors which support this generally have more than one input port and, once the connections are made, switching among computers is usually done by flipping a switch on the monitor.

This method has been much more reliable than an HDMI switch. The one drawback I've found is that some of the monitors have the switch in a dead awkward position if you use it frequently.

I've used Apple's built-in screen sharing and remote control options for situations like this--especially if space is tight. One keyboard and mouse can control both computers. With this setup, I can start a task on one machine and switch to the other machine. Flipping back and forth as needed. The computer that is sharing its screen appears in a window that can be minimized.. When you need to control that machine, clicking in that window changes the focus of the keyboard and mouse to that computer.

If the computers are sharing the same desk I often use a Bluetooth keyboard that supports pairing with multiple devices. Switching among the devices is usually as simple as touching a specific key on the keyboard.

 

[hughvane]

Mini 23 + Mini 18 are connected with their separate HDMI cables to one Samsung LU2855 with three HDM inputs. I have investigated Samsung's web page, and Display settings, for an answer to this question, but no joy.

How to toggle from one Mini to the other while both are connected, and switched on?

 

[MacInWin]

You do that on the monitor itself. You'll have to look in the User manual for that monitor. It came with the unit. If you don't have it, you can go to Samsung and search for that model and look for documentation there. Typically, it's either a software switch that you get to through the setup menu, or a button on the remote control that allows selection of the input on the monitor.

EDIT: No need to start another thread, the question could have been posted on the other one you have open.

 

[MacInWin]

This might be the manual for that monitor. Samsung has no LU2855 manual listed, but this is for the 28R55 series.

https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202004/20200424093114575/BN46-01082A-Eng.pdf

 

[hughvane]

This might be the manual for that monitor. Samsung has no LU2855 manual listed, but this is for the 28R55 series.

https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202004/20200424093114575/BN46-01082A-Eng.pdf

Thank you, I have dowloaded a similar manual, but it has not filled me with great excitement. There are things there that just do not work in reality, eg. the Function Key Guide. I plan to dedicate this coming week to an Up Close and Personal encounter wth the Samsung manual/monitor.