This technical note demonstrates a simple method for transferring files directly between two Linux machines using just an Ethernet patch cable, with step-by-step commands for IP configuration and data transfer via socat. The author highlights that this approach can achieve ~900 Mbits/s transfer speeds, making it significantly faster than cloud storage or USB flash drives for large local file transfers.
Background
Direct Ethernet-to-Ethernet file transfer is a well-known technique that bypasses the need for routers, switches, or network infrastructure by assigning static IPs to two directly connected network interfaces.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Aug 30, 2026 at 09:11 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10