GoKawiilGuide details manual Ethernet cable method for fast local file transfers
A technical note explains how to move large files directly between two computers by connecting them with a standard Ethernet patch cable, manually assigning IPv6 addresses to each machine's interface, and piping data through tools like socat and dd. The author reports this setup can reach roughly 900 Mbits per second on ordinary hardware, translating to about 6.7 GB per minute, far outpacing USB drives or cloud uploads for nearby machines.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
For anyone moving files larger than about 10 GB between two nearby computers, this approach avoids the double-transfer penalty and throttling common with cloud storage, and sidesteps the unreliable speeds of WiFi. It's a low-cost, low-dependency alternative that works cross-platform without needing special hardware beyond a basic cable and jack.
- A simple Ethernet patch cable with manual IPv6 configuration can link two machines directly for file transfer.
- Speeds around 900 Mbits/second (about 6.7 GB/minute) are achievable with standard, non-specialized network hardware.
- This method beats cloud storage and WiFi for large local transfers by avoiding slow uploads, throttling, and wireless interference.
Cable Matters Cat 6 Ethernet Cable — A plain Cat 6 patch cable is all you need to wire two machines directly and push files at gigabit speeds, exactly as the article describes. Keep a few lengths in the drawer for those moments when copying to a USB drive is just too slow. Modern NICs auto-MDIX, so no crossover cable required.
See Cable Matters Cat 6 Ethernet Cable on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: maurycyz.com, 2026-08-31
Published there as: “Transfer files over an Ethernet patch cable”
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