Null-Modem Cable

What Does Null-Modem Cable Mean?

A null-modem cable is a type of specialized cable that allows users to eliminate traditional device-linking systems (such as a modem). With a null-modem cable, users can link two computers to enable direct communication through serial port connections.

Techopedia Explains Null-Modem Cable

Typically, null-modem cables utilize RS-232 communications ports for transmission and receipt. Use of these cables may require handshake authentication. Null-modem cables are often used for localized gaming, where two computers are in proximity, or for linking a specific computer to a greater hardware system. The basic idea of using null-modem cables is that those who are paying for hardware setups can eliminate the purchase of connecting devices or more costly solutions just by using one of these crossover cables.

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

All Articles by Margaret Rouse