null modem cable
Definition: A null modem cable connects to two standard serial ports for networking two computers together. Null modem cables enable direct data transfer with a minimum of setup required. A null modem cable differs from ordinary serial cables the same way as Ethernet crossover cables differ from ordinary Ethernet cables. Null modem cables reverse the transmit and receive lines on end to enable direct two-way communication. A null modem cable for PCs ordinarily follows the RS-232 standard and uses the same serial ports as RS-232 cables. An RS-232 null modem cable transfers data at the rate of 115 Kbps. The fastest null modem cable, based on RS-422, supports up to 450 Kbps. Today, null modem cables are used primarily by engineers.
