F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks HDMI can function as a network cable, connecting devices via Ethernet.

HDMI can function as a network cable, connecting devices via Ethernet.

HDMI can function as a network cable, connecting devices via Ethernet.

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Charlie_1898
Junior Member
41
11-18-2020, 09:16 AM
#1
Yes, you can transmit data via HDMI to link two computers, similar to how Ethernet works. Since HDMI supports high bandwidth—around 50 Gbps—it could serve as a powerful networking channel. Explore HDMI over Ethernet setups or use HDMI as a physical media carrier for file sharing and streaming.
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Charlie_1898
11-18-2020, 09:16 AM #1

Yes, you can transmit data via HDMI to link two computers, similar to how Ethernet works. Since HDMI supports high bandwidth—around 50 Gbps—it could serve as a powerful networking channel. Explore HDMI over Ethernet setups or use HDMI as a physical media carrier for file sharing and streaming.

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NLgamerBanaan
Junior Member
20
11-18-2020, 12:16 PM
#2
Unlikely to hear otherwise, particularly with standard gear. Key points to note are that HDMI doesn't support bidirectional 50Gbps transmission—data flows only in one direction from source to output.
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NLgamerBanaan
11-18-2020, 12:16 PM #2

Unlikely to hear otherwise, particularly with standard gear. Key points to note are that HDMI doesn't support bidirectional 50Gbps transmission—data flows only in one direction from source to output.

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yudencio
Member
65
11-22-2020, 01:30 AM
#3
it's not just one-way, with 50gbps streaming directly into the RAM and not relying on any external storage medium
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yudencio
11-22-2020, 01:30 AM #3

it's not just one-way, with 50gbps streaming directly into the RAM and not relying on any external storage medium

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iblackg4mer
Junior Member
14
11-22-2020, 06:24 AM
#4
Two HDMI cables linking the devices could ensure a stable connection.
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iblackg4mer
11-22-2020, 06:24 AM #4

Two HDMI cables linking the devices could ensure a stable connection.

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Inf3rno
Member
186
11-22-2020, 11:47 AM
#5
By the end of the day, the HDMI cable would just be cables. Without suitable network controllers at each end, performance would stay capped at Gigabit or 10Gbit.
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Inf3rno
11-22-2020, 11:47 AM #5

By the end of the day, the HDMI cable would just be cables. Without suitable network controllers at each end, performance would stay capped at Gigabit or 10Gbit.

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200
11-22-2020, 01:26 PM
#6
It's worth mentioning that the HDMI cable itself isn't particularly advanced—it's simply a collection of wires connecting two points. What really matters is the equipment that powers the HDMI cable. Network cards handle significantly more tasks when managing 50Gbps packets versus a graphics card sending the same amount of video data. They need to manage queuing, communicate more often between computers, perform frequent handshakes to verify everything functions, and handle encryption, decryption of packet headers, and checksum verification. Consequently, only about 10Gbps of actual usable information is transmitted, not the full 50Gbps. In the case of Ethernet, this overhead makes it clear that combining two 10Gbps ethernet cables would yield better results than trying to force 50Gbps through a single cable with high overhead.
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TheRealVaxor69
11-22-2020, 01:26 PM #6

It's worth mentioning that the HDMI cable itself isn't particularly advanced—it's simply a collection of wires connecting two points. What really matters is the equipment that powers the HDMI cable. Network cards handle significantly more tasks when managing 50Gbps packets versus a graphics card sending the same amount of video data. They need to manage queuing, communicate more often between computers, perform frequent handshakes to verify everything functions, and handle encryption, decryption of packet headers, and checksum verification. Consequently, only about 10Gbps of actual usable information is transmitted, not the full 50Gbps. In the case of Ethernet, this overhead makes it clear that combining two 10Gbps ethernet cables would yield better results than trying to force 50Gbps through a single cable with high overhead.

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FlamingHoeTrap
Junior Member
9
11-22-2020, 09:38 PM
#7
I don’t own any 10 gigabit NICs, yet even that speed surpasses anything else.
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FlamingHoeTrap
11-22-2020, 09:38 PM #7

I don’t own any 10 gigabit NICs, yet even that speed surpasses anything else.

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Mandy2727
Member
231
11-24-2020, 02:50 PM
#8
You could use 40Gbit NICs and build a custom adapter like a QSFP+ to HDMI, then connect them together. If it works without issues, you can measure speed using tools such as iperf. I’m not sure if iperf supports 40Gbit, but it’s worth checking.
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Mandy2727
11-24-2020, 02:50 PM #8

You could use 40Gbit NICs and build a custom adapter like a QSFP+ to HDMI, then connect them together. If it works without issues, you can measure speed using tools such as iperf. I’m not sure if iperf supports 40Gbit, but it’s worth checking.

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Odog000
Junior Member
31
11-27-2020, 03:24 PM
#9
Yes, some programs can use the graphics card to send or receive data. This often involves specialized drivers or software that leverage the GPU for communication purposes.
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Odog000
11-27-2020, 03:24 PM #9

Yes, some programs can use the graphics card to send or receive data. This often involves specialized drivers or software that leverage the GPU for communication purposes.

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Bmaster5026
Member
229
11-27-2020, 05:09 PM
#10
Be aware of this important note. To ensure the Ethernet link functions correctly, you need two devices that both support Ethernet via HDMI (they should be marked HEC compatible). This setup is still emerging, so many users are exploring it now. In essence, these future-ready cables aim to bridge present needs with upcoming technology.
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Bmaster5026
11-27-2020, 05:09 PM #10

Be aware of this important note. To ensure the Ethernet link functions correctly, you need two devices that both support Ethernet via HDMI (they should be marked HEC compatible). This setup is still emerging, so many users are exploring it now. In essence, these future-ready cables aim to bridge present needs with upcoming technology.