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Intel Mac mini Q&A - Revised November 4, 2009
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How do I network the Intel Mac mini to another Mac?
There are several ways to network an Intel Mac mini to another Mac.
Wirelessly (AirPort/AirPort Extreme)
As all Intel Mac mini models are equipped with AirPort Extreme (802.11g), two Mac mini models, or one Intel Mac mini and another AirPort or AirPort Extreme-equipped Mac, can be networked together without the AirPort hardware access point by using "direct computer-to-computer communications" within a range of approximately 50 meters.
For Macs that have 10Base-T or 10/100Base-T or faster Ethernet installed and are capable of running MacOS 8.6 or higher, the first Mac can be added to an AirPort network via a crossover Ethernet cable between the computer and the hardware access point and the Mac mini can be added to the same network by the wireless AirPort Extreme connection.
Wired (Ethernet)
If you're not interested in using wireless networking, an Intel Mac mini also can be connected with a standard Ethernet cable to many other recent models. For older systems, assuming that Ethernet is installed, you can just use a simple crossover cable, or Ethernet cables and a hub, to connect another Mac to the Mac mini. Although it has not been updated in quite some time, Three Macs & A Printer covers basic types of wired networking in-depth.
Firewire (400 or 800)
The Intel Mac mini can also be connected to another FireWire-equipped Mac (note that models released prior to the "Early 2009" series on March 3, 2009 have Firewire "400" whereas the "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" models have Firewire "800"), by using "FireWire Target Disk Mode". In this mode, the other computer simply will appear as a second hard drive on the desktop of the Mac mini. According to Apple "to use Target Disk Mode, simply connect the computers using a FireWire cable, then start the second computer while holding down the 'T' key on its keyboard."
For additional information, please refer to "How to Use Firewire Target Disk Mode" from the Apple Support Site.
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