Hi fritz, the USB cable that I have for connecting 2 computers together for a "Network Connection" has an Electronic unit part way along the cable. The "Electronics" are required to allow the USB ports in the Computers to talk to each other. Basically the same "idea" as a "Crossover" cable for "Serial" or "Ethernet" cables between 2 Computers.
I expect the "Electronics" are required in the case of USB because there are a smaller number of "Wires" in a USB Cable.
