Can I broadcast a WiFi network from my Mac or iPad in remote location?

dsc106

Senior member
May 31, 2012
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I don't need internet - just a local wifi network. I am asking because I have the "Air Display" app on my iPad which allows my Macbook Pro to have a 2nd display and works pretty well when editing on the road. But I would like to use this in a remote location with no Wifi.

I know that "AirDrop" on the new iPhones and Macs create a temporary WiFi peer-to-peer connection so I now this is TECHNICALLY possible. I have the latest everything (iPad Air/brand new Macbook Pro Retina/iOS 7 & Mavericks).

Is there anyway to broadcast a local WiFi network so that AirDisplay can connect to my Macbook and work as a 2nd display even in a remote location with no internet or wireless networks?

Thanks!
 

dsc106

Senior member
May 31, 2012
320
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PS if this is not possible is there any hardware or device or app or software I can buy that is small and portable that will allow me to broadcast a network even when I have no internet? Just for file sharing/use of AirDisplay connectivity.

I also have an iPhone 5.
 

Mushkins

Golden Member
Feb 11, 2013
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PS if this is not possible is there any hardware or device or app or software I can buy that is small and portable that will allow me to broadcast a network even when I have no internet? Just for file sharing/use of AirDisplay connectivity.

I also have an iPhone 5.

As far as I am aware, i-devices do not have the option to create an ad-hoc network. It's not that they *cant*, just that Apple saw fit not to make it a feature as filesharing in the traditional sense isn't really a feature of the devices/OS to begin with.

For AirDisplay connectivity in this setup, your best bet is a decent travel router with wireless capabilities. Nearly every major network hardware brand makes them, and you can get a pretty good one for around $30-50 USD. Just don't configure the WAN interface and you'll have a portable wireless network with no internet access wherever you have a power outlet.
 

dsc106

Senior member
May 31, 2012
320
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81
Thanks! The travel router would be perfect. I also found that you can in fact create an Ad Hoc network on OS X:

Click the WiFi in top right of Mac and click "create a network". No need for internet. Just call it "Air Display" or whatever you want. From your iPad (or Iphone or other whatever) go to WiFi, and under the network list there will also be a second list called "devices". Tap on the network you just created and enter a password if you had set one. Good to go, sans internet or router.