Do I have to get an WAP?

[AdamDuritz99]

If i just want to network 3 PCs together, do I have to buy a access point? Can I just put NICs in each pc and let them connect together. Or will that not work?

peace
sean

 

[ktwebb]

Most client cards have an Ad Hoc mode (Peer to Peer). The only thing you would need to be assured of is that all three machines are within range of each other. A to B and C, not just A to B. B to A and C. C to A and B, etc.... Generally that would mean the same room or very close to it. An AP provides a centralized location for network access but it's not mandatory if you organize your wireless clients properly. Just look for Ad Hoc mode on literature, white papers, product details etc.. when you are looking for client cards. You might want to consider USB clients since most have 4 or 5 foot pigtails that allow you to arrange the antennas. If your planning on using desktops, most PCI PCMCIA adapter solutions do not work well when range is a concern since the antennas are generally sitting behind your PC. Laptops are not so much of an issue.

 

[JackMDS]

Most Wireless Client Cards can be configured in AD-Hoc mode.

In Ad-Hoc mode two cards can talk on to the other, some brand have cards and drivers that can handle threesome.

However, WAP with two cards will probably get you a faster and more secure Wireless Network, and is not much expensive then three Cards

 

[ktwebb]

If there is a limitation on how many cards can communicate in Ad Hoc it would be a driver set introducing the limitation, and not the other way around. Ad Hoc in the wireless community is simply a Peer to Peer wireless workgroup without the AP. There is no limitation in number of cards that will talk with each other. The limitation with and Ad Hoc environment is accessibility from node to node based on location and individual client cell size, not a client card connection limitation. I'd love to see some literature that states their Wi-Fi cards will only work in Ad Hoc mode with one more card. I suppose it is possible that the budget hardware Mfg's do something like this though I can't really come up with a reason why other than they want you buy an AP. I've never run into something like that however my experience is with commercial/corporate grade wireless equipment, with only limited SOHO hardware. If Linksys, Netgear, D-Link etc... do limit the number of Ad Hoc connections they should all be castrated.