Does one need a dedicated router to share internet or can it be done in software between two computers?

[prowsej]

I am using a laptop. My roommates have an iMac (that they bought last year).

Today I bought a wireless router in order to get wireless internet on my laptop. But it occurred to me - I'm sitting on the couch next to their iMac - isn't there a way to share internet access without a separate wireless router? In Windows it appears that there is a way to create ad hoc networks between devices. Does one need a dedicated router to share internet or can it be done in software between two computers? Shouldn't there be some way to create such mesh networks?

This is a pretty basic question. Any insight you may have would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[MustISO]

You can do internet connection sharing but the router is a MUCH better method.

 

[Athena]

This is a no brainer: the cheapest wireless router avaialbe is a much better solution than trying to use Internet Sharing Connection -- especially if you are working cross-platform.

 

[spidey07]

As posted above - you can. But it's idiotic to do so. If 20-30 bucks is that important to use a painful solution then you have deeper problems and need to get a better hobby than trying to reinvent the wheel.

In networking there are very many ways to accomplish things. You CAN do a lot. Doesn't mean it's a good idea to do so.

 

[TheStu]

1: Hook the iMac up to the modem over ethernet.
2: Go to System Preferences and select 'Sharing'
3: Pick 'Internet Sharing' from the list on the left
4: You then choose to share it from: Ethernet
5: To Computers Using: Airport
6: Hit the 'AirPort Options' button on the bottom right
7: Choose your network name (defaults to the name of the system) and other options like security).

That is all there is to it. OS X's Internet Sharing puts Windows' to shame, regardless of what version you are running. It is pretty easy to set up (those 7 steps take all of like 2 minutes to take care of) and it will work, no problem, cross platform and even then into a router.

However, the advantage of the router is for additional things like port forwarding, DMZs, and things of that nature.

 

[JackMDS]

With Wireless Router being so inexpensive it is kind of "Silly" to do Ad-Hoc.

However you ask for it you got it.

Part 1 - http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tut...ls/article.php/3821946

Part 2 - http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tut...ls/article.php/3822651

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: TheStu
1: Hook the iMac up to the modem over ethernet.
2: Go to System Preferences and select 'Sharing'
3: Pick 'Internet Sharing' from the list on the left
4: You then choose to share it from: Ethernet
5: To Computers Using: Airport
6: Hit the 'AirPort Options' button on the bottom right
7: Choose your network name (defaults to the name of the system) and other options like security).

That is all there is to it. OS X's Internet Sharing puts Windows' to shame, regardless of what version you are running. It is pretty easy to set up (those 7 steps take all of like 2 minutes to take care of) and it will work, no problem, cross platform and even then into a router.

However, at the end of the day you are still running a Mac :frown:

Fixed that for you...

 

[Rifter]

You can do ICS no problem through software but unless you have a dedicated server thats up and on 24/7 i dont see the point, just spend the $30 on a router.

 

[prowsej]

Thanks for the replies. It's good to know that it's possible to do this in software. Next time I face this situation and don't have a router I'll try out the software approach myself to see how it works.

I had previously tried out what you suggested in software on the Mac and it didn't work. When I tried to do it the relevant option was greyed out. So that's when I gave up and bought the router.

 

[TheStu]

Was the airport actually turned on at that point? I don't think I have ever had the option greyed out, even now when I have nothing connected to my macbook except some headphones.

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: prowsej
Thanks for the replies. It's good to know that it's possible to do this in software. Next time I face this situation and don't have a router I'll try out the software approach myself to see how it works.

I had previously tried out what you suggested in software on the Mac and it didn't work. When I tried to do it the relevant option was greyed out. So that's when I gave up and bought the router.

The time & frustration that's usually involved with trying to setup ICS is simply not worth it. As stated, even the cheapest router works better than ICS and when you take into account that you have to leave the computer on 24/7, the power consumption in one month alone would buy a decent wireless router.