Is a router needed for wireless file sharing between two computers?

[rnmcd]

I am having problems setting up my wireless router so I was wondering if installing a wireless card in my laptop and another one in my PC would allow me to access files between the two computers...or is a router required?

Thanks.

 

[ericboo]

If you have a wireless router and not a wireless access point, you should be all set. You have to make sure you have TCP/IP enabled on both computers, use DHCP so they get their IP info from your wireless router, and set File/Printer sharing, share your files or directories that you want, and add the user to the opposing computer to allow access.

 

[rnmcd]

I'm trying to determine if I can do this without a router. From what I've read, I think this is a very common setup...two PCs with wireless cards will communicate between each other right?

 

[gaidin123]

Which wireless router do you have? Does it have any regular RJ-45 ethernet ports on it? Is your PC plugged in to the router via a cable and your laptop via the wireless? If so, you should have no problems with file sharing providing things are configured correctly.

2 computers with wireless cards can communicate in ad-hoc mode (without access point) but you probably don't need one for your PC.

Gaidin

 

[rnmcd]

gaidin123: I have a US Robotics 22mbs Wireless Router (Model 8022).

It does have regular RJ-45 ethernet ports on it.

Yes, my PC is plugged in to the router via an ethernet cable and my laptop has a wireless card installed.

You stated, "2 computers with wireless cards can communicate in ad-hoc mode (without access point) but you probably don't need one for your PC."
---------------------------

I probably won't need one for my PC? One what? Wireless card?

What makes the laptop card recognize another card or the router?

I must have missed a major step somewhere. I followed the quick start guide and it didn't say anything about configuring software.

 

[JackMDS]

1. You install a Wireless Card on your PC and configure the Card drivers for Ad-Hoc connection,
2. You configure the Wireless Card on your Laptop to Ad-Hoc connection they should talk directly one to the other.

However doing so you will lose the Internet Connection on the Laptop.

To regain connection with the Wireless Router you have to change the driver setting to infrastructure, but then the Laptop will not talk directly to the Desktop.

You can disconnect the Router all together and share the Internet by using NAT software (ICS), but it is going to be Quirky.

You much better off configuring the current installation, and enjoy smooth riding.