Sharing Internet Wirelessly

7earitup

Senior member
Sep 22, 2004
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Okay, I posted this in networking also but it is getting no replies, and I kinda need an idea pretty soon.

Here is what I would like to have, so I need some help =)

I just recently ordered a laptop. I plan on using it at random places that have both wired and wireless internet. What I want to do, if possible, is for the wired locations, is there a peice of hardware that exists that can connect via USB and wirelessly share the internet from that computer? Something really easy to setup would be nice.


Let me know, and THANKS!
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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7,688
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Sure, ad-hoc. Will your laptop be the only machine accessing the wireless network? You can get either a PCI or USB adapter:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124139

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124158

If I understand correctly from your other post, there is a DSL line coming in to a DSL modem, which is connected directly to a computer. You want to be able to connect your laptop wireless to that computer's wired Internet connection. If that's correct, just buy one of those (or another) adapter and run it ad-hoc. Read more here then google for a howto:

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelessfaqs/f/adhocwireless.htm

If that is really how your network is setup, however, I would suggest buying a wireless router. This will make life much simpler for you. You would simply connect the wireless router to the DSL modem, then connect a wire to the desktop and run your laptop wirelessly. This way the desktop wouldn't have to be online 24/7 for you to access the Internet whenever you want. I've installed many wireless routers and this is by far my favorite:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124136

Tell us more about your planned network setup...
 

7earitup

Senior member
Sep 22, 2004
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Well, yes. I have setup many wireless networks also. I have one setup now in my own home. But what I am refering to is that I will be at different houses and at school, and I just want something that is plug-n-play for the most part to wirelessly share the connection on the computer. I don't mind the computer having to be on all the time.
 

7earitup

Senior member
Sep 22, 2004
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76
Here is kinda what I am looking for, if it even exists.

Broadband modem --> PC --> from USB to wireless access point --> signal to laptop

Is it possible for it to share the internet only through USB and wirelessly transmit it?
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
52,461
7,688
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Originally posted by: 7earitup
Here is kinda what I am looking for, if it even exists.

Broadband modem --> PC --> from USB to wireless access point --> signal to laptop

Is it possible for it to share the internet only through USB and wirelessly transmit it?

Certainly. Just buy a USB wifi card and configure it to run ad-hoc (peer-to-peer). There's a tutorial here if you scroll down:

http://www.jiwire.com/wi-fi-os-setup-windows-xp.htm

Let me know how it works out, I've never set one up before. Also, that Linksys USB adapter I linked above is the best one I've come across so far. I've owned five or ten USB wifi "sticks" and they are all utter crap :)
 

7earitup

Senior member
Sep 22, 2004
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76
I went ahead and ordered that one. Thank you SO MUCH for your help Kaido! =)
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
52,461
7,688
136
Originally posted by: 7earitup
So you would recommend this for my little project?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124158

Yes, definately. All of my equipment (aside from the integrated stuff) is Linksys now, I've been very pleased with it. As a side note, if you're not happy with the Linksys software, just let XP handle the wireless card. The basic idea is that you're turning your desktop computer into a wireless access point, that's all.

And you're welcome :)