Tutorial of Creating No-Router Wireless Network with Wi-Fi or ad-hoc Network

The co-operation between persons is becoming stronger and stronger in this Internet time. So does the shared materials. Imagine that you want to share your internet accessibility options with other notebooks or desktops in your room with all your friends or colleagues, but you have to do a series of connection with routers or access points. Thus, leaving apart internet is the trend. But how to create a wireless network without applying routers is a problem. There are two ways you can choose: by Wi-Fi or ad-hoc network.

First, let’s make clear what is the different between Wi-Fi and ad-hoc network.

1. Generally, to set up Ad Hoc networking, your main computer needs to have an Ethernet based Internet connection as well as a Wireless (WLAN) network adapter. But in the case of Virtual Wi-Fi, the Ethernet card is optional so you can turn a laptop into a hotspot even if your laptop itself is connected to a Wireless network and not to an Ethernet cable.

2. Computers and other wireless devices in ad hoc networks must be within 30 feet of each other but there’s no such restriction in the case of Virtual Wireless networks.

3. Ad-Hoc wireless networking is available on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 while Virtual WiFi, which is much easier to setup, is available on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008.

Second, let’s share the advantages and disadvantages of no-router wireless network.

Advantage:

1. It is easy to setup with no additional Software being needed

2. It's Free without purchasing any hub or routers or service.

3. Nowadays, by default Wi-fi or Wireless Card is included when you bought a computer especially in laptops.

4. It has strong portability and mobility

Disadvantage:

1. The computer that is connected to the Internet (Gateway) must always be turned on. Unlike using a router, you can turn off any computers in the network.

2. Wireless communication quality and the Data safety performance are not so well as Bluetooth.  

3. Its distance and range are limited.

Third, let’s come to the steps of creating no-router wireless network

1. Choose a computer to use as a router, which must be operating for any other computers or devices to connect to the network.

2. In the Control Panel, click on “Network and sharing center”.  Select “Set up a connection or Network”.

3. Choose “Set up a wireless ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network” and click on it. If the box is grayed out, press "Advanced" in the "Wireless Networks" tab and choose "Computer to computer (ad hoc) network."

4. Type a name for the network. Choose whether to use a wireless network key or not.

5. Always remember to make the security type “WPA-2 Personal”. Notify that this security type prevails over other types since it enables genuine wireless network security.

6. Make sure you select “Save this network” option else the ad hoc network will be removed if no other computers / devices are connecting to the network. 

(You can also choose your network type as “WEP”. Give a preferred network name and chose the “Security type” as “WEP”. The next step deals with providing a security key to the network to be built.)

7. Enable ICS on the router computer, which will allow you to share your Internet connection.

Right click your Internet connection and then choose "Advanced." Check the "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" check box. Choose "Wireless Network Connection" and press "OK."

8. Select the shared network from other computers to connect. Right click the wireless networks icon in the notification tray. Press "View Available Networks." Select the appropriate network name and press "Connect."

Additionally, if you are on Windows 7, you can instantly turn your computer into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot without having to configure anything. All you need is the free software called Virtual Router and the computer connected to the internet must be running Windows 7.

Referred link:  
www.techtipsgeek.com/create-wireless-home-network-router-windows-7vista/5182/