Connect desktop/laptop so laptop can share internet connection

Forums › New Zealand Mobile and Wireless › Connect desktop/laptop so laptop can share internet connection - Wifi

LXD

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#13509 14-May-2007 11:10

Hi,

My girlfriend recently got a laptop with inbuilt wireless connectivity. I have the desktop which is connected to ADSL modem.

I thought it would be a good idea to connect the 2 computers wirelessy so the laptop can use the interent connection.

To this end, I purchased a Dick Smith WLAN 802.11g USB 2.0 Adaptor to plug into the desktop.

So the setup in theory is:

DESKTOP:

Windows XP

Internet through USB - internet set to 'share' with wireless adaptor

ZoneAlarm Firewall

WLAN Adaptor - running Dick Smith's own XS9947 DSE Wireless Client Utility (Any thoughts on this adaptor?)

LAPTOP:

Windows Vista

Windows Firewall

In builty Wi-Fi adapator.

I can set up a network on the desktop, which the laptop can see, but can't connect, though key is correct. I've tried both WEP and WPA security, but neither seems to work.

I set up a WEP network on the laptop, then create a connection to the desktop. But Vista on Laptop advices "limited connectivity"

I think I may be approaching this problem the wrong way, and would appreciate any suggestions on what steps to follow in setting up secure netwrok between Desktop with XP and Laptop with Vista

Cheers...

allstarnz

1719 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#70639 14-May-2007 12:03

dunno a lot about Vista, but at any rate, you need to make sure it's set up as an 'ad-hoc' network. Perhaps the setting's won't work yet because one or both adaptor aren't enabled to work in ad-hoc mode.

I have found when setting up networks, it's best to set it up unsecured, then tie it down once all is working well. That way it takes one thing out of the equation

Googling ad hoc wireless network vista seems to bring up some good results

lestag

100 posts

Master Geek

#70882 16-May-2007 15:59

allstarnz is orrect that what you are tryign to setup is a ad-hoc wireless network.

My guess is that the firewall is getting in the way.

1) turn off firewall
2) turn off wep/WPA

Then try the connectivity . if it works, then

Turn on firewall

and see if it breeaks

if still ok
then turn on wep/wpa

What ADSL modem do you have?

A little known fact is that the telecom modems e.g. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Networking-modems/ADSL-modems/auction-100253660.htm?p=13 that have a rj45 network connection that can support a number of computers (up to 10)

All you need to do is buy a network switch

http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/464a7ede00e38376273fc0a87f33070b/Product/View/XH8258

and put this between the modem and your PC network port. Then anybody that has a network cable and a network port on their laptop can connect to the internet independant of your PC

another (better) option (for wireless connectivity) is to upgrade your adsl modem to something like http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Networking-modems/Routers-firewalls/auction-99926423.htm?p=5

these two suggestions eliminates the hassle of requiring your pc to be correctly configured and on for someone to connect to the internet at your place

HTH

DeanC

lestag

100 posts

Master Geek

#70884 16-May-2007 16:04

oh and a couple of links here on google may help

http://www.google.co.nz/search?hl=en&q=vista+xp+internet+network+sharing&meta=