Making Laptop a wi-fi Hotspot?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Making Laptop a wi-fi Hotspot?

scuwp

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#110486 10-Oct-2012 09:15

Sorry, I am not big on networking with only very basic knowledge on the subject, and I hope this is the correct forum.

Long story, but bottom line is that I have a work Toshiba lappy that connect to our own LAN, and sometimes a Telecom 3G stick when on the road. I want to be able to use the lappy as a wi-fi hotspot to connect iphone and ipad to, mostly when at work on the LAN, but through the 3G network as well if possible.

Lappy is running Win XP SP3

A Google search indicates it may be possible, but I cannot find any instructions for SP3. All on-line tutorials for XP have different looking menus (possibly SP2?) and I cannot locate the 'ad-hoc' network setting they all refer to. I don't know enough to go digging through the menus.

I fear this may be blocked by our IS services, or even disabled in the OS, but if it's possible I would like to give it a crack.

Can anyone provide a step-by-step or link to how I could achieve this?

Thanks

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freitasm

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#698886 10-Oct-2012 09:37

Look at Connectify for this.

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sonyxperiageek

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#698900 10-Oct-2012 10:10

I use Intel's My WiFi Technology for that. Does both 3G and WiFi.

Sony

freitasm

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#698905 10-Oct-2012 10:14

Sure but your wireless adapter needs to be an Intel Wireless adapter. Not all laptops have these.

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sonyxperiageek

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#698911 10-Oct-2012 10:15

Yes, forgot to mention..

Sony

scuwp

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#698940 10-Oct-2012 10:41

Looked exactly what I needed, however the program is prevented from running by the security software. Flags it as a "VPN/Proxy" program which apparently isn't permitted. I can't change the security settings, that's all locked down by the IT dept.

I may chuck it on the home computer however, it may come in handy.

Back to the drawing board....sigh

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gzt

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#699281 10-Oct-2012 18:59

Look into Bluetooth. The existing software for the image may allow it without adding anything.

Dell

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bairdo

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#699316 10-Oct-2012 20:32

I used to use virtual router, http://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/
it uses the virtual adapter in windows, so you can have a wifi connection and shar it at the same time

I have also seen but havent used "My Router".

scuwp

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#699390 10-Oct-2012 22:34

Will check out the Bluetooth option, good idea. Unfortunately Virtualrouter is only for Win7, however "My Router" looks ok, will give that a crack tomorrow as well. Cheers

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scuwp

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#699461 11-Oct-2012 08:16

Unfortunately cant even get "My Router" to run. Program just crashes on launch.

Cheers anyway, looks like our IT dept have successfully thwarted this option.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

freitasm

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#699464 11-Oct-2012 08:23

Yes! The IT Crowd wins again!

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gzt

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#699489 11-Oct-2012 09:13

Btw, see if you have ICS available: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126

Most likely you do not (disabled with group policy) and that was part of the problem setting up in your first attempt. It's easier if you have it.

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scuwp

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#699608 11-Oct-2012 11:52

gzt: Btw, see if you have ICS available: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126

Most likely you do not (disabled with group policy) and that was part of the problem setting up in your first attempt. It's easier if you have it.

Nope...I think that's the end of the line for that idea. Seems silly as it seems a simple solution to save on 3G data.

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DrStrangelove

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#699693 11-Oct-2012 14:19

If you ever spot a CNet CQU-906 in your travels then buy it. I recommend them and they're not expensive. (approx $30.00 -$35.00)

PBTech used to stock them, but don't any more.

CNet - CQU-906 Wireles-N Pico USB Dongle

The support and downloadable software not only has the usual driver, but comes with a WiFi administration app that can be set into an Access Point(AP) or a client. It's so plug and play.. it almost scared me.

Is works on WinXP and Win7 and if my memory doesn't fail me, Win8.

Anyway, I'm just popping out for a cheeky wee cig.

[Moderator edit (MF): fixed your broken link, added YOUTUBE code]

freitasm

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#699707 11-Oct-2012 14:42

DrStrangelove: If you ever spot a CNet CQU-906 in your travels then buy it. I recommend them and they're not expensive. (approx $30.00 -$35.00)

PBTech used to stock them, but don't any more.

CNet - CQU-906 Wireles-N Pico USB Dongle

Geekzone Prices search for this.

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