Desktop pc as wireless router

[Eddbot]

Hey, this is my first port in a while, i've only been lurking lately. Anyway, i have a computer question for anyone willing to give it a try. Most of the time i can figure computer things out on my own but this is a stumper.

I recently got a laptop with wireless capabilities but we don't have a wireless router. So I thought maybe i can use the wireless antenna thing on my desktop to connect to my laptop and use the desktop's wired ethernet connection to get to the internet.

I have done this before but the other way around where my xbox was connected to a laptop via ethernet cable then the laptop was connected to a wireless connection. That worked but i can't seem to get it to work the other way around. Sorry, that was kinda wordy, and i'm tired and it's late...

[starman]

A basic Linksys wireless router is $50 at Walmart. This is the way you should go.

It is possible to use the desktop as an "internet router" but I don't recommend it as a permanent mechanism and I'm too tired right now to describe to you how to do it....it is a little involved.

[Carlman]

Running the connection through a desktop only slows it as ive found.

As starman sugested, just buy a cheap router.

[TurboSuper]

You can set individual wireless network cards in "ad-hoc" mode for a cheap and easy one-host wireless AP. Bridge the wireless card with your wired interface, and if all is done right, you should be able to connect without a hitch.

Of course, there are some limitations- the host computer obviously has to be on. Also, you need a wired router somewhere to act as a DHCP server and perform NAT. Unless you want to install all these services on the PC.

I prefer a dedicated router, personally, but if you only plan on having one wireless client and are really strapped for cash, the above method works quite well.

[mark.f]

A LinkSys router, like starman said, is the best way to go. They are very versatile (as in no software required and flexible in installation), and I've currently got two PC's hardwired to mine, as well as a number of different laptops and phones using WiFi. Very easy to secure, as well, although there are tools to break into just about any network these days...

[Pilgrimman]

I would NOT mess with your computer like that... There can be many problems, and it's hard to get it to work properly. I got my router for free, just ask around and I bet you'll come up with something. Old folks are your best bet because they often get rid of things they don't need that are invaluable to us I got my stereo receiver free that way

[Eddbot]

Thanks for the responses, i just set up an ad-hoc network and that's working without any problems so thanks. I'm gonna go back to lurking...