How to Set Up an Ad Hoc Network

Creating an ad hoc network will allow you to share devices, files and an Internet connection between computers without the need for a router. Computers within the same house can connect to one main computer as long as they all have wireless cards. Windows users can create their own ad hoc networks within minutes. In addition to easy creation, ad hoc networks allow you to create a password in order to access the network. This can help protect you from outside users or strangers trying to steal information from open networks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP or later
• Installed wireless cards in each computer

Creating the Network

1. Select which computer you want to use as your router. This computer must be turned on and connected to the Internet whenever other computers wish to connect or share files.

2. Click on "Start -- Connect To -- Show All Connections." You can also go to "Start -- Control Panel -- Network Connections."

3. Right-click your wireless connection, usually named "Wireless Connection," if you're using Windows XP. Select "Properties" and click on the "Wireless Networks" tab.
   Windows Vista users can skip to Step 5.

4. Click on "Add" to set up a new ad hoc network. Choose a name for your ad hoc network in the "Network Name" box. Choose "WEP" from the "Network Authentication" box and select a password for your network. Type your password into the password boxes.
   Ensure the checkbox saying "This is a computer to computer (ad hoc) network" is checked. Press "OK" to save your changes.
   Right-click your Internet connection--the name will vary based on your connection--and choose "Properties." Choose the "Advanced" tab and check the checkbox saying "Allow other users to connect through this computer's Internet connection." Choose "Wireless" for your connection type. Press "OK" to share your connection.
   Skip to Step 6 at this point.

5. Choose "Set up a connection or network" for a Vista operating system. Click on "Set up an ad hoc network" and choose "Next." Follow the ad hoc creation wizard steps to create the network. The two main steps will be choosing your network name, or SSID, and a network password, if you choose to use one.

6. Connect another computer to the ad hoc network. You can connect other computers as well. Open the computer's "Network Connections" window. Refer to Step 2. Right-click the wireless connection and click "View Available Wireless Networks." Select your ad hoc network's name and press "Connect."

Tips & Warnings

• Use numbers and letters in your password for more security.
• To prevent any unauthorized use of your network and to protect personal information, always use a password.

References

• Microsoft - Create Vista Ad Hoc