How to Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network
An ad hoc network is a type of wireless connection that allows you to connect directly to another computer, instead of going through the Internet. While Internet-enabled connections are useful for most tasks, the capability to interface directly with another wireless-enabled computer can make file transfers and local networking much easier and quicker.
Ad hoc wireless connections are supported by Microsoft Windows and are relatively easy to set up.
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Instructions
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Windows XP
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1
Open the Windows Control Panel, which can be found in the Start menu.
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2
Double-click the "Network Connections" icon. This will open the Network Connections window.
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3
Find your wireless connection in the list of network connections. Right click the wireless connection and click "Properties" in the drop-down list. This will open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window.
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4
Select the "Wireless Networks" tab and click the "Add..." button near the bottom of the window. This will open the Wireless Network Properties window.
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5
Enter the name of your new ad hoc network in the box labeled "Network Name (SSID)."
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6
Deselect the "The key is provided for me automatically" check box, and select "This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network." Enter a 13-digit password in the "Network key" box. Click OK.
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7
Connect to the ad hoc network from another computer in the same way you would connect to a normal wireless connection, using the 13-digit password.
Windows Vista
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8
Open the Windows Control Panel, which can be found in the Start menu.
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9
Click the "Network and Internet" link, and then click the "Network and Sharing Center" link.
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10
Click the "Set up a connection or network" link, which is in the Tasks panel on the left-hand side of the window.
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11
Select "Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network." Click the "Next" button at the bottom of the window. Click the "Next" button on the next screen as well, as it is just an explanation of ad hoc networks.
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12
Choose a name for your new ad hoc network and type it into the "Network name" field.
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13
Select "WEP" in the "Security type" drop-down menu. Enter a 13-character password in the "Security key/Passphrase" field. Click "Next" to set up your wireless ad hoc network.
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