Can I use a WIFI card to TRANSMIT from my PC? (as opposed to receiving)

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Kiers

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Hello
i would like to :
have my PC connected to the internet connection, act like a ROUTER, and use a pci-e WIFI card act as TRANSMITTER (rather than as a receiver, the usual use case) to share this internet with other devices.

(aside, i know many will be curious as to the obvious : my reason is b/c my internet is a special login type connection, sometimes vpn).

Am i being clear/making sense? Can a typical WIFI card be used this way w/ any special software etc. (am on Linux).

Thansk all.
 
Solution
A
Looks like you might not need any additional software after all "DISCLAIMER: link is specific to Ubuntu"

http://www.howtogeek.com/116409/how-to-turn-your-ubuntu-laptop-into-a-wireless-access-point/
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Eximo

Eximo

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Adhoc networking and bridging the internet connection with the WiFi might work. Not really sure how to set that up in Linux though. More or less have always had a router at my disposal.

Haven't used Adhoc networking since some early model WiFi data loggers we had in a prototype vehicle.

I do recall having issues bridging an encrypted WiFi setup with a non-encrypted wired network. You might have to leave it wide open for maximum compatibility. But this was back when WEP was the best available encryption.
 
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APassingMe

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Looks like you might not need any additional software after all "DISCLAIMER: link is specific to Ubuntu"

http://www.howtogeek.com/116409/how-to-turn-your-ubuntu-laptop-into-a-wireless-access-point/
 
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Kiers

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Indeed. I will worry about encryption of wifi later. Initially i'd just like to get proof of concept UP!
thx.
 
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Kiers

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@skittle, @APassingme, you guys have hit the nail on the head. wow. it's just a setting on ubuntu! (linux mint is built on top of ubuntu). also, since i'm NOT on a laptop, the ArchLinux post on "Software Access Points" is helpful too.

@USAFRet, iptables is something I am slightly familiar with. It's good to know i can set up packet forwarding using the Iptable command.

The s/w bit (routing) has been addressed (if not nailed).
Thanks to all for your replies!

The only question (as to h/w) remains: will an ordinary PCIE wifi card support use in "AP (access point) mode" which means the card being able to XMIT radio as opposed to just RCV? At least i have the buzzword to shop for: AP Mode
 
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Kiers

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I've never shopped a wifi card b4. Is "AP Mode" something advertised as a common feature?
 
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APassingMe

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Sorry I was just using your wording there, AP mode is not a feature... I was referring to being able to configure it as an AP through linux. All installable wifi cards no matter how they are installed should work the same at the level that you are interested in.
 
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skittle

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AP mode will not be listed as a feature.

wireless.kernel.org maintains a list of drivers that support AP mode:
http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Drivers

Best bet would be to find a card using Atheros (ath9k). These are well supported under Linux and support AP mode.
Easiest way to be sure you are getting a Linux compatible device is to buy from a vendor that supports Linux and free software ;)
https://www.thinkpenguin.com/catalog/wireless-networking-gnulinux

Probably if you search around you can find cheaper cards that use these same chip sets...
 
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K

Kiers

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Points Noted!

(after this thread I realize it's a silly question from me about xmitting, b/c OF COURSE a wifi router receives AND sends traffic, operating two ways!
that's what wifi routers do! LOL)

Many Thanks!
Kiers
 
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