newbie question

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

"gary grainger" <gary@featcovers.com> wrote in message
news:412f0572$1_1@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> I have a laptop and a desktop pc, both running XP Pro, each with a
> D-Link DWL 122 usb wifi adapter. I want to run an ad-hoc network between
> the two, sharing my broadband connection, as well as allowing the laptop
> user (me) to access all files on the desktop.
> can anybody take me through this step by step in plain english? Offlist
> is fine
> cheers
> Gary

The best solution would be to get a Router/AP/10/100 Switch, to connect
to your broadband modem, and configure it to give out IP addresses. You
should have a network cable for innitial configuration. But should be able
to disconnect from it after it's setup.
If you want to set it up the way you described you will need to enable
Network Connection Sharing for the desktop Internet connection. This will
make your desktop your "Gateway".

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

"gary grainger" <gary@featcovers.com> wrote in message
news:412f0572$1_1@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
> I have a laptop and a desktop pc, both running XP Pro, each with a
> D-Link DWL 122 usb wifi adapter. I want to run an ad-hoc network between
> the two, sharing my broadband connection, as well as allowing the laptop
> user (me) to access all files on the desktop.
> can anybody take me through this step by step in plain english? Offlist
> is fine
> cheers
> Gary

Gary,

There are two ways you can go:

1. Use an Ad Hoc network to connect your laptop to your PC, and use the
Internet Connection Sharing feature of XP to give the laptop access to the
Internet through your PC.

PRO:

* Minimal cost
* Straitforward setup

CON:

* Not much security
* The PC must always be on when you want to access the Interent via the
laptop
* You can't add other devices without changing the Ad Hoc design.

2. Buy a router/Access Point, and connect both PC and Laptop via the router.

PRO:

* Better security
* Each device is independent: the PC can be off while you use the laptop
* It will support multiple devices, and each wireless user (PC or Laptop)
can join or leave without affecting the others.

CON:

* Costs more
* You'll need to keep up with firmware updates, and do them manually if the
update is warranted.

HTH.

William

(Filter noise from my address for direct replies.)