You will need to enable WiFi distribution if the laptop is connected to the World Wide Network using a cable, and it is not possible to buy or install a separate router. This article addresses the issue of which WiFi distribution programs exist. It describes the utilities themselves and provides information on setting them up. By performing simple steps in the applications described below, the user will provide the Internet with all devices in which the Wi-Fi module is installed.
Virtual router
Virtual Router is a completely free program for WiFi distribution. Initially, it was delivered without additional software, but now there is a version of Virtual Router Plus, which integrates additional advertising components. Before installation, it is advisable to enable the increased security mode in the antivirus program. Carefully review each installer screen to disable unnecessary software.
If you do not take into account the possibility of installing advertising components on the computer, the program can be recommended to everyone. This product is one of the best in its class. The application interface is simple, so even an inexperienced user will be able to understand the configuration. To download the program, visit the official website of the developer. The only drawback of the utility is the inability to distribute Wi-Fi if a wireless connection is used to connect to the Internet.
Configure Virtual Router
After the installation is completed and the utility is launched for the first time, a window will appear on the screen in which you will need to perform the configuration by filling in several columns:
- Network name - here you need to set a title that will be displayed when searching for a Wi-Fi connection on another device.
- Password - a key, without which you cannot connect to the Internet.
- General connection - select the connection through which the laptop is connected to the global network.
Having filled in all the settings fields, click on the Start Virtual Router button. The utility will automatically collapse, and a success message will be displayed on the screen. Now you can connect to a wireless network from any device.
Wifi creator
WiFi Creator is a simple and convenient laptop program for distributing WiFi. There is also the WiFi HotSpot Creator app on the Internet. Do not confuse these software products. HotSpot Creator is a utility that installs malware in addition to itself.
Installing WiFi Creator will not cause difficulties - the installation process is standard. Before starting the program you need to give elevated rights. The easiest way to do this is by calling the shortcut menu of the shortcut and clicking on the item “Run as administrator”. The utility does not add new functionality and does not install additional drivers, but simply performs the configuration, which an experienced user can do from the command line.
Application configuration is completely similar to Virtual Router. The user needs to enter the network name, password and select the connection that the laptop uses to access the Internet. When configuration is complete, click on the Start Hotspot line.
mhotspot
mHotspot is a laptop program for distributing WiFi with more functionality than in the products described above. The application can display a list of connected devices, limit the number of simultaneous connections. On the Hotspot tab, the amount of transmitted and received data, the speed of the Internet connection (incoming and outgoing separately) are indicated.
Its only drawback is attempts to install additional software during installation. Check all dialog boxes and discard those products that you do not need.
After the first launch, the program will offer to turn on the firewall if it is turned off, referring to the impossibility of proper functioning. For most users, mHotspot also works without activating a firewall. Program setting is standard. The user will be required to enter the name of the access point, password, indicate the Internet connection.
There are items in the utility settings that are responsible for adding mHotspot to startup, turning on Wi-Fi distribution after launching the application, and checking for updates.
MyPublicWiFi
MyPublicWiFi is another laptop program for distributing WiFi, which has additional functionality. After installation, the application will require a reboot of the laptop. Utility configuration is performed similarly to the same operation in other software of its class.
The user can view the list of devices using the access point, limit the speed of Internet distribution, indicate the number of simultaneous connections.
To download the utility, visit the official website. The application is free.
Connectify hotspot
WiFi Connectify laptop software for laptops is available in several versions. Most users have enough functionality of the free edition. The price of paid versions starts at 2500 rubles, so the purchase of the utility is impractical. For the money you can buy a wireless router. The main advantage of the utility is support for most popular versions of Windows. The application works even in XP.
During installation, a new WiFi service is added to the OS. The program for distributing the Internet will require a reboot of the laptop after installation. Also, the utility will start automatically each time you turn on the computer.
After the first launch, the program will show a brief information about yourself. On this screen, just click on Next, without reading. There is no useful information in this window. On the second and third screens, click on the Use Hotspot Lite link. Do not enter information in the fields located in these windows.
Connectify configuration is standard, but the free version of the utility will not allow changing the name of the access point. After configuring and starting the distribution, an advertising video will open on the screen. Watching it is not necessary, you can immediately turn it off.
It is recommended to use the application if no other utility could cope with such an operation as distributing WiFi (Windows 8). The program has a large number of disadvantages and a small number of advantages over other products.