Today, as you know, wireless networks (VLANs), or, as they are often called, private virtual VPNs, are firmly established in the computer world. And when using a network connection or to access the Internet, they are given preference. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows how to turn on WiFi on a computer and even more so make it the main access point.
Wireless networks
To begin with, connecting to virtual networks provides two main methods: infrastructure and Ad-Hoc connection, which will be discussed later.
The first type of connection involves the use of standard network routers or ADSL modems, which distribute IP address packets to several devices that are currently connected to the virtual network.
In the second case, only one main computer terminal is connected, which will subsequently act as a gateway. In other words, all other computers, laptops or mobile gadgets will connect to it. Consider how to enable WiFi on a computer. Here are a few ways. Before doing this, you need to perform some preliminary steps, without which creating a connection will be impossible, it simply will not work even if some parameters are successfully configured.
Key WiFi Components for PC
It goes without saying that some components will be required to establish a connection via the WiFi module. In principle, everything is simple. This is a computer with an installed operating system (we will consider all processes based on the Windows OS), a router, and a little patience.
Note that if you want to make the computer a WiFi access point, you should use the built-in WiFi modem (you can use some USB devices).
Ad-Hoc Connection
This connection option was developed specifically for those cases when you need to connect all other devices through one main computer terminal. The advantages of such a connection are that there are no restrictions on how many client terminals will be connected through the main gateway.
Ordinary cheap routers and ADSL modems installed in apartments provide connection of 4-6 devices in the standard version. Naturally, you can purchase multi-channel routers, but they will cost much more. It is much easier to use the built-in device on the main computer, which connects directly to the network card (RJ-11 or RJ-45 connectors) and provides WiFi distribution for the PC.
Install Router Driver
First you need to install the driver of the device itself (provided that it is not already installed). For this, as a rule, a standard driver disk is used, which is supplied upon purchase. The installation itself usually does not cause problems, but in some cases it will be necessary to make additional settings.
After installing the driver, you need to look at the status of the device. To do this, you can use the standard "Device Manager" (the device itself should not be highlighted in yellow as a problem).
But that is not all. On some computer systems, communication modules may be disabled by default. Here you will have to use the "Enable" command, after going into the context menu of the network adapter, called by right-clicking.
Basic router settings
Now you need to configure the adapter itself (router). This is done in any Internet browser with the introduction of the line 192.168.1.1 (for some non-standard models 192.168.0.1) in the address field. After authorization through the login and password (they are indicated on the etiquette of the device itself), you need to check the “Enable AP” parameter, assign the SSID network name and select the data encryption method (usually this is WPA).
After this procedure, in the "Wireless Networks" menu, which is in the "Control Panel", you need to uncheck the "Use for wireless network configuration" line, and then configure additional parameters.
For example, for D-Link devices, you need the D-Link AirPlus G + Wireless Adapter Utility program. In the parameters you will need to enter the same SSID value, then in the Wireless Mode section set the value to Infrastructure and save the changes.
How to distribute WiFi from a computer
Consider the basic technique. Solving the problem of how to distribute WiFi from a computer, you can do otherwise. For this option, in the management of wireless connections, select "Change the order of preference for networks" and add a new connection. Next, you need to enter the name of the SSID connection (arbitrary), select the Open authentication and the WEP encryption method. Do not forget to use the network access key (WiFi password on the computer) with subsequent confirmation.
At the bottom there is the line “This is a direct computer-to-computer connection; access points are not used. ” Opposite it, you need to check. On the “Connection” tab, the option “Connect if the network is in range” should be enabled.
Next, go to the “Network Setup Wizard” and after detecting new equipment check the box “Ignore disconnected equipment”. In the next window, the connection method is selected in the line “This computer has a direct Internet connection. Other computers on the network connect to the Internet through this computer ”, after which the line“ Wireless network connection ”should be marked in a new window. The following is a standard setting for the computer name, workgroup, and sharing. At the end of the setup, a reboot is required.
Alternative method
To answer the question of how to enable WiFi on a computer, you can use an equally effective method, which, however, is suitable for experienced users. An ordinary user is unlikely to use such a method, nevertheless we will consider it.
How to configure WiFi on the computer in this case? First you need to make sure that the WLAN Auto Config Service, Internet Connection Sharing, and Routing and Remote Access components have the Automatic startup mode and are enabled. Now you need to start the console with administrator rights, and then enter the line netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = "XXXX" key = "YYYYYYYY" keyusage = persistent , (where XXXX is the computer name and YYYYYYYY is a minimum of 8-digit password) . It is better not to use Cyrillic when typing.
Now run ncpa.cpl, in the properties on the "Network" tab should be specified Microsoft Virtual Miniport Adapter. Here you can delete unnecessary protocols and rename the connection. In the “Access” tab, the permission to use the connection by other users is set and your connection is selected. Now go back to the console and turn on the connection using the line netsh wlan start hostednetwork . This is the activation of the connection.
Checking the connection status is carried out with the line netsh wlan show hostednetwork , stopping the service - netsh wlan stop hostednetwork , completely disconnecting and deleting - netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = disallow . To start automatically at system startup, the netsh wlan start hostednetwork command line must be added (registered) to the startup menu.
Conclusion
Probably, it is already clear that the question of how to enable WiFi on a computer has several basic solutions. Which one to use, it is up to everyone to decide. Actually, the question boils down, as already understood, to installing drivers, setting up network adapters and making basic settings for the router and network connections in the system.
As already mentioned, the first method should not cause any particular difficulties. An alternative method of creating distribution and, as they say, “sharing” it with an ordinary user is unlikely to be suitable, although it is simpler, since you do not need to delve into the system. Here, as they say, everything is at hand, although you still need to make preliminary settings. On the other hand, all methods are effective, and what to choose depends only on the preferences of the user or network administrator.