4.Aug.2010 |
by Gusac |
Filed in: Articles, Tutorials
Windows 7 has a nice feature that lets it act like a Wireless access point for other wireless enabled devices to connect to internet.
The wireless Hosted Network is a new WLAN feature supported on Windows 7 and on Windows Server 2008 R2 with the Wireless LAN Service installed. This feature implements two major functions:
- The virtualization of a physical wireless adapter into more than one virtual wireless adapter sometimes referred to as Virtual WiFi.
- A software-based wireless access point (AP) sometimes referred to as a SoftAP that uses a designated virtual wireless adapter
To enable the feature, we need to run a netsh command. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the command prompt as administrator, in elevated mode.
- Run the following command:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=<SSID NAME> key=<PASSWORD>
- In above command, you need to mention the SSID Name which will appear on other devices’ screen and the KEY with which other devices can connect to it. For example:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=ConnetMe key=Connect1!
In above example, SSID name given is ConnectMe and key or password is Connect1!
- Then run another command, to enable/start the hosted network:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork
- This will add a Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter in the Network connections. Here is the screenshot:
- Now, go the properties of the Network Adapter which is connected to the internet. In my case, it Wireless Network Connection
- In properties, go to the Sharing tab and check the box which says: ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection’ and Click OK button to save and exit.
- And that's it! Your Windows 7 or Windows 2008 R2 machine is serving as an access point for other wireless devices. If you search the network, you should see the SSID name you provided.
