How to Turn a PC Into a Wireless Hotspot
By Ruri Ranbe
A wireless router is the device used most often to broadcast Wi-Fi signals to wireless-ready devices within range. However, not all networks are wireless, and routers sometimes die without warning. Windows 7 includes a feature called Internet connection sharing that allows one or more wireless-capable devices to connect wirelessly to the Internet using a computer linked via an Ethernet cable to a wired network. You can set up an ad-hoc, or point-to-point, network on a PC and enable ICS to turn the computer into a wireless hotspot.
Step 1
Connect the PC to the router via an Ethernet cord. Click "Start" and then type "sharing" in the search box. Click "Network and Sharing Center."
Step 2
Click "Set Up a New Connection or Network" under Change Your Networking Settings.
Step 3
Select "Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc (Computer-to-Computer) Network" from the Choose a Connection Option screen. Click "Next."
Step 4
Review the information on the screen and click "Next." Create a name for the hotspot and choose "WPA2-Personal" from Security Type.
Step 5
Create a password for the network. Click "Save This Network" to use it in the future. Click "Next" to establish the network. Click "Close."
Step 6
Choose "Manage Network Connections" in the left pane. Right-click the ad-hoc network and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Step 7
Click "Sharing" and then select "Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer's Internet Connection." Click "OK" to begin using the PC as a wireless hotspot.
References
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.