can I make my laptop into a WiFi Hot spot ?

[BKKdreaming]

Hi

I have my laptop hooked up to the router with a Cat 5 cable , and was wondering if I could turn my laptop into a hotspot to use a couple tablets etc ,

and I guess the same goes for making a desktop computer into a Hot spot since most desktops do even have a WiFi card from the factory,

Thanks for your ideas

[singa-traz]

yes.

Here is an example of software that can help you do this:

https://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/

[stoneyboy]

No problem I do the same with my phone when travelling.

[Chicog]

No problem I do the same with my phone when travelling.

Yes, but your phone gets its Internet from the cell signal and transmits it on Wifi.

[BKKdreaming]

No problem I do the same with my phone when travelling.

I know you can do it with an Android phone as it is in the settings ,

just not sure how to do it on a laptop

and even harder a desktop that does not have WiFi , I figure I have to add something to the desktop

[Jdietz]

Linux (Ubuntu) http://www.howtogeek.com/116409/how-to-turn-your-ubuntu-laptop-into-a-wireless-access-point/

Windows (8, 10) http://www.howtogeek.com/112050/how-to-turn-your-windows-8-laptop-into-a-wireless-access-point/

[rakman]

Yes, as the laptop has wifi and ethernet, the fundamental function of a router is to route traffic across 2 networks. Just turn on ip forwarding and DHCP service (covered in windows by internet connection sharing) and you got a hot spot. Defining the default gateway to the ethernet allows the wifi to be a hotspot.

The software listed makes a few things easier and provides more options.

[BKKdreaming]

What would you use on a desktop computer ?

would a USB WiFi stick do it ? Or is putting a WiFi card in one of the slots better ?

[GinBoy2]

I'm actually struggling with why you would want to do this...I'm old I struggle!

I totally get using my phone as a hotspot to share my 3g connection when I'm out and about; but in this case if I'm understanding correctly you just want to share an ethernet connection from the router/modem, which would imply that it's in your home.

Just buy a cheapo wireless router

[BKKdreaming]

Sometimes I am at other people houses where I can get to the Cat5 cable but I am not going to change their router to a WiFi one !

or I am in the basement where WiFi does not go.....

many reasons......

[NanLaew]

I'm actually struggling with why you would want to do this...I'm old I struggle!

I totally get using my phone as a hotspot to share my 3g connection when I'm out and about; but in this case if I'm understanding correctly you just want to share an ethernet connection from the router/modem, which would imply that it's in your home.

Just buy a cheapo wireless router

But the virtual router is cheaper.

(it is free)

I use it on my work laptop when I am in a Client's office and I am either on a secure LAN connection or their wi-fi is limited to a single user. That way I can connect my android toys. Also good for use in hotels that only allow single-machine/user wifi access.

Note that it won't work on XP.

[Chicog]

the fundamental function of a router is to route traffic across 2 networks.

Where were you when we needed you?!

[RichCor]

Yes, as already stated, you can download software to turn your connected WiFi device into a WiFi Access Point bridged to your Ethernet connection.

Just know, the software can sometimes be glitchy.

If I knew I had access to Ethernet then I'd just carry a Travel WiFi Router / WiFi Portable Router.

[lostinisaan]

What would you use on a desktop computer ?

would a USB WiFi stick do it ? Or is putting a WiFi card in one of the slots better ?

Buy something similar. You can use up to 5 meters of USB cable to get the best possible connection.

Just plug it in, it comes with an installation CD if the machine doesn't recognise it.

I'm using it for many years and it works fantastic. Only around 300 baht and no installation. Forget the card.....