Is wireless ICS possible without a router?

Hi

I want to create an internet-sharing wireless network at home between my desk and laptop (both WXP Home with SP2), so I can videoconference with my family around the house.
I have a wired network between the 2 machines with internet-sharing no problem.

I set up a network with 2 USB wireless adapters, and was able to share files but not internet. Windows Wireless Wizard said it "couldn't configure" the network and I should use the manufacturer's software (Sitecom I think), which didn't have any facility for network sharing. I tried every combination of addresses etc I could think of with no avail.

Maplins (good place to shop) took the adapters back without any quibble. (they HAD said it would work)

My question is, if I get wireless adapters that are "designed for Windows XP ", e.g. Belkin, will either the manufacturer's or the Windows wizard be able to do what I want or have I got to shell out for a router?

Stephen

 

You should buy a specific type of wireless router if you have DSL/Broadband internet, and want to share it. One that can have the internet connection come directly into it (set up on it), replacing your existing DSL modem or router. ICS doesnt work through WLAN very well, if you manage to get it going at all.

These routers are often called Wireless Broadband Routers or Wireless ADSL Routers. You can buy these with ethernet ports in the rear so you can also plug your wired PCs into the network and share the internet through the router, rather than through ICS. Setting the computers up to use this equipment may require a visit from your local tech, and would be worth the money you spend.

I suggest a brand called LinkSys for ease of use and reliability. They are not the cheapest though. In cheaper models DLink are not bad.

If you have dial-up internet, forget sharing it, you can do without the pain.

So summed up, YES, for what you want to do, you do need a Wireless Broadband/ADSL Router.

 

You can turn your computer into a gateway router thru ICS, but I think WinXP supports only one adapter (either wired or wireless) for Internet sharing. So if all the computers are wireless or all the computers are wired, you can do sharing without spending anything. But if you need to share both wired & wireless connection, you would need a router.

 

Thank you very much for your helpful replies.

So (just to be clear) if I just have 2 computers, with wireless adapters that Windows likes (unlike the previous ones), and remove my wired network, will the Windows wireless network wizard be able to configure a network with ICS?

Stephen

 

Windows doesn't care what type of adapter you have. If it recognises it as a LAN device, you can share it.