How to set up a direct Wi-Fi connection in Windows XP? (Page 1
of 6)
Overview
Wi-Fi or wireless fidelity refers to a wireless LAN technology
that is developed based on IEEE 802.11a/b/g. Wi-Fi is commonly
used in a star configuration with a wireless access point or
wireless router as a central connection point that connects all
computers (palmtop, laptop, desktop) or other Wi-Fi enabled devices together, connects the
wireless network to a wired network, and connects the wireless
network to the Internet. A wireless network that connects via a
wireless access point or a wireless router works in infrastructure
mode.
On the other hand, a wireless network in which computers link
directly to one another without an access point works in ad-hoc
mode. A Wi-Fi ad-hoc network typically consists of two
Wi-Fi-enabled computers. However, Wi-Fi network adapters from
certain vendors allow more than two computers to be connected in
an ad-hoc network.
A Wi-Fi ad hoc network functions just like Wi-Fi network in
infrastructure mode. It can be used to share files, folders,
drives, printer, etc. It can also be used for sharing an Internet
connection or play a networked game.
What should I prepare?
1. Check your Wi-Fi network adapter standards: 802.11a adapter can
only work with another 802.11a adapter, while 802.11b adapter is
compatible with 802.11g adapter.
2. If your computer uses an external Wi-Fi adapter (USB dongle or
PC Card), insert the adapter to each computer and install your
wireless network adapter driver if you haven't done so before. If
your computer has a built-in Wi-Fi radio, you must activate it by
switching an on/off button or via the software utility that came
with it.
3. Depending on whether you'll connect at a private room or in a
public space and the confidentiality of your communication,
determine a suitable encryption scheme: no encryption at all, WEP,
WPA, or WPA2. You can apply WPA or WPA2 only if both network
adapters support it.
4. Place your computers within range of the wireless signal.
Typically, less than 50 meters indoor. Check your network adapter
documentation to find your wireless adapter coverage or view the
signal strength of a detected wireless signal during setup.
5. For maximum transmission, avoid placing your computers near
metal barriers or other possible sources of interference (e.g.
cordless phone, microwave oven, active Bluetooth devices).
6. You must make sure that both wireless network adapters support
ad hoc (peer-to-peer) networking and Windows XP's Wireless Zero
Configuration (WZC) service. If WZC is not allowed on your
adapters, you can't do the step-by-step instructions in the
following pages. But you have to use the utility (software) that
came with your adapters to create an ad-hoc network.
7. To allow file/folder/drive and printer sharing, you must name
each computer with a unique name and input the same workgroup name
on both computers. To do this, right-click on My Computer icon,
click Properties to open System Properties. On Computer name tab,
click Change. You will be asked to restart your computer after
making the change.
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