ad-hoc wireless network

What is wireless ad-hoc network?
A wireless ad-hoc or computer-to-computer network is a decentralized LAN type of wireless network that is built right after the devices connected. The reason we call it ad-hoc is because it does not rely on the existing wired networks or access points managed wireless networks. Instead of relying on a base station, router, to coordinate the flow of messages to each node in the network, the individual network nodes forward packets to and from each other. The determination of which nodes forward data is made dynamically based on the network connectivity. In other words, in the Windows operating system, ad-hoc is a communication mode or setting that allows computers to directly communicate with each other without a router. In addition to the classic routing, ad hoc networks can use flooding for forwarding the data.

How to set up wireless ad-hoc network?

1. Open Control Panel

2. Click Network Connections.

3. Right-click wireless network and click Properties.

4. Click Wireless Network tab and then click Add button.

5. After new window opened, type a name for network, and check the two boxes near the bottom. One is "The key is provided for me automatically" and the other is "This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network. Wireless access points are not used."

6. Click OK to close that window and OK again. All done.

7. Connect your wireless network.

8. Open Network Connections and select View Wireless Networks. Now you can see the item, "Computer-to-computer network" listed.

Note: If you don't see your network, you may have to change settings from "Any available network (access point preferred)" to "Computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network only" by clicking Wireless Networks tab first and then click Advanced settings.