Ad-Hoc Wireless Network Setup

A Wi-Fi network in ad-hoc mode (also called computer-to-computer or peer mode) lets two or more devices communicate with each other directly instead of through a central wireless router or access point (which is what infrastructure mode does).

Setting up an ad-hoc network is useful if there isn't a wireless structure built, like if there aren't any access points or routers within range. The devices don't need a central server for file shares, printers, etc. Instead, they can access each other's resources directly through a simple point-to-point wireless connection.

The devices that take part in the ad-hoc network require a wireless network adapter. They also have to support a hosted network.

These versions of Windows make it a little tougher to make an ad-hoc network when you compare the procedure to earlier Windows operating systems. If you want to set up the ad-hoc network manually without using any other software but what Windows has available, open Command Prompt and enter this command, replacing the italicized works with your own network name and password for the wireless network:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=network name key=password

Start the hosted network:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

1. Access the Network and Sharing Center section of Control Panel by opening Control Panel and then selecting that option. Or, if you're in Category view, first choose Network and Internet.
2. Choose the link called Setup a new connection or network.
3. Select the option called Set Up a Wireless Ad Hoc (Computer-to-Computer) Network.
4. Enter the network name, security type, and security key (password) that the network should have. Put a check in the box next to Save this network so that it will be available later as well.
5. Click Next to close out of any unnecessary windows.

Choose the Create Network menu option from AirPort (usually accessible from the main menu bar), then select the Create a Computer-to-Computer Network option and follow the instructions provided.