How to Setup Ad hoc Wireless Network with Windows XP

Ad hoc wireless network refers to peer-to-peer connection between wireless devices. This means that they directly communicate with each other without the need for an access point (usually broadband wireless router). An ad hoc connection is desirable when you only need a quick and temporary connection to share files or when the network infrastructure is having problem.

To set up an ad hoc wireless network, each computer running Windows XP needs to have wireless interface built-in or by using an adapter. Both computers also need to share the same network SSID (Service Set Identifier) with network key for security.



Here is the simplest way to do it.

Step 1: On the first computer, right-click the wireless icon on the right hand side of the Taskbar and choose “View Available Wireless Networks”. It is also accessible by going to Network Connections in the Control Panel and double-click on the wireless device.





Step 2: The Wireless Network Connection window lists all the wireless networks in range which includes your own wireless network, if your network is up. Click “Change advanced settings” and to bring up the Wireless Network Connection Properties window. Choose the “Wireless Networks” tab and click the “Add” button. Create the ad hoc network by typing in a name which is the SSID. Make it more intuitive to easily distinguish just in case there are other Ad hoc networks in range. Disable the automatic key and enter a 5 or 10 digit network key for the ad hoc network. This is the same key that needs to be input on the other computer. Click OK twice.

At this stage, the computer is connected to the ad hoc network but it does not have an IP address yet.





Step 3: On the second computer, right-click the wireless icon on the right hand side of the Taskbar and choose “View Available Wireless Networks”. The ad hoc network should now show up on the list of wireless networks in range. If not, click “Refresh network list” and check again if its there. Make sure that the two computers are not very far from each other (at least on the same room).





Step 4: Simply click the ad hoc network from the list and hit “Connect”. Wait for a few seconds to establish the connection between the two computers. When the connection is successful, both computers now have its own IP addresses. They are now ready to share files. Make sure that both devices have necessary permission to share resources. Check the Firewall settings as well if there problems sharing files.

That’s it! It may look complicated but actually it is relatively simple to accomplish. Ad hoc wireless network provides a quick and simple solution when the network is having connectivity problem. Another situation when you would prefer ad hoc network is when an outside mobile device needs to connect to a company network to access some resources. Ad hoc network can provide access without disturbing the existing network infrastructure.