In order to connect more than two computers using a wireless network bridge you will first need to install an adapter in each of the computers and after this run a CAT5 cable to connect them all to a hub or a switch. The computer you plan to use for bridging will have two types of adapters inserted in his mainboard: a normal LAN adapter that you should’ve already put in, and a wireless network adapter that will help by making a connection to the WAP or wireless access point.
Now, let us take this whole process step by step. After you have installed and connected the network adapters go to the computer you intend using for bridging and open Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. Remember that in order to create a wireless network bridge you shall need at least 2 connections that do not use to different processes. These processes are ICF (internet firewall) and the ICS (internet sharing).
Now you should be in the Network Connections folder and you must be seeing a bunch of connections. Well, each of these connections is actually each of your network cards – one for the wireless one and one for the wired one. Now go open the connection for the wireless adapter and go to the details pane. You will see that it is working perfectly. Now it is recommended for you to check the Ethernet connection as well, and it should be working just fine as well. Now, all you have to do is click both connections at the same time (this is done by holding the control key and selecting each connection), then right click on any of the connections and select the Bridge Connections submenu. After the computer has finished configuring the bridge connection, you will see a Network Connection window.
ICS and ICF
I have mentioned somewhere above that, in order to have a bridge connection you have to select only those connections that are not being used by ICS and ICF. I might have mentioned as well that ICS stands for internet Connection sharing and ICF for internet connection firewall. Of course, you may need ICS or ICF in some cases. No matter the reason, you will first need a third adapter. In other words, if you indeed need ICS of ICF you will have to run to the local computer hardware store and get yourself a new adapter card. However, even with three adapters the task is rather tricky because in order to make bridge this way (by wanting to enable either ICS or ICF or both) you will have to bridge before enabling any of them. Read more at http://www.howtosetupwirelessnetwork.com
You can always use the setup wizard for these tasks but the order is imperative. First use the setup wizard to create the bridge and then to enable ICS or ICF. Now the wizard will look for an Internet Connection and will try to configure ICF and last, if you wish, bridge more network cards that are connected to your network.
By: Dean Forster
Posts Tagged ‘Wireless Adapter’
Wireless Network Bridge Setup and Microsoft Windows XP
April 29th, 2010How Does Wi-Fi Work on a Desktop?
February 7th, 2010
Wi-Fi internet connection is now one of the leading connectivity used by many consumers all over the world. It dispenses the need for a telephone cable or jack. It uses a wireless adapter instead and plugged at the LAN port at the back of your desktop computer.
This is short for Wireless Fidelity. The devices using this technology all follow strict standards that should conform to IEEE 802.11. These devices were under the eye of the Wi-Fi Alliance which is an organization that pushes wireless technology. They are the ones who see to it that all wireless devices are in good quality and standards.
Most laptops today are enabled to have Wi-Fi access. Video game consoles, cell phones and many more are also enabled to receive signal from this technology. As for a desktop computer, your desktop computer needs to be wireless ready. Most desktops used today do not have wireless card. You may need to install wireless card first just like how you would install memory or video card.
Once it is ready to track wireless signals, it can connect to the internet as long as it is within the range of the Wi-Fi network. Some internet providers have adapters that you just attach at the back LAN slot of your computer. This can also be connected to a router to transmit signal to more than one computer and to allow those other computers to communicate and connect with each other.
However, this technology can allow this to happen even without a router’s access point. Experts call it “ad-hoc”. This is a type of transmission technology very famous and commonly used in PDA devices and gaming consoles like Nintendo DS. It is not yet famous for desktops though so for such a need, an access point is still necessary.
There is, however, a new technology pushed by the Wi-Fi alliance. It still pushes the lack of access point but will still enable you to transfer files and media. This is through the use of an inventive security methodology.
It is little wonder why this internet technology has been climbing to the niche it is currently. It proves to be more convenient to use that those internet connections that still need external modems to be able to hook up to the internet.
You should seriously consider using Wireless Fidelity connection for your desktop computer for more convenient file sharing and internet connecting.
By: Alan Cassidy
