Create Virtual wi-fi Hotspot from your PC or Phone

You can create virtual Wi-Fi hotspot from your PC or phone with incredible ease. Here are a few ways you can create virtual Wi-Fi hotspot from your PC or phone.

PC

Ad-hoc Connections

Previously, if you wanted to create a ‘hotspot’ with a single PC, you would have to create ad-hoc connections and allow multiple computers to connect through it. However, setting up an ad-hoc connection is not the easiest task. If you have an internet dongle, the task could be simpler. Visit the Broadband Expert website to compares dongle deals.

Windows 7 Hotspots

If you have a PC with Windows 7 installed, you can use your virtual Wi-Fi drivers to create your own virtual Wi-Fi hotspot. Simply open up command prompt and type in the following:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=<insert hotspot connection’s name> key=<insert network key>

For example, you wanted to create a local Wi-Fi hotspot under the name of “My Hotspot” with the password “Key”, you would type in:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=My Hotspot key= Key

Do not shut down command prompt just yet. From here, go to the network and connections section, right click your new connection and go to the sharing tab. All you have to do is enable internet sharing with your ‘Virtual Wi-Fi Miniport Adapter’ as your Wi-Fi hotspot.

Now, all you have to do is start the network. Go back to command prompt and type the following:

• netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Connect through your phone and now you can browse the internet using your Wi-Fi hotspot.

Connectify

It’s understandable that not everyone wants to do all the tasks mentioned above. Additionally, not everyone has Windows 7 or even virtual Wi-Fi drivers installed. For all of you who don’t have either Windows 7 or virtual Wi-Fi drivers installed or are just plain old lazy, you can use Connectify tocreate your Wi-Fi hotspot.

 Connectify is a simple program that you can download for free. Not only is the program powerful, it has an impeccably simple and easy-to-use user interface. The program also has a separate tab for hotspot settings and management.

 One great thing about Connectify is that you can easily share files over the network. You can even disallow the internet but allow network file sharing. If you like what you see, you can buy the full version of the software. This grants you access to a plethora of new and enhanced features.

 Using the program is simple. All you have to do is run the program, create a connection and set your preferences – it’s that simple. If you have the professional version, you can even name your connection and make your computer a repeater.

Phone

There is one vital thing you must remember when sharing an internet connection from your phone. Considering the data caps on most mobile plans, it may be a good idea to not download any big files from your tethered connection.

Android Hotspot

With this method, your phone must have at least Google’s Android 2.2 installed on your phone. Devices with an earlier operating system will not support tethering and portable hotspots. This method also works better on rooted devices.

 Go to your phone’s settings page and select Wireless and Network settings. From there, go to Tethering & portable hotspot. Once here, configure your hotspot settings and then enable the service by swiping at the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot option. Interestingly, you can even share the internet connection via Bluetooth is some devices.

iPhone Hotspot

If you have an iPhone, you can easily create a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, considering the amount of data an iPhone uses, you should be cautious with your settings.

In the settings page, go to the ‘general’ section. Once there, go into the ‘network’ subsection and select ‘cellular data network’. Once here, scroll down to the internet tethering section. You will find a field that reads ‘internet tethering APN’. In the space provided, type the APN of your internet connection (normal connection you use; 2G, 3G or 4G).

 Now, go back to the network settings menu and swipe at the ‘personal hotspot’ section. This should enable your iPhone’s personal Wi-Fi hotspot.

With so many ways to make a Wi-Fi hotspot, you will never be without an internet connection ever again. Visit the Broadband Expert website to compares dongle deals and get started with Wi-Fi sharing today.