Transform Windows 7 into a wireless hotspot

Connectify allows, in a few simple steps to transform our system equipped with Windows 7 into a wireless hotspot, through which all the computers in the neighborhood can share files, printers and Internet connection.

We analyze the advantages of sharing the Internet connection of a system equipped with Windows 7, transforming it into a wireless hotspot.

It may be a viable alternative to a router. Sharing the connection of your computer, it is sufficient that it is equipped with a wireless network card, and that other systems will be equipped to easily defer the expense of a dedicated appliance. If you already have a router, it might be a way to enhance the signal from the router, acting as an Access Point that is, without necessarily having to buy one.

In both cases, the computer you want to turn into a hotspot must be obligatorily equipped with Windows 7 (Starter excluded) and be equipped with a wireless network card, now integrated into most modern motherboards. It is important to note that the Wireless USB adapters can be considered as wireless network cards.

On systems prior to Windows 7, the software will not work because it relies on a number of improvements introduced by the new system. Other computers and mobile devices can connect to the network without them necessarily fit them Windows 7.

Connectify is the program we're talking about. At the time of writing, the version of software is still in testing, but can be downloaded by completing a short registration form on this page.

Precisely because of the nature of the state in which the product is located, is not guaranteed compatibility to 360 ° with the devices and network cards. In my case, the USB network adapter in use was not listed among those known to be compatible, but it has worked flawlessly.

Then proceed to download and install the program. At the end of the installation process you will see a new icon in the system tray to symbolize the operation. From it you can access all the features of Connectify.

To create our wireless hotspots, you need to first click on this icon. We will face some fields to be filled. This is the name of the hotspot (which then corresponds to the network name will be displayed on other machines), the password and the type of connection you want to share.

For those who prefer to leave the network unprotected, just know that the software does not provide for this possibility. The password is mandatory and is encrypted with WPA2-PSK technology. Once you fill in the fields in their entirety, you can click on the Start button Hotspot to give life to our hotspots.

During my tests, I got an error message telling me that the inability to start the hotspot. The problem was due to the fact that the Windows Firewall service and ICS was not started. Even if they were on your system, you must start them manually.

If all ends well, inside the box Status Running see the word .

I make the test available to another computer in my house, and I find my wireless hotspots available between wireless connections.

Specifying the access key you choose when you create the hotspot, I connect with a simple double click.

And I get the hotspot system regent notified by a message that a client is connected.

Clicking the icon for Connectify, in addition to configuring the hotspot is now also possible to see which machines are connected and disconnected from my network, complete with computer name and IP address.

With a double click on a PC you can get more information such as MAC address or the machine manufacturer. You can also associate an icon to the device to recognize at a glance at a later time.

This is a software successful, and certainly great utility. Worth it, if only out of mere curiosity.

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