How to Create Your Own Wifi Hotspot in Windows 7
A few weeks ago, a new application, called “Connectify”, appeared on the net. It made use of an unfinished feature in Win7 to make it easy to create personal wifi connections that can be shared with others. Please note that this application only works in Windows 7.
Recently, Connectify has been updated so that you can name the wifi connection that you create. Here’s how it works.
● Download the Connectify client
● Install it
● Look for the Connectify icon in the system tray
● Click on the icon once to open it
● Set the wifi name
● Set a password of 8 characters or more
● Select either Local or Wireless in the pull down
● Click the “Start Hotspot” button
As you can see, I’ve created a wifi hotspot named “Sky.net”. In this case, I’m fairly sure it won’t become super-intelligent and try to destroy humanity. (see wikipedia about skynet)
Once it’s live, anyone with your password can connect to your hotspot. Connectify even identifies PCs and devices that are connected to it. You can see them in the window labeled “Connected Clients”. If you double click on a connected client, you can change the little icon next to it to make it easier to identify at a glance.
Techie-Buzz Verdict: If you would like to share your internet connection wirelessly in your home or on the road, you could not ask for an easier way to do it. I have no problems giving this app a hearty recommendation.
Techie-Buzz Rating: 4/5
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Praz
November 15th, 2009 at 2:11 am #
now downloading. let me see if it works on my Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit edition.
I required to connect several laptops using wireless connectivity, but I could never setup a secure connection and my neighbours could also use my connection.
This utility might solve my problem.
Thanks.
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Chinmoy Kanjilal
November 15th, 2009 at 3:25 am #
the last time i checked, they needed some registration for trying out the beta. The application is great and uses the Virtual Wifi available in Windows 7. This was working only for intel wifi drivers as far as I remember..
Waiting for my atheros to release drivers to use virtual wifi..
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Pallab Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Yeah, You do need to signup but its a very quick process. I had actually downloaded this when it was launched. But, I only have 1 wifi enabled device (my lappy). So couldn’t test it.
Btw, there is another codeplex utility which does something similar: http://www.beingmanan.com/wp/2009/11/codeplex-tool-to-isolate-your-wifi-network-use-windows-7-pc-as-a-virtual-wifi-router/
You may want to take a look at that too.
And this reminds me, I need to try the new Wifi Driver released by Intel which capitalises on Win 7 virtual Wifi capabilities.
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Chinmoy Kanjilal Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 8:58 am
ya, that application is still in beta if i remember correctly. But Connectify is a better option for me. I do not trust this Codeplex. It ll be a Microsoft backed patch up work and poor code with all snapping and bug blames coming on open-source developers..too much for me to take.
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Pallab Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Bah. That doesn’t make a lot of sense. The probability of coming across a poorly coded utility in Ms Codeplex is no more than the probability of finding a shabby application in Google Code or Sourceforge.
And since the open source developers are responsible for developing the software, obviously they will be blamed for the bugs. MS doesn’t have any involvement in the developement of these applications. Why should they take the blame?
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Chinmoy Kanjilal Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
“And since the open source developers are responsible for developing the software, obviously they will be blamed for the bugs. MS doesn’t have any involvement in the developement of these applications. Why should they take the blame?” – Do you know half of the developers, so called open source developers at Codeplex are actually Microsoft employees paid for this purpose, coding at Codeplex!!!
The Codeplex project is hugely influenced by Monty, another Microsoft bigshot!
And clearly, Connectify is a thousand times better than that application. Most open source developers loath the Codeplex. Codeplex has very few good projects by dedicated developers as compared to other open source project hostings.
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Pallab Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I think Codeplex and Google Code are pretty much in the same condition – new initiative which still can’t match with Sourceforge.
It seems to be most OS devs hate Codeplex because its an Microsoft initiative. Of course they do have some reason to be angy with MS.
May be, may be not. Connectify will become paid in a couple of months one the final build is out. The codeplex app probably won’t.
I haven’t used the codeplex one, but at first glance looks same as Connectify. What makes Connectify so drastically better in your eyes?
clif.notes
November 15th, 2009 at 12:35 pm #
Thanks for the comments guys. I was not aware that new drivers would allow us to create our own hotspots.
I am also using an Atheros card.
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Pallab Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:39 am
I don’t think Atheros has released drivers for this yet.
Long Zheng has a nice blog post on this: http://www.istartedsomething.com/20091106/latest-intel-drivers-windows-7-virtual-wifi-support/
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clif.notes
November 16th, 2009 at 7:41 pm #
Hi Praz
Thanks for dropping in to comment. Unfortunately, this utility will only work in Windows 7, according to the developer.
You can always try setting up adhoc networks to link your PCs.
Clif
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