Sharing internet wirelessly (desktop -> laptop)

I just arrived at college with both my desktop and laptop. I have the desktop set up connected through provided wired connection (only two in the room, one for me, one for my roommate). It is a standard ethernet cable running at 10MB/s. In my desktop I also have a Linksys wireless G PCI adapter. I was wondering, would it be possible to share my internet connection with my laptop through this adapter. I think it would be nice to be able to move around my room, and also not have to unplugg my desktop to plug in my laptop.

I have tried to use the "Wireless Network Setup Wizard" but it required an access point. What I think I need to do is setup my desktop computer, which has the internet connection, as the access point. Ive searched around but really havent found anything that was that helpful. I would have to imagine what I am attempting to do is possible, the question is how?

Thanks for your help

 

Just buy a wirless router. Then plug in the router to the ethernet cable socket that comes with ur room, and then set up the wireless routing. Then both ur laptop and dekstop will be able to share a wirless connection. Or if u want ur desktop to be wired, just plug in a lan cable to the router, as it also acts as a lan line router to be able to plug in up to 4 different computers.

 

Most schools have a ban on student wireless networks, so that may not be possible. Look on newegg.com or at a local store for a 4 port switch, and extra cable. Plug a cable from the wall to the switch and a cable to each PC from the switch (your desktop and laptop). Or you could search for a wireless signal in your room. But I am assuming you have already done this. SO go with the switch idea.

 

I believe you're looking for something like this.. He DOESN'T need to buy a router, guys. It's possible to do what he wants. It's unadvisable though, depending on your school's wireless policy. Check to see if other wireless networks are available first, Spiffypat. If you can connect to the school's wireless from your room, do that first. If not, then consider sharing like defined in the article above. If you do that, see if you can enable WPA instead of WEP as said in the article. WPA is much better than WEP.

 

Correct. The OP does not need a router. It's a simple ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer network). In addition to Pita's link, this MS networking setup is easy to understand, with good links. I'm setting up the same network at home and heading out to buy the USB network adapter today.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/adhoc.mspx#2

There are downsides to the ad-hoc networks, but if you'll be close to the main PC, aren't doing any heavy work from the laptop (gaming, streaming video, etc.) over the connection, and have a clear line of sight, it should work very well.

 

I didnt read the part where the desktop has wireless sorry. Setting ups a ad hoc will work, buts its slow and not recomended.

show me where I said he needed a router please??? I said switch and it is the best way for him to connect two pcs if his laptop doesnt have wireless signal. Ad hoc is complete junk, I would pay ~$20 not to use it; therefore I didnt recomend it.

 

Thank you for the very quick replies. I will have to look into the policy though. I know that I am not able to use a router, I am not sure if they would consider my computer a "router" since it would be sending and receiving a signal. I would have loved to connect to the university wireless, but from my dorm room, there is no signal at all.

 

If the school policy prohibits an ad-hoc wireless network, you can also connect the two computers via cable (USB or serial). You can set up your own "wired" network between the two, or there are software/cable packages that will do it for you. In a dorm room, it might work OK. This didn't work in my house too well. Too many "near trips".