Windows 7 Virtual Wifi Adapter feature

http://www.istartedsomething.com/20...e-virtual-wifi-technology-microsoft-research/

It seemed like an odd feature to me. But Microsoft is require hardware vendors to support it with their Windows 7 drivers. I think Microsoft wants to push adhoc networking to the forefront, which is smart.

In the day of wireless internet, I still see the USB flash drive as the fastest way to transfer files to people in close proximity. This is because setting up an adhoc network is hard to teach people. If only it was more automatic.....

The downside of course is performance if you are connected to two networks at the same time. Since your card is switching between two networks, there is a lag between the IP layer switching from one network to the other. Thus the bandwidth drop is significant too, to the tune of 100Kbps if you are connected to an infra network AND an adhoc network.

I didn't see the performance numbers for being on just ONE network, which will presumably be little to none.

 

this is pretty cool

you could have like a p2p network...as the entire network

 

Interesting stuff...I see the Virtual Adapter on my Netbook. Have to give it a test sometime when I can. Thanks for sharing this info. surfasb!

 

I read about this a week or so ago and it’s a great idea—any outside of the box thinking tends to be good. There are several advantages to this and little downside. Besides, loosing 100Kbps is nothing when your connection speed is 100000Kbps.

 

I just see it as another step towards trouble free adhoc networks.