Sharing internet between XP and Vista on wireless network 1

[followtheboat]

I am literally pulling my hair out here because I just can't do the above, where the XP machine is the host and the Vista machine is connecting. If anyone can help I would be very grateful because SWMBO is seriously hassling me and I cannot find a solution on the internet.

Here is my set-up:

XP Pro (Host)
- connects to a wireless router via an external USB wireless card. Connects to the internet ok and have enabled sharing on this connection.
- has a second internal Intel wireless card. Can't connect to any ad hoc network already set up. When I try and connect to anything it can't.

Vista Home Basic (Client)
- has a built in wifi card
- can see and connect to any ad hoc network ok

Problems Encountered & Questions
- What I am assuming is that I need both wireless cards on the XP machine in order for this to work. One runs the connection to the internet whilst the other provides the link between the two computers. Is this right?
- If so then why can I not enable connection on my built-in card to an ad hoc network? Sometimes I can get both network cards to connect on my XP machine, and sometimes I can't. i.e. USB card connects to internet and Intel card connects to ad hoc connection.
- Does it matter which machine created the ad hoc network in the first place?
- What other settings could be preventing me from getting the two machines to talk to each other? IP config? Firewall?

I'm at a complete loss and am almost bald with pulling my hair out in frustration. All the guides suggest setting up an ad hoc network is easy. It ain't! Please help!

 

[tlcscousin]

If the XP Host connects to a wireless router then why would you need to have the vista wireless connect to the XP Host in order to get Internet connectivity?
The Vista machine should be able to use the same wireless router as the XP Host.

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

The above site has a how to on ICS.

 

[G0AOZ]

Are you saying that the Vista machine's wireless device is unable to communicate directly with the router, so you're trying to use the XP machine as a "relay" or "repeater"?

If this is the case, then what you need is an AP (Access Point) set up as a repeater to "boost" the signals, so that the Vista PC talks to the router, not the XP machine.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[followtheboat]

The Vista machine's built-in wireless card is not powerful enough to pick up the network.

Yes, I have considered setting up an AP but this is a long-term plan and involves money, which isn't part of the equation at the moment.

What I want to do is just set up ICS on my XP machine for Vista to ride on. I had it up and running for one evening once, so I know it can be done.

But just going back to your point, Goaoz, would you have any suggestions for hardware, set-up? Remember I am on a boat so if I can run this system on 12v then even better. Would kit would I need? What aerial/connections? I've no real experience with networking you see.

Thanks in advance.

 

[G0AOZ]

I'm guessing you've got the wireless router at say the sharp end of the boat, XP machine in the middle, and the Vista PC at the blunt end! I'll take it that running an Ethernet cable through the boat is not an option...

Presumably the in-built WiFi device in the Vista PC is actually working correctly. So if you temporarily locate the Vista PC in the same spot as the XP machine, it'll pick up the wireless router without problems - right?

Using an AP as a repeater. Not all APs have this facility - you'd need to change the AP into repeater mode. Secondly, you'd need to ensure that the AP was indeed compatible with your router, for specifically acting as a repeater. And thirdly, bear in mind using a repeater will approximately halve your data transmission speed.


Other options:-

What about disabling the built-in WiFi in the Vista PC and trying a plug-in USB device, but on a long USB cable. This would allow you to experiment with the position of the WiFi device within the cabin for best signal.

You've mentioned 12v but maybe you have a mains AC supply as well? What about Network-over-Mains devices - that would get you an Ethernet connection anywhere in the boat that a mains socket is available.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[followtheboat]

Hi Roger,

A plug-in USB device on the Vista machine is defeating the object as I already have a USB device... on the XP machine! To have one on each could be a possibility but on a boat cables get rather messy so riding the back of the connection via ICS is my first option.

I didn't realise not all APs talk to all routers. This could be a waste of money if I struggle to connect to random routers.

AC supply is only when in marinas - ie, not often (except this winter). 12v has to be the option, though I do have an inverter, which I tend to avoid using if I can. No, I'm after a solution that gives me internet connection when at anchor.

Ethernet cable isn't such a bad idea. It's the most simple solution, after all, though it does add to that snake pit of cables

 

[tlcscousin]

Check the router you have, to make sure its Vista compatible, some are not.

 

[manhunter2826]

And thirdly, bear in mind using a repeater will approximately halve your data transmission speed.

ROGER - G0AOZ. I am trying to learn here: why is this?? Thanks

 

[G0AOZ]

Because the wireless repeater cannot transmit and receive RF (radio Frequency) signals at the same time like a wired (Ethernet) circuit can...

Take the case of a conventional telephone. You can speak AND listen at the same time - this can be referred to as a duplex conversation. But if you're using the old fashioned ship-to-shore radio or a taxi radio, the operator speaks then says "over" and releases the microphone PTT button. He then hears the remote operator speak and then after his sentence he will say "over" and release his microphone button. That's called simplex. So it is with a WiFi. The repeater listens for the transmitted signal from say, the laptop, and stores the packet of data in its memory. Once it has successfully received the whole packet, it then turns off its receiver, turns on its transmitter and sends the packet to the router. This all happens very quickly but NOT at the same time. Hence the slower transmission rate.

Hope that makes sense...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks G0AOZ: Is it also true that encrypting your wireless (which only the fool-hardy would not do) reduces also slightly the transmission rate? Thanks.

 

[G0AOZ]

Yes, I believe it would do, as extra data is being sent with each packet. Although as you say, this is only a very very small reduction in transmission rate...

ROGER - G0AOZ.