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Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : WIFI PC Card as 'Access Point'?

Dirk42
07-18-2002, 08:11 PM
I have the potential need for a PCMCIA (PC Card) WIFI card to act as an access point.

Yea...I know...why not use ad-hoc mode? Long story. The short version is that I have a client that has hundreds of Symbol 1846 Palm-based devices with integrated WIFI. The Symbol drivers lack a setting to put the handheld into ad-hoc mode. This client wants the Symbol to be able to connect to a laptop with a WIFI card in it on a regular basis.

So, if ad-hoc was a feature in the Symbol...I'm set. It's not.

I was wondering if there was a PCMCIA card out there that operated as a host...or as an access point. After all, many access points are simply a PCMCIA card on steroids with an antenna.

Ideas?
yonah
07-22-2002, 02:39 PM
Dirk,

Is it possible, yes; There is probably some software out there that can do this however understand this:

-The software is probably terribly expensive, or open-source (which has its own issues, both good and bad).

- I used to have an AP/Router that had a PCMCIA card instead of an antenna - the range ****ed! Even if you can get a PC card to work as an AP, it probably will not give you as much performance as a dedicated gateway.

- Finally, the cost of an AP is so inexpensive, and keeps dropping. It is probably worth your effort to find a way to use an AP in your solution.
Dirk42
07-22-2002, 02:53 PM
The customer doesn't want to haul an AP around when their sales guys already have laptops and WIFI cards. Range isn't an issue...they'll use the Symbol within a few feet of their laptop.

So, where is this open source you hinted at?
yonah
07-22-2002, 03:12 PM
Dirk,

I was speculating - I would try sourceforge.net - that is a logical place to start.

Check out : http://www.isp-planet.com/news/2002/msft_020502.html
lurk
04-27-2008, 06:32 AM
Hello!

Ive managed to bridge my network, using Broadcom 440x as LAN and Acer IPN2220 as WiFi card. Now heres a step-by-step guide!

Go to Control Panel
Go to Network Connections
Select a LAN and a WiFi card
Right click and select Add to Bridge
Wait until Internet comes back (we re-disconnected all devices)
Right click on WiFi card and select Properties
Select Configure and then Advanced
Now you must change values of the following things:
Device Type (Access Point - AP)
SSID (whatever you want)
Click OK and everything should be up and running!