using my apache as gateway for adhoc wifi network?

[bvwelch]

Greetings,

I've searched around these forums, and googled, but so far, no luck.

I have some small wifi gadgets that I run in an "adhoc" wifi network-- no access point. Some of them are in remote locations. It would be really cool to use an apache as the "gateway" to the internet.

In addition, I have a laptop with wifi built in, which I can use in an adhoc wifi network.

I know I can use my apache as a "modem" for my laptop, using bluetooth or usb. That is cool in itself.

But, my laptop has wifi built in. To use bluetooth I need a usb dongle. To use USB I need a cable.

Maybe what I want to do is as simple as setting up the tcp/ip routing tables. But I just can't seem to figure it out.

I have used my apache's wifi to connect to a wifi access point, so I know that the apache's wifi basically is working.

Any suggestions appreciated!

-bill

[luv2chill]

The short answer is don't bother. I think this idea has occurred to every apache geek at one point or another. It's been investigated and tried and failed over an over again. Out of the box, Windows Mobile cannot serve as a router or bridge between the cellular modem and Wi-Fi connection. With the newer ROMs, it can do this via bluetooth however.

There is a crude hack out there that takes a long time to set up, is very flaky, and only allows port 80 to get through. If you're still interested, here's the link:

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/ind...&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

[bvwelch]

Originally Posted by luv2chill

The short answer is don't bother. I think this idea has occurred to every apache geek at one point or another. It's been investigated and tried and failed over an over again. Out of the box, Windows Mobile cannot serve as a router or bridge between the cellular modem and Wi-Fi connection.

Thank you for your reply. Can you describe what would need to be "added to the box" in order for this to work? Drivers? tcp/ip stack modifications? I would appreciate any technical details.

I suppose I can accomplish what I need by buying or building an external hardware gadget that bridges bluetooth to wifi, but it seems like a shame to do that.

thanks again,

-bill

[luv2chill]

Bill,

Read the link I posted.

[jack_2231]

This is very easy to do provided you think first.

If you want to use it just for 1 person, there is no reason to do this. Therefore, you want to use it for 2 or more persons.

Since you want to us eit for 2 or more persons, you just connect by yourself to the ppc via bluetooth or whatever. Then you right click the connection and turn on ICS, or Internet Connection Sharing. Open your firewall ports if you are running a firewall. Now buy a wifi usb or pcmcia card that allows its wifi adapter to be an access point. I got mine for $10 from geeks.com Configure that software and turn it on. Ok, now people can log onto your laptop.

[Elbimster]

I've successfully done this on both windows XP and Vista using windows' built in Internet Connection Sharing. Works quite well. devices have had no problem connecting to it and using the net. It's doable that way.