Broadcasting Wifi from Laptop/netbook

DampCat · 10 Aug 2009 at 10:29

Hai

So i know it's possible to "turn a laptop into a router", and broadcast a wifi signal from it for other devices to connect to the interwebz (albeit without any significant protection and at a rubbish speed)...

... but is there any limitations to using this in conjunction with a 3G dongle? Would that still work? What sofftware is required, or is it the same as the above?

I'm trying to figure out ways i can connect my stupid iPod Touch (grrrr) to the internet when i'm in a position to have my laptop with me, but have no Wifi. Par Example, when i'm at work i can just leave the netbook on my out-tray (i don't do any work so it wont be in the way) and then the CrapPod is free to connect whenever i wish it to.

wij · 10 Aug 2009 at 10:35

I use one of these, well the Version 2 but you get the idea:

http://www.option.com/en/products/products/wireless-routers/globesurfer3/

Great for in hotels or when I'm on sites where there is no WIFI or fixed access, works pretty well everywhere I've gone with it.

Probably not quite what you're after but thought I'd throw it out there

You could use ICS to achieve what you want, but this would be a PITA every time you wanted to connect to another wifi network as you'd have to disable it and re-enable it when you wanted to share your 3G with your iPod touch.

DampCat · 10 Aug 2009 at 10:50

No no, that mobile router looks good. Can you tell me about it? Who is the provider? What are the charges? Does it require an additional 3G USB modem or card to stick inside it? How much does it cost?

I was just looking at the PHS300... You just shove your 3G dongle in it (fnarr!) and off you go, it creates a wireless access point. I like the look of it cause it's small, can run off lithium-ion battery and you can change providers if you wish by just changing the dongle. I'm emigrating later this year so i want to avoid tying myself down to a contract or a specific provider in case it's unavailable where i'm going. Expensive though, but a worthy investment i think?

wij · 10 Aug 2009 at 12:14

They are sim free, so you put a sim card in it and off it goes.

It has a wifi access point and single ethernet socket in it for connecting to.

It is made by a company called Option. I have the GlobeSurfer II which personally I think is a more robust product.

Not cheap, but for my needs it solved a problem with minimal hassle.

Linksys, DrayTek etc. make similar ones that you can plug dongles or cards into and they do a similar thing but not as neatly IMO.