USB WIFI stick regular wifi clients can connect to

Ulysses_ · 08-07-2016, 05:24 AM

Any computer with a wifi device can connect to any computer with a wifi device through a wifi adsl router, the adsl function being ignored and maybe unused, ie no telephone line.

Is the same functionality available from a portable device that just plugs onto a USB port and has no other power supply and plays the role of the wifi router as above?

michaelk · 08-07-2016, 06:39 AM

I don't know anything but you can do it yourself. Some USB WiFi adapters can be programmed as a master which is how a router works. You can then run hostapd which provides the access point and authentication functionality.

Ulysses_ · 08-07-2016, 02:44 PM

Only got one usb wifi adapter so a new one is needed. What model can act as a master and is of reasonably good specifications (power consumption, bandwidth etc)?

jefro · 08-07-2016, 02:47 PM

A wifi router by definition should be able to act like a normal wired router.

I don't know if I understand your exact question. Do you mean you want to plug in a usb nic and let your computer act as a router? Or do you mean you have a usb powered router even a wifi hotspot or other wifi device to act like a router? Some wifi hotspots do let users interact and some do not or some have a web based config to allow or not allow guests to interact.

Ulysses_ · 08-07-2016, 03:57 PM

I just want a wifi router that is small and NOT powered by mains electricity, just a little stick you plug into a usb port.

This is for home networking between 2 computers, NOT internet access. So the router function is not essential. Just the ability to act as a wifi master, while the other computer's wifi device will act as the slave and get an IP through DHCP offered by the master.

michaelk · 08-07-2016, 04:40 PM

Actually there are portable or pocket router's that are USB powered. Should be able to google. Will be easier then what I suggested.

Soadyheid · 08-07-2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

I just want a wifi router that is small and NOT powered by mains electricity,

There are some mobile phones which you can use as mobile hotspots, i.e. as mobile routers.
I've also got a RAVpower filehub device which does the same thing (and can also be used to re-charge your phone or transfer data from USB connected storage or an SD card)

Play Bonny!

frankbell · 08-07-2016, 09:09 PM

You might want to take a look at ad hoc networking.

jefro · 08-08-2016, 05:04 PM

They call those usb powered routers "travel routers" or pocket router usually.

I bought a gizmo that is meant to use as a usb flash drive nas that was about $10. Worked OK to let apple phone have a usb. It also had a pretty good router function. Hootoo gizmo.

Ulysses_ · 08-12-2016, 12:40 PM

Beginning to find some devices like that. It would be nice if one had a button that disabled the wireless signal but left the router-to-pc connection working, so the reconnect would be instant when the button is pressed again. Anyone seen something like this?