I'm just wondering if it is possible to use a linux laptop with wifi as a wifi router. I have DSL coming in directly to the laptop, and want to share internet access with other wifi-enabled devices. Is this possible?

I found http://www.linux.com/archive/feed/55617 while googling, but it is a few years old, and not exactly newbie-level.

Thanks!

Hi -

Short answer: Sure!

Longer answer:
Q: exactly what hardware did you want to use?
a) DSL modem (for internet connectivity)
b) Laptop (has an RJ-45 plug to connect to your DSL modem)
c) what else???

Q: exactly what are your goals?
a) Do you have multiple PCs you want to share the internet connection?
b) Are they going to be on a (wired) switch or hub?
c) Do you have something like a Linksys router to broadcast a Wifi signal?

Q: How exactly were you going to broadcast Wifi?
Most laptops can *receive* a Wifi signal ... but cannot *broadcast*.
Perhaps you have a Linksys router?
Or perhaps your DSL modem doubles as a Wifi base station?

In general: Yes, Linux can be used to take advantage of whatever hardware, and whatever configuration, you want.

But we need more details to answer your question.

@paulsm4 Thanks for the reply! Sorry I was not more specific. I have an Acer Aspire One netbook with Atheros AR2425 wifi. I'm plugging the DSL modem directly into the RJ-45 input to the Acer. I want friends' laptops and smartphones to be able to see my Acer as if it were a wifi router (with WPA2, if possible). I have no other hardware (no linksys, belkin, etc..)

>> Most laptops can *receive* a Wifi signal ... but cannot *broadcast*.

Hrm... if the laptop cannot act as a "hotspot", then I guess I cannot do this. Is there no way around it?

Thanks again for the reply!

If my notebook can not transmit how is this getting to my wrt54g? I have seen a commercial answer to this question and that linux can do it. So how do we get the Artheros to work to hit the wrt54g?

This would seem to just be a adhock network with the security disabled?

this is the reverse of what you need so in principle i guess its possible:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...6/#post3804866

Any progress on this issue? Seems to be an interesting problem. I am not sure if the wireless network adapter can handle multiple connections at the same time.