Okay, so I'm going to admit my networking ignorance here. I have two computers that each have wireless cards working with linux. Both use ndiswrapper. Ideally, this is what I would like:

Desktop plugs into wired network for internet.
Laptop (and maybe and n800 come Christmas) get internet wirelessly from Desktop.
Both (or maybe all three) can share files via nfs.

So I'd like to set up the Desktop as an access point. Trouble is, it can't be done. The ndiswrapper driver doesn't support going into master mode for the desktop wireless card.

So my question is, can I do this with an ad-hoc network? Can I just create an ad-hoc network and assign each of the devices a static IP so they all know where to find each other?

Thanks.

The simplest method is bite the bullet and get a wireless router. Your internet connection plugs into it, and the computers connect via wireless.

Linux kernel supports bridging multiple network interfaces, but not sure it can be done with ndiswrapper. But it will be a big pain in the neck, and will be slower than using a standard wireless router. Good routers can be had for $40.

An alternate plan (which also involves bullet biting) is to go out and get a PCI wireless card which supports master mode in linux (perhaps 20USD).

As for using ad-hoc wireless networking, I think what you described is the correct setup (i.e., put all devices in ad-hoc mode, assign them static IPs, assign appropriate routes, etc.). Have you already tried out this process?

I'm still experimenting now, but I can't even get them to ping one another. I'll probably just bite the bullet and get a router. Thanks though.

What do the routing tables say?