[Tutorial] Wi-Fi Hotspot for Windows to other wireless devices

Sharing Internet to other devices from a single Internet Connection OR Internet Connection Sharing


Main Site: http://www.connectify.me/


Download here: Connectify v2.2


Note: Connectify is only meant for Windows 7 Computers. For Windows XP and/or Vista users, kindly refer to here instead.


Things required: 
A Windows 7 Computer
Wireless Network Adapter
Gigabit/Ethernet Network Controller
Internet Connection
Connectify v2.2.exe


My Setup:
Windows 7 x64 Professional Computer
Atheros AR5b93 Wireless Network Adapter
Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller


here we go... 
Part 1 - installation


first, download Connectify as stated from above


fig.01: Double click on ConnectifyInstaller.exe


fig.02: Click “I Agree” on the License Agreement


fig.03: Uncheck “Install TuneUp for iTunes” and Click “Install”


fig.04: Let the installation run…


fig.05: Uncheck “Show Readme” and click “Finish” 




Part 2 - Setting Up Connectify Wizard 



fig.06: Connectify Hotspot Setup Wizard will start and click on “Next”


fig.07: Provide a wireless name (SSID) for your hotspot connection, for testing purposes we will name “HWZ” as the SSID – click “Next” once you are done with the naming.


fig.08: Provide a password for your hotspot connection, for testing purposes we will set “hardwarezone” as the password – click “Next” once you are done with the password.


fig.09: If you are currently connected to the Internet via Local Area Connection, select Local Area Connection else, Wireless Network Connection


fig.10: Click "Finish" and wait approximately 3-5mins for your PC to get things configured.


fig.11: Up and running (locate this via the bottom right of your taskbar - a.k.a System Tray)


fig.12: For more advanced options, right click on Connectify icon > Options > Show All Settings & Always Show Ad Hoc Mode 


Set up your device to connect to:
SSID: HWZ 
Password: hardwarezone

Happy surfing 


Connected Device: 


  




FAQ/Acronym

What is SSID?
SSID - Service Set Identifier: An SSID is the name of a wireless local area network (WLAN). All wireless devices on a WLAN must employ the same SSID in order to communicate with each other.

Which Operating System supports Connectify?
Only Windows 7.
For Windows XP Users: read here instead.
For Windows Vista Users: read here or here instead.

Unable to connect to device despite Connectify showing "Status: Running <SSID>".
Wait for 5mins and re-attempt to connect with your device, if issue persists, Restart Hotspot (Click "Stop Hotspot" then "Start Hotspot") again.

Can i assigned a different IP address instead of the automatically given address?
Yes. on Windows 7 > Type: Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings > locate adapter: Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter (Usually Wireless Network Connection 2) > Right click it, Properties > Select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) > Click Properties > Change both the IP Address and DNS Primary Address accordingly

Device does not support WPA2-PSK encryption type.
Stop Hotspot, Refer to fig.12 above, select "Always Show Ad Hoc Settings" -> on Mode: select the encryption type that your device supports (eg. Access Point WPA2-PSK, Ad-Hoc Open or Ad-Hoc WEP).

Encryption Types:
Access Point, WPA2-PSK: Requires 8 to 63 character Password. (Recommended settings)
Ad-Hoc, Open: open network, no security - use with caution.
Ad-Hoc, WEP: Requires 5, 10 or 26 character Password.