Connecting devices with ad-hoc networks

There are times when the ability to connect directly to another computer or wireless device may be helpful. For example you may want to send a file to someone who is nearby without going through the hassle of e-mailing it. On the other hand, you may want to share an internet connection between two computers when a wireless network is unavailable for one of those computers. You can even use a device like an ipod touch/iphone as an efficient wireless external hard drive.

In these situations an ad-hoc network might just be what the the doctor ordered. What it does is it gives you the ability to connect two or more, devices together wirelessly. As opposed to other wireless networks (LAN, broadband, ethernet, etc), where a signal goes through a device like a router, an ad-hoc network communicates directly between machines.

There are two main requirements for an ad-hoc network to function:

• All the devices must be within about 30 feet of each other
• A wireless network adapter must be installed on all devices (usually standard on today's comuters and iphones/touches)

The exact steps would depend on the platform but it general this is how to do it:

• Find and open the networking and sharing applications (found to the right of the taskbar in vista), or locate the application that allows you to create and set up networks.
• click on set up a connection or network, a number of options should come up like connect to the internet or set up a router, however you want to choose the option which says connect to an ad-hoc network.
• What comes up is a screen where you can name your network and make it security enabled. If you choose to make it security enabled, you will need to choose a password with which the other devices will use to connect to your network.
• There will also be a checkbox to save this network. Unless it's checked windows will forget about the network once all the devices disconnect. Leaving it unchecked might be a good idea because it will ensure that nobody will try connectiong to your device after you are done using the connection.
  
• Click next and you should get a message saying your network is ready to use. By going into your networking options you will see your network and so should all other wireless enabled devices within 30 feet.

Note: For an iphone you probably need an app that allowes you to work with transferring files, FileAid is one such program. Also be aware that in order to share files you need to either enable a specific file to be shared or locate your public folder and place a copy of that file into the folder.