How to create Wi-Fi HotSpot with your USB Data Card/Internet Connection…

With USB internet datacards (3G/4G) very popular these days, there is a high chance that you have one too for your mobility needs. Although, that does provides you with ability to get connected on your laptop but what about your Wi-fi iPad & other similar devices you may want to use too  in your hotel room or want to share your internet connection with other visitors/colleaques in a meeting room. The are numerous scenarios where you may want to share your internet connection and here is how you can do it…

Software Routers

Connectify (http://www.connectify.me) is a software router that lets you wirelessly share your internet connection with friends, colleaques and your other wi-fi enabled mobile devices. All you need is Windows 7 with Wi-Fi card or adaptor. Download the Lite/Pro version of the software from the connectify website.

Once you have configured the hotspot, you can now find it on the available wireless link on your other devices.

TroubleShooting

Although I could connect my iPhone to the newly created Wi-Fi Connection, however the Internet Connection was not enabled for some reason. After doing some troubleshooting, I noticed that the original connection which I chose for sharing the connection was not enabled to allow the other network users to connect through it’s Internet Connection

For Enabling that goto – Control Panel –> Network and Sharing Center –> Chose the Original Connection with Internet Connection (Click on the Connections ) & Open the Connection Properties –> Sharing (as shown below)

 2) Also check your Firewall if that is prohibiting Connection with the Device. Make sure that firewall is not blocking this. To verify quickly, disable your firewall and try connecting from the device again. If it’s connects successfully, it is the firewall which may be blocking the connection. Goto Firewall settings and allow the connection. Check your firewall documentation to check how to do that.

Hardware Routers

Before trying the Software Router, I already had a Portable Wireless Travel Router device which allowed me to plug-in my 3G Data card and create the hotspot to be used with my iPad & other visitors if office and meeting places. There are several devices available from various manufacturers & links below shows some of the ones you can buy from internet.

ZOOM 3G Wireless-N Travel Router – http://www.jr.com/zoom-telephonics/pe/ZTL_45060000F/

ZOOM 3G Wireless-N Travel Router –  http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-4506-Wireless-N-Travel-Router/dp/B003DNYW0U/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_2

XyXEL Mobile Wireless Router 3G/4G Ready – http://www.buy.com/prod/zyxel-mwr211-802-11n-battery-powered-mobile-wireless-router-3g-4g-ready/217630237.html

Please visit product websites for more details.

1. 

   KRISHNA RAO says:

   February 10, 2013 at 12:57 pm

   Mr. Piyush, Your approach that knowledge multiplies when shared is an excellent thinking and thanks for that.

   reply