Turning a desktop PC into a WiFi hotspot using Connectify software

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and requirements for turning a desktop PC into a WiFi hotspot using Connectify software. Participants explore the necessary hardware, particularly the need for a WiFi adapter, and the implications of their current ISP's policies on network configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the hardware requirements for using Connectify, specifically asking if a USB WiFi adapter is necessary.
  • Another participant suggests that additional software is not needed to create a hotspot and mentions that Windows 10 has a built-in option for this.
  • Some participants agree that a WiFi adapter is required if the PC does not have built-in WiFi capabilities, either as a USB device or an internal card.
  • One participant expresses concern about their ISP's policy, stating that they must register any changes to the LAN card and cannot use an external router.
  • Another participant questions the ISP's restrictive policy and discusses the implications of network visibility among neighbors.
  • There is a suggestion to use VPN software for security, especially given the potential vulnerabilities of using Windows 7.
  • One participant notes that network discovery is turned off by default on their desktop, but questions the effectiveness of this measure against malicious entry.
  • Concerns are raised about the security of the current ISP's network setup and the adequacy of their protective measures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ISP's policies and the security implications of their network setup. There is no consensus on the best approach to ensure security while using the desktop as a hotspot.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the limitations imposed by the ISP regarding hardware changes and the potential risks associated with using a shared network. The conversation touches on the security measures that may or may not be in place by the ISP.

Wrichik Basu
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I was reading online that Connectify can be used to convert any desktop or laptop PC into a hotspot.

Our PC is fitted with Windows 7 Pro, 32-bit. It doesn't have an inbuilt WiFi adapter, and connects to the Internet using Ethernet.

I wanted to make a hotspot using this desktop. There are plenty of sites and youtube videos that will tell you how to use the Connectify software. But what hardware is required? How are people making this hotspot? Using the WiFi adapter that is normally used for connecting the PC to a WiFi hotspot?

There are good USB WiFi adapters available online, and some of them are low-priced too. Do I need one of these to make the hotspot?
 
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You don't need additional software to create a hotspot, you can do this straight in the network settings (in Win 10 it is even easier - just click on the wifi icon and it shows you a 'Mobile hotspot' option).

But yes, you do need WiFi hardware so if it is not built in you need to add one - either USB or an internal card.

Alternatively you could put a WiFi router between your desktop and the ethernet connection it is using (or replace the existing router with one with WiFi) - that way you still have WiFi if the PC is off/crashed/rebooting/broken.
 
pbuk said:
But yes, you do need WiFi hardware so if it is not built in you need to add one - either USB or an internal card.
Thanks.
pbuk said:
Alternatively you could put a WiFi router between your desktop and the ethernet connection it is using (or replace the existing router with one with WiFi) - that way you still have WiFi if the PC is off/crashed/rebooting/broken.
No, I cannot do that. Last time I changed the LAN card, I had to call up the ISP to register the new card and allow access. They don't allow any external router.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
No, I cannot do that. Last time I changed the LAN card, I had to call up the ISP to register the new card and allow access. They don't allow any external router.
I've never heard of so restrictive of a policy.
 
russ_watters said:
I've never heard of so restrictive of a policy.
Then you are not aware of how priviliged you are to live in an economy which resepects (at least to some extent) net neutrality.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
No, I cannot do that. Last time I changed the LAN card, I had to call up the ISP to register the new card and allow access. They don't allow any external router.

It would help to have a network diagram, because changing your PC LAN card should be invisible to the ISP, unless they are locking down MAC addresses in their provided router, and that would be an admin nightmare for them. It also testable - what happens when you plug a new PC onto your LAN? Can it access the internet? Or does the ISP have to be involved?

Is it your own router, by the way?

Basically, visibility of your PC MAC address stops at the router interface and does not traverse the WAN. Possibly, the 'router' they have provided you is not actually routing, but is merely a network extender so that your 'LAN' is bigger than you think. Hopefully not, that's a security can of worms that it's unlikely an ISP would want to open!
 
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Tghu Verd said:
It would help to have a network diagram, because changing your PC LAN card should be invisible to the ISP, unless they are locking down MAC addresses in their provided router, and that would be an admin nightmare for them. It also testable - what happens when you plug a new PC onto your LAN? Can it access the internet? Or does the ISP have to be involved?

Is it your own router, by the way?

Basically, visibility of your PC MAC address stops at the router interface and does not traverse the WAN. Possibly, the 'router' they have provided you is not actually routing, but is merely a network extender so that your 'LAN' is bigger than you think. Hopefully not, that's a security can of worms that it's unlikely an ISP would want to open!
Let me describe the situation in a bit more detail. We have no "personal" router. The Ethernet line directly enters our desktop through the LAN card.

Outside our house, there is a router provided by the ISP. It provides connections to a number the houses in our neighbourhood.

If we put the Ethernet line into any computer other than the desktop we normally use, there is no Internet. We have to call up the ISP, and they will clearly ask, "Have you changed the LAN card? It's visible in our system." If the answer is yes, they will ask some security questions and register the new LAN card, but only one card is allowed at a time. Sometimes they visit our house to check if we have installed any personal router.

A question might arise that why we still take services from this ISP even after all these restrictions. The reason is, they provide unlimited (yes, you've read it right) data for a cheap fixed price, and the speed (100Mbps) is good enough for our work.
 
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OK, thanks. That sounds like a cable network, essentially an Ethernet LAN in the street. Are you aware that other PCs in your street could see your PC and LAN data? Depends on how good the ISP is at locking things down on their side.

So, along with your new WiFi card, if you haven't already, you need to set up VPN software so that the details of all traffic is encrypted. I like Windscribe myself, and have previously used Tunnel Bear, but there are many to choose from.
 
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Tghu Verd said:
Are you aware that other PCs in your street could see your PC and LAN data?
Network discovery is switched off in our desktop by default.
Tghu Verd said:
So, along with your new WiFi card, if you haven't already, you need to set up VPN software so that the details of all traffic is encrypted. I like Windscribe myself, and have previously used Tunnel Bear, but there are many to choose from.
Will look into that.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
Network discovery is switched off in our desktop be default.

Sadly, that's not enough to stop malicious entry, esp. if you are running Win 7 as you noted. It would be worth asking the ISP what measures they take to segment/protect PCs, because if they are relying on their customers goodwill or (lack of?) knowledge for this, I strongly recommend you find another ISP who allows you to properly protect your infrastructure. Unlimited data and 100Mbps is not a good trade off for flimsy security.
 
  • #11
Tghu Verd said:
Sadly, that's not enough to stop malicious entry, esp. if you are running Win 7 as you noted. It would be worth asking the ISP what measures they take to segment/protect PCs, because if they are relying on their customers goodwill or (lack of?) knowledge for this, I strongly recommend you find another ISP who allows you to properly protect your infrastructure. Unlimited data and 100Mbps is not a good trade off for flimsy security.
Writing more about this will take the thread in a different direction than originally intended, but you've probable solved the question as to why we found some spam in the user temp folder every six months or so. I'll have a word with the ISP asap.
 
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  • #12
Wrichik Basu said:
Writing more about this will take the thread in a different direction than originally intended

Good call, and good luck!
 
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