In order to distribute the Internet via wi-fi, you need a router - a special device. But in most cases, especially at home, you don't even need to buy it, but turn any computer into a router. All that is required is a computer with built-in or external wifi adapter ohm and a small program Virtual Router Plus - free virtual router.
Thanks to a virtual router, you can distribute wi-fi to all devices in the immediate vicinity - computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, everything that can receive a signal.
Virtual Router Plus - Free Virtual Router
Virtual Router Plus is a free virtual router in Russian. Thanks to him, any computer with a wi-fi adapter can distribute the Internet to other devices that can receive a wi-fi signal.
Virtual Router Plus is lightweight, easy to use, intuitive, stable, and does not load the system. This is one of the simplest and understandable programs for creating wifi hotspots on the computer.
Virtual Router Plus interface When you run this program, a window will open in front of you. You need to fill in the following data:
- Network name (SSID). Write down what your name will be. wifi network... I do not recommend using the Cyrillic alphabet.
- Password. Come up with a password to prevent neighbors from stealing your internet.
- Shared connection. Select the Internet connection from the list that you want to distribute through this virtual router. If the required connection is not in the list, then click next to the "Refresh" button.
When all the data is filled in, click on the "Launch Virtual Router Plus" button. When wi-fi starts to be distributed, you will see a message in the system tray. After that, you can try to catch the Internet with a variety of devices.
Now it is difficult to imagine how you can do without using wireless networks... The discovery of wireless networking technology has made significant contributions to the industry and has changed the way the personal computer is used. Virtual Wi-Fi is a software layer that abstracts the wireless network card and creates multiple virtual adapters. What can this technology be useful for?
During its existence, wireless networks (Wireless Local Area Network-WLAN) have gone through many changes that have affected security, range and speed, but the basic principles of operation have remained unchanged.
Wireless networks can operate in two modes: when two or more devices are connected directly to each other - point-to-point, or when they are connected through an access point (Access Point-AP). In the first case, one speaks of a simple network (ad-hoc mode). The use of this operating mode is quite rare and is used mainly for data exchange when it is not possible to use an access point. The second mode, using an access point, is called infrastructure mode and in most cases is used in conjunction with a wireless router that is connected to the Internet. But the use of two modes of operation at the same time on one physical wireless adapter is not provided for by the very concept of Wi-Fi.
In search of new ways to use wireless networks, the concept of virtualization was proposed, which removes certain restrictions on the use of such networks and thereby expands their capabilities. This approach The use of wireless adapters has been implemented by several companies with corresponding technology names. At Intel, it's Intel My WiFi, and at Microsoft it's Virtual WiFi.
Virtual Wi-Fi is a software layer that abstracts the wireless network card and creates multiple virtual adapters. Each virtual adapter can be separately configured to connect to different wireless networks, but all of them will use the resources of only one physical wireless adapter.
What can this technology be useful for? For example, creating personal network(Wireless Personal Area Network - WPAN) in which you can quickly connect a PDA, phone, printer, camera, laptop and other device with a wireless adapter for simple exchange of information; use a laptop as a hotspot (Hotspot) to provide Internet access to wireless devices using an Internet connection on the laptop, at least Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 3G or WiMax. Another example would be when the radio signal is not stable enough or does not cover the required distance between the access point and the wireless devices. In this case, a computer or laptop with Virtual Wi-Fi technology can act as a repeater, thereby improving the radio coverage of the wireless network.
In Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2, Virtual WiFi technology was included in the system and implemented at the kernel level, in addition, work was done on a simple implementation of the Software Access Point (SoftAP), while from the manufacturers of wireless devices, now you only need to implement SoftAP support in your drivers. In this regard, in the current implementation of Virtual WiFi in and Windows 2008 R2, it is possible to create only one virtual adapter that will work only in the access point mode, while providing WPA2-PSK-AES encryption.
By the way, support for Virtual WiFi in drivers is a mandatory requirement for certification of wireless adapters for compatibility with Windows 7.
Virtual WiFi is designated as Wireless Hosted Network, in Russian designation as a Hosted Network. In connection with the introduction of Virtual WiFi in new operating systems from Microsoft, new commands have been included in the network shell to control the distributed network. Here are some of them:
- netsh wlan set hostednetwork allowed / disallowed - Allow or deny use of the network.
- netsh wlan set hostednetwork<идентификатор_SSID> <парольная_фраза>persistent / temporary - Configure network parameters, where SSID is the SSID of the network; Key- User security key used by the network; keyUsage specifies the security key to be permanent or temporary
- netsh wlan show settings - Shows the network property and its state.
- netsh wlan show hostednetwork settings = security - Displays the security settings of the hosted network. (Shows, including the password specified in the key when configuring netsh wlan set hostednetwork)
- netsh wlan start hostednetwork - Start hostednetwork.
- netsh wlan stop hostednetwork - Stop hosted network.
How it looks like setting up Virtual Wi-Fi in practice: we need a laptop or a regular one Personal Computer with wireless devices, and a driver supporting Virtual WiFi.
If the above criteria are met, then we call the command line, with administrator rights and execute the following command in it:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode = allow ssid = "MS Virtual Wi-Fi" key = "Pass for virtual wifi" keyUsage = persistent
In this example, "MS Virtual Wi-Fi" is the name of the wireless network, "Pass for virtual wifi" is the password for accessing this network. You can set these values as you like.
After executing this command, the system will find new hardware and a new one will appear in the device manager network adapter, or rather virtual - Microsoft Virtual WiFi miniport adapter. But again, this virtual adapter will appear only if our wireless adapter driver has support for Virtual WiFi.
By going to Control Panel - Network Control Center and general access- changing the adapter parameters, we will see a new Wireless Network Connection 2, which will show the status - no connection. Therefore, the next step will be to launch the network. To do this, you need to run the command in the command line running with administrator rights:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork.
After that, the network will start and the SoftAP (SoftAP) will work. You can verify this by going to Control Panel - Network and Sharing Center. Since we are using a Wi-Fi internet connection, we found that Windows 7 is connected to multiple wireless networks at the same time. Now other wireless devices can connect to our hotspot.
If we want to provide access to the Internet to other wireless devices that are connected to our software access point, that is, to organize a Hotspot, then we need to go to the Control Panel tab - Network and Sharing Center - change adapter parameters and connection properties , which is connected to the Internet (in our case, this is a Wi-Fi connection, but it can be anything: ethernet, 3G, WiMax, etc.). On the access tab, check the box Allow other network users to use the Internet connection this computer, and in Connection home network indicate which network adapter to provide (share) the Internet, in our case, it will be Wireless Network Connection 2, which refers to a virtual wireless adapter.
From the client's side, you can see several wireless networks, and when connecting to our organized access point, the client will automatically receive an IP address from the internal DHCP server and will be separated from the external network by NAT (Network address translation).
The convenience of using Virtual Wi-Fi is obvious, but using the command line to configure and launch a network (and you need to start a mixed network every time you restart your computer with administrator rights) is not very convenient. Unfortunately, there is no built-in graphical shell for configuring Virtual WiFi. Therefore, it is not surprising that third party utilities, which perform the function of this very shell. Now there are several such utilities - Connectify and Virtual Router Manager. Their configuration is minimized - you need to specify the SSID and password for access. They are loaded with the system and immediately provide the inclusion of a distributed network and are able to display all connections to our distributed network.
Connectify
Utility Virtual WiFi Router is different simple control and the ability to convert a computer to a wireless access point. This feature will allow the device to be used to transmit information over the Internet over a certain distance. The program has an exclusively English-language interface.
V Virtual Router Wi-Fi there are no supernatural options, and there are not so many of them. Each user can only set the parameters of the access point: name, password for entering and the maximum number of devices that can connect to it. The working window of the program displays a list of active this moment connections and brief information about them. After completing all required settings, the application can be minimized, thereby freeing up space on the device's desktop. At the same time, it will not stop functioning, but will continue to work in the background.
You can download the Virtual WiFi Router program from our website at the link below, the official website of the program is virtualwifirouter.com.
Features of Virtual WiFi Router for Windows 7, 10:
- Free download and installation;
- Quick configuration of the access point on the computer;
- Providing information about all devices connected to the access point at the moment;
- Work in the background;
- Simple and convenient control.
Disadvantages of the program:
- Lack of an interface in Russian;
- Compatible only with Windows 7, 10 x64 / x86;
Any computer with a wifi adapter can be configured as a virtual wifi router without using third-party programs... But every time you restart your computer, you will have to create the virtual network again.
Let's figure out what is the peculiarity of creating a virtual router using only one operating system, and using special programs.
Creating a virtual router using Windows
Remember that the main requirement when creating a virtual network by means of the operating system is that the client connected devices must work with WPA2-PSK / AES encryption. Otherwise, they will not be able to connect to your virtual router.
Access point creation
To implement a virtual network, you need to open the command line, and on behalf of the administrator run the command - nеtsh wlan set hоstednetwork mode = allоwed ssid = "My Virtuаl Wi-Fi" key = "Password" keyUsаge = persistent
Command values:
- My Virtual Wi-Fi is the name of the wireless network. Think of any so that you can find it in the list of wifi networks.
- Pаssword - password for access to the created network.
Running command
After implementing this command, you should see the following in your device manager Network Card- "Adapter mini-port of virtual Wi-Fi Microsoft", and in the folder network connections emerge wireless network connection 2.
Virtual router adapter
To start your virtual network, open the command line again and enter this command - nеtsh wlan start hоstednetwork. The network should now work, you can check this by looking for wireless networks on any wifi device. If you want to turn off the virtual router, then in command line instead of - start, type - stop and the network will stop broadcasting.
Removing an access point
To remove a virtual router from a computer, you need to run the command in the command line as administrator - nеtsh wlan set hоstednetwork mode = disаllow.
Now the virtual router adapter will disappear from the device manager.
Access to the Internet from a virtual router
Go to the Networking and Sharing Center, then to change the adapter parameters. You should select your Internet connection, go to its properties. There go to the tab - access. Check the box next to the inscription - allow other network users to use the Internet connection of this computer. Specify the connection to which you allow access just below. We have a wireless network connection 2.
Selecting a connection property
We check, connect to the created network, try to go online.
In this version of creating a virtual router, everything is good and fast, but there is one inconvenience - when you restart the computer, all the manipulations described above will have to be performed again. Therefore, in order to avoid this, you can use a special software for the implementation of virtual networks. It simplifies setup and when you restart your computer, you do not have to start all over again every time.
Creating a virtual router using the application
On the Internet, you can find a dozen applications that help create virtual networks. But now we will consider one of them, this is mHotspot. A small application that does not require installation, consisting of a single file.
Download the program from the Internet, run the executable file, the following window should appear.
Mhotspot app menu
The Mhotspot application menu has three buttons: SETUP HOTSPOT, START, STOP. First press - SETUP HOTSPOT, this is the access point setting.
Setting up Mhotspot
Now we enter data from the appropriate fields: Hotspot name - write the name of the future virtual network, this name will be displayed during the search for wireless networks. Password - we write the password, it will have to be entered to access the virtual network. This measure will protect your network from unauthorized users. We save by pressing the button - Ok. That's it, you can press the Start button, and your virtual router should work.
Setting up the distribution of the Internet
Now we need to configure the distribution of the Internet from an existing connection. Go to: Control Panel - Network and Internet - Network and Sharing Center - Change adapter settings.
Virtual wireless connection
In this window, we are looking for Wireless Network Connection 2. Move the mouse over it, the inscription should pop up - Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter. For convenience, it is possible to rename it to - Virtual WiFi. Now find your internet connection.
There can be several of these connections, because you can use the Internet from a 3G modem or via a provider's cable. Choose exactly the one from which you want to distribute the Internet.
Go to the properties of the selected connection and check the boxes following the example of the picture below.
Internet access
After pressing the button - Ok, you need to reconnect this Internet connection, and the virtual router should distribute the Internet.
When you restart your computer, if you want to distribute the Internet via wifi, just run the application - Mhotspot and click - Start. Now you don't need to enter anything, because the program remembered the data entered earlier. The application can be closed, the virtual router will continue to distribute the Internet.
How to set up a Virtual Wi-Fi connection
Virtual router manager is here to help if you don't have a real wifi router, but it is necessary to distribute it. Its main task is to imitate a wi-fi router, so you can forget about any wires and inconveniences. The program is reliable and licensed, it does not have viruses, and you can download the virtual router manager completely free of charge. The program is compatible with operating system Microsoft Windows XP, Seven and up.
What devices is the program compatible with?
The key condition for the correct operation of the program is availability of wi-fi on the sending and receiving devices. Receiving devices can be: iPhone, iPod Touch, netbooks, laptops, audio devices, wireless multifunctional devices, smartphones, phones with Android or Zune and others. The distributor (usually a computer) on which the program is installed must have a wi-fi adapter.Where to download Virtual Router?
You can download the virtual router manager on the official website or on torrents. Please note that the file must only have the ".exe" or ".msi" extension. Anyone can customize the program without even reading the instructions. Using the program is even easier than installing.How do I get started with the virtual router manager?
To distribute wifi to windows, you will need to perform the simplest manipulations:- correctly indicate the name of your network;
- enter a password;
- click on the "Start" button.
Entering a password is necessary for the security of the transmitted data so that another person cannot unauthorizedly connect to your virtual distribution. All devices that you connect via virtual wifi will be displayed in the program window. If necessary, it is even possible to find out the ip and MAC addresses of each device by looking at them in the program window.
Working with the program
At its core, a virtual router manager russian the version is a shell, that is, it can do all the settings for you. To access via wifi, just start the program and then minimize it to the tray. With such actions, every time you turn on the computer, it will automatically start.
Program setting
The setup comes down to filling in or selecting in 4 lines:- to create wifi network, you need to come up with any name for her in the upper field;
- in the next field, create a password consisting of at least 8 characters;
- in the drop-down menu "Shared Connection" select the connection through which the computer connects to the Internet;
- in the lowest drop-down menu, select the desired connection type.
How to choose the right type of connection?
In order to competently create a wifi network, you need to select the desired type of connection - this is important! There are two modes: acess point or ad hoc.- Ad hoc. This mode is a point-to-point connection. Translated into simple language, only one device can be connected to a virtual router.
- Acess point. This mode will allow you to connect to an "access point" (distributing wi-fi device) a large number of receiving devices. Possible problems and their elimination
