Wireless Access Point Service Wiki
Turn any Windows 7/8 System into a WiFi hotspot
Status: Beta
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WiFi Access Point Service Documentation
Version 1.0 beta 2 (1.0.1.2)
Table of Contents
1. Summary
The WiFi Access Point Service uses existing functionality build into Windows 7 and 8 to create a fully functional wireless access point (not an ad-hoc network). This means there are no third party drivers or network filters installed, and it should not affect the functionality of any other network related software/devices you have installed. This also means that the network it creates should be detectable, and connectable to any WiFi capable device (including those that do not recognize ad-hoc networks, like Android devices).
This service can be useful for turning a Windows PC connected via ethernet into a wireless access point, creating an additional wireless access point from a PC with good wireless reception in order to extend the range of a wireless network, or as part of a seamless multi-AP roaming network (see the Advanced Topics section for information on this setup).
Technical Details
This service makes use of Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing combined with the Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter (configured through netsh.exe) to create a wireless access point. The service is necessary because the hosted network created by netsh is not intended to be persistent. The network is disabled each time the system shuts down or enters suspend mode. The service does nothing more than automate the command to perform the initial creation of the network, and run the netsh commands to restart the network when the system starts up or resumes from a suspend mode.
2. Installation
2a. Configuring and Installing the Service
To configure and install the WiFi Access Point service, simply extract the contents of the zip file to the location of your choosing, then double-click on the "Setup" batch file.
After ensuring that the required services are running, the setup will ask you to enter a network name (or SSID) and password for your new wireless network. If you are trying to extend the range of an existing network, when selecting a network name it is recommended for average users to select a name that is different from that of your existing network. Using the same SSID may cause issues if your network is not configured properly. For advanced users, see the Advanced Topics section for information about seamless multi-AP roaming setups using the same SSID. If you are unsure as to the answer to any of the other questions in the setup, press Enter to select the default option.
Once the network as been configured, and the service installed, you will be asked if you want to start the service. Before starting the service, see the following section about configuring ICS.
2b. Configuring ICS
In order to share your internet connection with the clients connected to your new network, you will need to enable Internet Connection Sharing on the connection that provides you with internet access. If you are connected via an ethernet cable, this will be your Local Area Connection. If you are connected via WiFi, this will be your Wireless Network Connection.
| To enable ICS, first open the Network and Sharing Center |  |
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Then select "Change Adapter Settings" on the left hand side of the window |
| In this window, look for the item that says "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter" on the third line and note down the name (in this case "Wireless Network Connection 3") |  |
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Now, right-click on the connection that you receive internet through and select "Properties". This will likely be called "Local Area Connection" if you are connected via a cable, or "Wireless Network Connection" if you are connected via WiFi |
| Click on the "Sharing" tab |  |
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Check the box that says "Allow other users to connect through this computer's internet connection". Also ensure that the name in the "Home network connection" box matches the name you noted earlier. If it does not, select the correct entry from the pull down mneu |
Click OK and you are done setting up ICS. If you were in the process of installing the service, you can now answer yes 'Y' to start the service.
3. AdvancedTopics
Still to come...
