WLAN: Use laptop as an amplifier
With a new driver and an extremely practical tool, you can use your laptop as an amplifier for WLAN. For example, you can set up a small WiFi network in the hotel room to provide the colleagues in the neighboring room with Internet. Or you can update your cell phone at home in the garden via WLAN without expensive data tariffs - although your WLAN has not yet reached this point. In this practical tip, we will show you how it works.
Using a laptop as an amplifier: Requirements
The only requirement: Your notebook runs at least Windows Vista and it has an Intel WLAN chipset WiFi Link 5100 or Intel WiFi Link 5300. You also need the tool "MyWifi for Windows 8" or Windows 7. The download hides the My WiFi software and a customized WiFi driver. After installation, your notebook is able to give up to eight devices access to an Internet connection.
Installation of the tool
- After downloading the files, start the installation by double-clicking on the file and follow the instructions.
- It is important that you select the "Custom" installation type. In "standard" mode, the My WiFi drivers are not installed, the entire effort would then be in vain.
- It is best to select all sub-items under "Custom setup". In any case, this is how you install the correct drivers and software for the administration of your access point.
Configuration & connection
- When you start the management program called "Intel My WiFi Technology", you can easily switch the "My WiFi" function on and off. From now on you can manage this WLAN network via the interface, see the devices integrated in the WLAN and can grant or refuse approvals.
- Of course, the security of your network is not neglected. The driver supports the encryption of the radio connection - and also with the secure WPA2-PSK.
- You can also determine the way in which new devices are integrated into your network. On the one hand, of course, this is done manually, i.e. for each device individually and by hand. My WiFi also supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) - the connection at the push of a button.
If you want to use the notebook as a repeater, this is not a problem - your laptop can significantly expand an existing WLAN.