Member Avatar for rori

hi,

sorry i dont understand much about networking, here is my issue:

i have PC2 that is connected to another PC1 through a wired network.
PC1 is sharing internet with other pcs including PC2.
i put d-link wireless usb adapter on PC2 and i want my LAPTOP (that has a built in wireless) to share the wireless network with PC2 without using any other device.

So PC1 is the computer all others are getting internet from, and all the computers (except the laptop) are connecting with a switch,
the only computer that has wireless is PC2 and the laptop of course.
i want the laptop to be connected to the network sharing files and internet using wireless directly to another computer.

is that possible?

thanks a lot for your help

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jimlaver

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For : yes — you can do this without buying extra hardware. Two practical ways work reliably: have PC2 act as a wireless gateway (create an ad-hoc/hosted network on PC2 and enable Internet Connection Sharing), or create a network bridge on PC2 so the laptop joins the same LAN. is correct that a PC can be on two networks at once if it has multiple NICs; 's router suggestion is simpler long-term but isn't strictly required.

Gateway (ICS / softAP) — quick workflow:

  • Install the USB wireless adapter drivers on PC2 and create an ad-hoc/hosted wireless network (Windows calls it ad-hoc, hosted network, or Mobile Hotspot depending on version).
  • On PC2 enable Internet Connection Sharing on the interface that has Internet (the wired one) and choose the wireless adapter as the shared connection.
  • Connect the laptop to the new SSID. The laptop should get an IP from PC2's ICS DHCP and use PC2 as gateway. Note: ICS does NAT, so the laptop is behind PC2.

Bridge option:

  • On PC2, select both the wired and wireless adapters and create a Network Bridge. The laptop will then be on the same Layer‑2 network as the wired PCs and can get an IP from the network's DHCP (if present).
  • Bridging does not work with some connection types (PPP/PPPoE, some VPNs) and does not provide NAT.

Troubleshooting and cautions:

  • Verify adapter modes (some USB sticks do not support AP/hosted mode), check IPs with ipconfig/ifconfig, and confirm default gateway and DNS.
  • ICS often sets PC2 to 192.168.0.1 — watch for address conflicts.
  • Ensure Windows firewall allows File and Printer Sharing when testing.
  • If security, reliability, or device compatibility is a problem, a cheap wireless AP/router is the most robust solution.

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Member Avatar for jimlaver

I think you can make a PC to PC connection, but that means disconnecting PC2 from your wired network since you can't be on both networks at the same time.

I know you don't want to use another device, but why don't you try connecting a wireless router instead of PC2 and then connecting PC2 and your laptop on the wireless connection?

By the looks of your problem, you don't need an expensive wireless router. A small on would do the trick.

Member Avatar for John A

>that means disconnecting PC2 from your wired network since you can't be on both networks at the same time.
Sure you can, as long as you have enough network cards installed in your computer to pull it off.

Member Avatar for jimlaver

But can she be on a wired network and on a wireless one at the same time?... I mean, I've never tried that.

Member Avatar for John A

>But can she be on a wired network and on a wireless one at the same time?... I mean, I've never tried that.
If routers can do it, why can't PCs? A router is after all, just a small computer.

Member Avatar for jimlaver

:surprised Thanks for the insight.

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