Using a Windows Laptop as a Wireless Access Point - is it possible?

[GingerNinja.net]

Background:

School network running completely on Wi-Fi. Possible health concerns may cause it to be shut off causing issues in the classroom as Wi-Fi laptops are used at some desks by pupils.
All PC's & Laptop's use Windows XP and will not be using Linux.

Proposal:

Run cable network to "main" PC is each classroom to provide network & internet connectivity to "main" PC.
Set-up Wi-Fi PCI or laptop card in the "main" computer as a Wireless Access Point for the classroom (due to lower power of antennae).
Set-up laptops etc in the classroom to connect via "main" PC.
"Main" PC's wireless transmission can be enabled/disabled on the fly reducing exposure.

Is this possible?

I would assume so but would like someone to confirm and (if possible) advise how we would configure "main" PC.

[Funkstar]

Sure you can do it, but it will be an ad-hoc network, rather than a structured one.

I think internet connection sharing would be the way to set it up

[nichomach]

Why not use an AP and just cut the broadcast power, then turn off when not in use? We use Netgear WAG102s and you can crank the output down to half, quarter, eighth or "minimum".

[Sinizter]

In ad-hoc mode it can be done.

I shared my 3G internet connection through my built in wifi on the laptop.

[nutter99]

If you can fit this in the PC might do the job as it works as an AP according to the details

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=530773

[GingerNinja.net]

Sure you can do it, but it will be an ad-hoc network, rather than a structured one.

I think internet connection sharing would be the way to set it up

I think Ad-Hoc would be OK as the 3rd tier clients would only be looking to connect when the "main" PC is enabled.

Why not use an AP and just cut the broadcast power, then turn off when not in use? We use Netgear WAG102s and you can crank the output down to half, quarter, eighth or "minimum".

I was looking to use existing tech and minimise £ outlay. At present there is (I believe) just a single transmitter at the site with a wide coverage. I suppose another solution would be individual AP's in each classroom on low output which could be left off and switched on prior to the lesson required? Still need the "main" PC connected to the network though which is another cable to run.

[nichomach]

The multiple APs on low power would be the way I'd go; and if the "main" (I'd guess teacher's) laptop was wirelessed already - I mean, most are these days - then you'd only need a cable to the AP.

[Agent]

Or you could just get the people who are thinking of killing the wireless network to actually properly research them before taking action based on watching programs like Panorama.

[nichomach]

Agent...common sense versus panicky middle class mummies with chelsea tractors? Who's going to win that one, d'you think?
edit: Perhaps they could be pointed in the direction of (with thanks to Bazzlad) THIS...

[EllTheGamer]

An ad-hoc network does sound a solid solution, if i remember right you have to select both the adapters (wired and wireless) either by dragging a box over them or holding control then you have to right click and select bridge, to create a bridge between the adaptors allowing traffic to run from the wire over a bridge to the current wireless network. I think you would probably have to set up your ip addresses manually. Post back if you require some help, ill have to get xp setup as im completely vista at since my xp in my dual boot decided it would die but im sure i could help.

[GingerNinja.net]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

Having visited the school in question, I discovered that they didn't have a whacking great big high gain antennae (as some parents thought) but 2 Linksys Wireless Adaptors / Access Points.

I've now got the techie onsite ensuring that all the "static" PC's & laptops which are being used all the time are hard-wired to the network - only 2 pieces of kit - and am organising training for the staff in how to access the web admin pages for each wireless adaptor so they can switch them on during lessons but leave them switched off the rest of the time.

Whilst I appreciate that sitting in a Wi-Fi hotspot for a year is the same as making a 20 min mobile phone call, we are talking about 5, 6 & 7 year old children whose health nobody can be seen as putting at risk (so the Mummies in Chelsea Tractor comments were not appreciated!).

Many thanks & POST CLOSED as far as I am concerned.