How to Set Up an Ad-Hoc WiFi Network Using a Mac's Built-In Airport
OSX provides a simple, straight-forward way of setting up an ad-hoc WiFi network using a Mac’s built-in Airport. The following steps show screen shots from a Mac running Snow Leopard but the process for Leopard is quite similar.
OSX provides a simple, straight-forward way of setting up an ad-hoc WiFi network using a Mac’s built-in Airport. The following steps show screen shots from a Mac running Snow Leopard but the process for Leopard is quite similar.
Step 1:
Open System Preferences and select “Network”. Choose the Airport item from the list at the left.
Open System Preferences and select “Network”. Choose the Airport item from the list at the left.
Step 2:
Open the “Network Name” popup, then select “Create Network...”.
Open the “Network Name” popup, then select “Create Network...”.
Step 3:
Enter a name for your ad-hoc network. Leave “Channel” set to “Automatic” unless you have problems with interference from other nearby WiFi networks. If you are concerned about another laptop or device connecting to your Mac check “Require Password” and follow the on screen directions. Note that if you elect to employ a password you will be required to enter that password also in your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad when you attempt to connect to this ad-hoc network.
Enter a name for your ad-hoc network. Leave “Channel” set to “Automatic” unless you have problems with interference from other nearby WiFi networks. If you are concerned about another laptop or device connecting to your Mac check “Require Password” and follow the on screen directions. Note that if you elect to employ a password you will be required to enter that password also in your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad when you attempt to connect to this ad-hoc network.
Step 4:
From your device’s Settings application select “Wi-Fi”. Turn “Wi-Fi” ON if it is OFF. After a few moments you will see the available WiFi network candidates in a list. Select your ad-hoc network, and if you have protected it by password, enter the password. Wait until the network strength indicator at the top left of the screen shows an active connection. This last step is important as it takes a few moments for the device to establish a valid connection with the ad-hoc network. If you leave the Settings application before this occurs and try to start another application, that application may be unable to connect. If that happens simply exit the application and wait until you see the signal strength graphic in the upper left.
From your device’s Settings application select “Wi-Fi”. Turn “Wi-Fi” ON if it is OFF. After a few moments you will see the available WiFi network candidates in a list. Select your ad-hoc network, and if you have protected it by password, enter the password. Wait until the network strength indicator at the top left of the screen shows an active connection. This last step is important as it takes a few moments for the device to establish a valid connection with the ad-hoc network. If you leave the Settings application before this occurs and try to start another application, that application may be unable to connect. If that happens simply exit the application and wait until you see the signal strength graphic in the upper left.
