Windows 10: Running a network without a router

Discus and support Running a network without a router in Windows 10 Network and Sharing to solve the problem; Our holiday cottage will soon have a Dell Small Form Factor Windows 10 Pro PC. It would be handy if visitors could access the PC via WiFi, but would... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Network and Sharing' started by Swifty, Jan 20, 2018.

  1. Swifty Win User

    Running a network without a router


    Our holiday cottage will soon have a Dell Small Form Factor Windows 10 Pro PC. It would be handy if visitors could access the PC via WiFi, but would that necessarily involve having a router? I've worked with routers ever since the inception of Ethernet, but I've never come across a router-less setup.
    It's easy enough to plug in a USB Ethernet adapter to the Dell, but what's doing to be doing the connection authentication?
    I have a couple of old Zyxel routers left behind when we migrated to FTTC, and I can use one of those to get the WiFi Server function, but that's just another box to plug in and one more to go wrong.
    Is there a program I can run on the Dell that would implement the WiFi server function?

    :)
     
    Swifty, Jan 20, 2018
    #1

  2. I recently got a new router with a new network. Been trying to re-set my HP Deskjet 2540 to new network.

    How do I "re-set" this?

    Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Network & internet
     
    jerseyjohn(2), Jan 20, 2018
    #2
  3. I recently got a new router with a new network. Been trying to re-set my HP Deskjet 2540 to new network.

    Hi,

    Let's take care of your concern. Please follow the steps below on how to connect your printer:

    • Type printer in the search box on Start or using
      Cortana.
    • Select Printers & Scanners.
    • Turn on the printer.
    • Please check the manual of your printer on how to connect to your Wi-Fi network as this step varies depending on the
      manufacturer.
    • Click Add a printer or scanner.
    • Select your printer.
    • Click Add device.

    Looking forward to your response.
     
    Radney Dri, Jan 20, 2018
    #3
  4. Running a network without a router

    Just to clarify, you want:

    (Guest WiFi devices) ~~~ (WiFi adapter) --- (Dell) --- (Ethernet adapter) ~~~ (Internet)

    Is this correct?

    This is exactly what the WiFi Hotspot feature does.


    Running a network without a router [​IMG]
     
    PolarNettles, Jan 20, 2018
    #4
  5. Swifty Win User
    Aha, I'd forgotten about Mobile hotspots. But I cannot find this feature on my Windows 10 Pro PC.

    I found a Microsoft support page that suggested Start -> Settings -> Network & Internet -> Mobile hotspot, but on my system, there's no sign of "Mobile Hotspot" in "Network & Internet".

    This happens to me every time I try to do anything remotely unusual. I research how to implement something, but get lost during one of the stages...
     
    Swifty, Jan 20, 2018
    #5
  6. Do you have a WiFi adapter installed and an active Internet connection?
     
    PolarNettles, Jan 20, 2018
    #6
  7. jimbo45 Win User
    Hi there

    Not sure in that part of the UK but if you have decent 4G on your mobile phone and an unlimited or generous data allowance you could use your phone to set up a mobile hotspot. My memories of travelling in the UK though suggest that phone companies like the energy providers are absolutely rapacious in fleecing their customers so that might not be a solution.

    If your own computer can connect to internet then you can use that to set up a wifi hotspot --disadvantage with that is you need your computer on all the time.

    The best solution IMO is to get a portable router and create a private access point on it. I often use one in hotels etc when we want business meetings and you can only get one connection in the room (also if you want to share Netflix etc with colleagues in a few of the adjoining rooms !!!).

    This box (I know it's another box but is very small and can easily be carried in laptop case - and can also work on battery power only).

    DLINK 750 portable router can also be used as a phone charger too.

    D-Link DIR-510L AC750 Wi-Fi Portable Router with Charger: Amazon.co.uk: Computers Accessories

    Highly recommended "never leave home without it !!!"

    Cheers
    jimbo
     
    jimbo45, Jan 20, 2018
    #7
  8. Swifty Win User

    Running a network without a router

    Here at home I have an Ethernet adapter (Cat6 connected to router) but no WiFi adapter (this is a desktop PC we're talking about).

    The Dell PC that I'm planning for the holiday home will have a WiFi adapter though.
     
    Swifty, Jan 20, 2018
    #8
  9. The Hotspot option will only show up if you have a WiFi adapter installed.
     
    PolarNettles, Jan 20, 2018
    #9
  10. Swifty Win User
    The holiday home doesn't have Internet access, as we don't have a telephone landline, and our nearest cellphone mast is more than 25 miles away, across the ocean. I've achieved about 100bps with an old laptop and a USB ethernet adapter on a good day, by going upstairs and hanging out the window.

    But leaving the new DELL PC on is no problem. I'll plug it into the same wall-plug as my amplifier, so the entire system will come on together. Or I might just leave the Dell on all the time I'm there; I can play minesweeper then![/QUOTE]
     
    Swifty, Apr 5, 2018
    #10
Thema:

Running a network without a router

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