Creating an ad hoc network lets a host computer function like a wireless router.
Connecting two PCs with a 3G USB modem makes it easy to share a mobile broadband connection and get devices online, even where WiFi and Ethernet connections are unavailable. Using the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) function in Windows simplifies the setup process, but in order for a 3G USB modem to be shared, the two PCs being connected to the 3G modem via ICS must have WiFi adapters to create the necessary ad hoc network.
Instructions
Enable Internet Connection Sharing on the Host Computer
1. Open the "Start" menu by clicking on it, and then click "Control Panel." Open the "Network and Sharing Center," and click on "Manage network connections" to view all network adapters connected to your host PC, which is the one connecting directly to the 3G USB modem.
2. Right-click the 3G USB modem connection you want to share, and left-click "Properties." The 3G USB modem connections on your computer can be identified easily, as they are identified by their makes and model names, such as "AT&T USB Connect Lightning."
3. Check the box next to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" to enable Internet connection sharing. Click "OK" to close the window.
Start an Ad Hoc Network
4. Click the "Start" menu and type "Network and Sharing Center" in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu.
5. Select "Setup up a connection or network" and select "ad hoc" as the network type to continue setup.
6. Enter the necessary configuration info for your network. Enter a name of your choosing in the "Network name" dialog box and select the "Security type," if any, you want to use on the network. You may choose from WPA and WEP encryption types. Finally, enter the security key for the network in the "Security key/Passphrase" box.
7. Click "Next" and then "Close" to finalize configuring the ad hoc network to share your 3G USB modem between two PCs.
Connect the Second PC
8. Select the "Network" icon in the system tray, located in the bottom-right corner of the screen by right-clicking on it. Select the name of the ad hoc network created above by clicking on it, and click the "Connect" button.
9. Enter the security key you configured in Section 2, and click "Next" to finalize the connection.
10. Open a Web browser and verify you are connected to the host computer's 3G USB card for Internet connectivity.
