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Using Windows XP
as a software bridge
Summary: In this example, we
will show how a Windows XP computer with an ethernet and 802.11b
wireless adapter can take the place of a 'wireless access
point' on your home network.
One of the new
networking features in Windows XP is called a software bridge. This new feature
allows two or more networks to be tied together in such a way that they
act like a single network. For example, if
some of your computers have Ethernet connections and some have HPNA (PhoneLine network)
connections, Windows XP can ‘bridge’ these networks together so that they act like
a single network with a single IP schema.
Bridging networks is not limited to Ethernet and PhoneLine networks (HPNA).
When Windows XP can bridge together just about any two networks.
Software based bridging
is different than hardware based bridging for one big reason.
With software bridging the XP software bridge computer must be
turned on for the networks to communicate. In the example
above, if computer B is not turned on, Computer C can not see
Computer A.
Bridged Network Diagram
In this example, we will use a Windows XP
computer to connect wireless computers to our existing ethernet
network and then out to the internet through an existing broadband
router that does NOT have wireless capabilities. With this
network setup, there is no need for us to purchase a wireless access
point since XP bridges the networks. Here is the way the network
will look.
The XP computer above has both an Ethernet and
Wireless. The wireless network card is in ADHOC mode; meaning
it does not need an access point to communicate with the other
wireless computers.
For reference, here is an example
that uses Windows XP to brdge a HomePNA (PhoneLine) network to
Ethernet.
Also
See:
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software bridge with XP
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