How does WiFi work without a router?

WiFi standards follow recommendations published by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering). From the outset, IEEE introduced the standard that WiFi networks can operate without the need for a router or switch. Configuration that includes network hardware is called Infrastructure mode. WiFi networks that work without a router will be in "Ad hoc" mode.

Limitations

The ad hoc network does not allow Internet access. It creates a local area network between WiFi-enabled devices in range. Both computers - in this case, usually laptops - have wireless transmitters and receivers programmed in accordance with the conventions of the IEEE 802.11 standard to form a connection.

All computers follow the same network connection procedures, and so a computer capable of sending and receiving signals to and from a router can exchange information equally with other Other wireless devices in range.

Network expansion

The ad hoc network provides capabilities that are greater than the near-range communication capabilities of computers. Computer A could detect the presence of computer B in the north, computer C in the south, and computer D in the east. Computer C and D could be in each other's domain as did computer A, so computer A could come into contact with computers B, C, and D; Computer B can connect directly to computers A and D and computer D can connect to computers A and C.

In an ad hoc network, computer B can communicate with computers C and D, even though they are out of range. Its communications can be routed through computer A. Consequently, in an ad hoc network, computers can route connections through other computers. This makes it possible to link computers over long distances. As long as there is a WiFi enabled computer within the limits outside of the current network, the ad hoc network can continue to expand. Connections can be routed through a number of computers to their destination.

Mesh network

The ad hoc network forms a topology called a mesh network. Each computer can communicate with all other computers within their signal range. Each of these computers has a signal coverage that overlaps the range of the first computer, so it is also possible to be in direct contact with many computers that the first computer has access to. Therefore, many paths are duplicated. This creates redundancy with multiple alternate paths running on each network.

Often, redundancy is considered wasteful and undesirable. However, in mesh networks this overlap is recommended. Each node in the network is individually owned and can be moved or turned off at any time. Mesh networks switch the connection to an alternate path to compensate for the sudden absence of a node.

Establish

Unless the laptop's network functions have been specifically set to exclude ad hoc networks, the network adapter will sometimes notify you about other nearby computers and ask if you want to share media content with them. are not. This is the form of an ad hoc network. A specific ad hoc network can be set up using the standard functionality of the 'Set up a connection or network' wizard of the Network and Sharing Center.

Samuel Daniel

Update 25 April 2021