Turning your computer into a WiFi hotspot

May4th on 17/11/2013 - 22:15

I'm looking to sell some dongles which turns your computer into a wireless router. Basically you just plug it into an usb port of a computer that is connected to the internet (cable or adsl) via ethernet and you will have a wireless network for your phones and tablets.

I am not sure it will have much of a market as most people will have wireless modems. They are very minute (smaller than an usb stick) so they are good for travelling and would be easier to setup than a router.

Would anyone be interested and what sort of prices would you be prepared to pay?

Thanks for any responses

Poll Options

  • 8
    Not interested
  • 15
    Less than $5
  • 5
    $5
  • 1
    $10
  • 1
    $15
  • 0
    $20
  • 0
    $25
  • 0
    more than $25
Internet

Comments

  • Pigey on 17/11/2013 - 23:21
    +1

    There's free software for this so why would I buy it?

    • May4th on 18/11/2013 - 08:35

      what software is this? can it turn any desktop into a hotspot? i'm not sure how it would though physically as there arent any components in a regular desktop without a wireless networking card that can transmit?

      • battler on 18/11/2013 - 11:08
        +2

        software examples are:
        1) Intel® My WiFi Technology
        2) www.connectify.me

        both assume you have wireless in your hardware already, and are connecting to the net via a 2nd device: either ethernet, 3G/4G, or a 2nd wireless card.

        seems your solution would essentially be a wifi dongle bundled with software like connectify.

        http://genobz.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/connectify-lite/

        • May4th on 18/11/2013 - 12:16

          thanks for the link. so it requires a wireless networking component which would be present in all new laptops but not the default configuration in desktops. it also requires a laptop which will need to be on all the time

          and the software seems fairly expensive, $40 but i'm sure there are ways to get your hands on ahem low/nil cost alternatives.

  • Paul Atreides on 17/11/2013 - 23:42
    +1

    worst place to ask for "how much should i sell this for"

    i assume that the majority of ozb'ers will vote for the minimum option, or complain why it isn't free.

    • May4th on 18/11/2013 - 08:31

      ozb may not be representative of the overall market but it is still good to see what the most savvy shoppers think is a good price. thanks for the responses!

  • _Bruce_ on 18/11/2013 - 07:07

    If it's a software solution it isn't worth anything. If it functions as a USB RNDIS or other standard interface and has a router it could be a neat device.

    On second thought, you would have to at the very least bridge the adapter to the existing network, so there must be some software component.

    • May4th on 18/11/2013 - 08:32

      i think it is a hardware plus software solution, as there isnt anything on a desktop computer in its existing hardware that can serve as a wifi hotspot

      • _Bruce_ on 18/11/2013 - 17:50

        as there isnt anything on a desktop computer in its existing hardware that can serve as a wifi hotspot

        Many wifi devices can.

        • iseenya on 20/11/2013 - 21:39

          Do you mean via my USB printer (which is also wireless)?

        • _Bruce_ on 20/11/2013 - 22:13

          With a firmware hack, yes.

  • Amaris on 18/11/2013 - 09:13
    -1

    You should sell it for cost+ 10% or so. Don't look for the max price someone would pay for it!

  • scrimshaw on 19/11/2013 - 15:38
    +2

    My guess that dongle you're selling is a combination of a standard wireless NIC adapter that comes with a special software to configure your computer to act as a hotspot (the software is free on the internet, of course).

    Also for traveling — you're not likely going to be using a laptop without a wireless NIC built in, and with the right software installed you won't really need to pack a USB router.

    Also have a look at http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/buy/d-link-dir-505-all-in-… if you one something that can handle DLNA media streaming and can double as your mobile phone charger.

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