The Connectify program makes a WiFi hotspot out of a laptop. Everyone probably has a device with a built-in WiFi module. It can be a tablet, smartphone, TV or game console. But not everyone uses all the functionality of their devices, including WiFi.
Now it's possible create your own access point to the Internet via WiFi on a laptop or PC, and connect to it from any device within the range of the signal. To do this, it is necessary that the laptop or PC is connected to the network via a 3G / 4G modem or via cable. And then all the guests who come will be able to use your Internet without restrictions.
You also need to download the program and install it, which is completely free. Now you can forget about different Wi-Fi routers, they are no longer needed. .
So the program for WiFi sharing called Connectify. There are two versions of this program: free and paid. The organization of a Wi-Fi point on a PC or laptop for distributing traffic can also be done with the free version by downloading it, so we will consider it.
First of all, you need to download the installation file from the official website of the developer Connectify programs, and install it. It is possible that for correct operation network card, you will need to install additional drivers. Then it is worth closing all programs before starting the installer so that nothing is lost when the system is rebooted.
Further, we will assume that the program has been successfully installed. If the installation failed, then write about it in the comments below.
At the beginning of the installation, a notice may appear in the center of the monitor, which can be ignored. It does not interest us and simply closes. We are waiting for the appearance of such a window:
Now let's look at each field of the Connectify program window:
- hot spot name, everything entered in this field will be displayed as the name of the access point. To do this, you can use only numbers or letters of the English alphabet. It is worth coming up with your own name, because if you leave everything as it is, then the same program with the default name may be someone within your Wi-Fi range. This will only lead to confusion, and you will not be connecting to your own network.
- Password, a field for entering a network password. Worth coming up with strong password so that no one can use the network except you, the main thing is not to forget it. Also by clicking Generate Password, you can get the password automatically.
- Internet to Share, this field indicates the network card that is designed to access the Internet. It is not necessary to know its designation; to connect, it is enough to switch between the available names until the inscription about the idle network, No working Internet, disappears. But this may not be necessary, since in most cases network Realtek cards. After the inscription is gone, go to the next field.
- Share Over, in this field select the board that is responsible for distributing traffic over the network. If it is selected incorrectly, an error message will be displayed. Then we choose until this message disappears.
- Sharing Mode, here you select the type of security by which the network will be protected. The WPA type is considered the most reliable, and this is what you should choose.
From now on, you can connect to the Internet from any device equipped with a Wi-Fi module. You only need to enter a password to access the network. And even if you forgot it, it's not scary. The password can always be viewed in the corresponding field of the open window.
Even though on English language but it is very convenient and simple program. It is enough to fill in all the fields correctly once and that's it, it will stop bothering you anymore. The program works in hidden mode and is displayed only on the taskbar.
Also, the advantage of the program is that it starts and closes automatically when you turn on and off your PC or laptop.
As you already understood, this program is suitable for sharing any Internet, be it a modem, twisted-pair Internet or optical cable, or maybe a 3G modem. It doesn't matter if you have the Internet that you want to propagate, a Wi-Fi adapter (built-in or external), the Connectify program and Windows 7.
A machine can be not only a laptop, but also a netbook, and your personal PC, etc.
Create a Wi-Fi hotspot without a router
I would immediately like to draw attention to the compatibility of the program with your operating system, and it only works on Windows 7. Therefore, you don’t need to ask stupid questions later in the comments, saying why I don’t plow this software on Windows XP, and even more ask why it doesn’t work under DOS. Only Windows 7, I don’t know why the developers of this program decided so, “seven” and that’s it.
A little about the program
The Connectify program, which our today's article is devoted to, is available both in paid and in free version. The cost of being free is some limitation of functionality. Please review this table carefully to avoid possible questions later:
| Function | Lite version | Pro version |
| Soft AP | Yes | Yes |
| Sharing Internet from other Wi-Fi networks | Yes | Yes |
| Viewing a List of Connected Devices | Yes | Yes |
| Simple firewall management interface | Yes | Yes |
| Internet distribution from 3G/4G networks | Limited | Yes |
| File Sharing via Drag-and-Drop | Limited | Yes |
| Search for open resources on devices connected to the network | Limited | Yes |
| Ability to configure SSID (network name) | Not | Yes |
| Repeater function (Extend coverage of home/office network using the same username and password) | Not | Yes |
| Automatic selection of the type of Internet connection | Not | Yes |
| Extended technical support | Not | Yes |
After the reboot, Connectify will start automatically, and the screen will display information about the main features of the application, as well as an offer to buy the Pro version, or start working with the Lite version.
To fully use Connectify, you need a Windows 7 computer, as mentioned at the beginning. The cost of the Pro version is about 950 rubles. The distribution package of the application, a little over 6 MB in size, can be downloaded from the official website.
How do I set up the Connectify app?
The program is absolutely free. You can download the latest version from the official website of the program by going to the section (1) HOTSPOT and clicking the button (2) Download.
There should be no problems with the installation: it is elementary and does not require only standard actions. After installation, I advise you to restart your laptop / computer. Let's move on to the question itself. how tune program Connectify.
Now, after rebooting the machine, the Connectify program icon with a crossed out circle will “hang” in the tray, which means there is no active access point:
Everything is very simple:
WiFi Name is the name of the access point being created
Passphrase - password to created point access
Internet - here we will dwell in more detail. this point is quite important: in the Internet field, you choose which Internet you are going to "share":
Next, we need to include " Wireless network connection " and " Wireless network connection 2" (it was created automatically when you installed Connectify), as well as Wi-Fi itself. Usually the power button WiFi networks located on the laptop. I think you are not a stupid person and will find how you turn on the Wi-Fi of your car:
After following these steps, you can click on "Start Hotspot"
The setup on your computer is ready. In the tray you will see the Wi-Fi connection icon:
And the program window will display the status " Status"And the type of connection" Access point"(Access point):
Also, in the tab with connections, two active " Current connections": the Internet (Network) you have chosen for distribution and your access point (User):
You can connect devices and use the Internet. When connected, the device is displayed separately in the column “ Connected Clients" (there is also an IP address), and next to the file icon in the tray you will see an image of a little man:
A little about speed
There is not much to say here. Show visual images
Internet speed test on a computer (ADSL)
We used an iPhone as the connected device. As you can see, he found our access point without any problems and successfully connected to it.
Problems encountered and solutions
The first thing you may encounter is a drop connection. To solve it, go to "Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Change adapter settings. Go to the properties "Wireless network connection 2" and then "Configure" next to your wifi adapter a. After on the "Power Management" tab, you need to uncheck the box next to "Allow the device to turn off to save power."
The second thing you may encounter is an error in creating an access point. There can be many reasons, but you can check the following, the main points: turn off windows firewall via "Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Windows Firewall". If there are third-party firewalls, then I advise you to disable them for a while as well. they can block the connection.
The third is the absence of any connection in the list available for "sharing". In this case, I advise you to download an earlier version of the program, since in newer versions of the program they can add various little things, but also miss something at the same time, and vice versa, some bells and whistles of the program make it simply less efficient.
Well, as a conclusion: Connectify is a wonderful program that will surely come in handy for you. It may be easier for you to buy a router and distribute the Internet through it, but it will be cheaper if you have fiber-optic or ADSL Internet, but, for example, a 3G router is already quite expensive compared to a regular one. In order not to buy it, it will be enough to have a USB modem. There is also a version of the Connectify program for devices running the Android operating system. I don’t know how to use it exactly, I just brought it as data, whoever is interested will surely find the information he needs, because they stumbled upon my article.
I think this program has a lot of advantages, namely, that any Internet connection can be used as a source and a minimum of additional hardware is required (a Wi-Fi adapter if you do not have one). The biggest negative I would say is the lack of support operating systems Windows line, except for the seven, as stipulated at the beginning of the article. Also, the lack of support for Macintosh and Linux systems, but I think this is not a problem for now, because. Windows is still easier and more understandable for the user, and the whole modern world, whatever one may say, uses Windows, because the lion's share of software is written under Windows.
Well, do not forget the most important thing: your machine that distributes the Internet must be turned on so that all connecting devices can see the Internet.
Connectify is a WiFi sharing software that can turn your desktop computer or a laptop to a stable access point for Internet distribution.
Key Benefits of the Program
- The access point is very easy to set up. Even not the most experienced user. When setting up, you can combine several devices at once.
- The application uses an encrypted channel - it is able to protect all data.
- The functionality is very flexible. You can amplify or attenuate the signal.
What else should you know about the program?
It works exclusively on the Windows operating system. Since the seventh version, functionality has been introduced that allows you to implement the capabilities of the access point. Most importantly, you can use Connectify even on a computer with very weak hardware. It only needs to support Windows 7 and above. Also, for distributing the Internet to desktop computer, You should have a Wi-Fi module. Sometimes it is immediately sewn into network card. This option is also suitable. Laptops already have a module for receiving and distributing, so only those users who want to create an access point on their PC need to take care of the availability.
Instructions for use
- Select the appropriate operating mode.
- After that, come up with a name for your new access point.
- Initially, you need to run the program itself.
- Be sure to set a password so you don't waste valuable traffic. And you don’t need someone else to connect, because it will take away speed.
- That's all, now you need to click on the "Start Hotspot" button to start everything.
It turns out that anyone can cope with the program. Even the one who is far from everyone modern technologies. Here you do not need to delve into numerous settings. Yes, and with the installation there will be no problems, the program takes up a little memory on the hard disk. You just need to restart your computer before the first run. Now the application is ready to use. You only need to open the icon that will appear on your desktop after installation.
If using the Connectify program is problematic for you, then it is recommended to use free application.
Today, Wi-Fi-based Internet access can be found anywhere. Any cafe can offer visitors free connection. To simplify the installation of optimal parameters, an application such as Connectify was developed. Setting up the program is not that difficult. At least a person who has at least once encountered the distribution of Wi-Fi will figure it out in a couple of minutes. An ordinary user will also not experience any particular difficulties, but there are some nuances here.
What is the Connectify program?
An application like Connectify can be set up in several steps, which will be discussed now. But first, let's look at the program itself. What does she represent?
Roughly speaking, this is a Wi-Fi distribution tool. programmatically, which allows you to literally refuse to use a router (router) by assigning a built-in motherboard Wi-Fi adapter. As it is already clear, if there is none, there can be no talk of using the application.
Choosing the optimal OS
Now about the most important nuance of the Connectify application. Installation and configuration with the best parameters, as evidenced by the reviews of many users and specialists, involves using the utility in the Windows 7 operating system environment.
The problem with modifying XP even with the third service pack installed is that the program simply does not work in it. The distribution turns out to be much more difficult because access to common networks have to be configured manually. Moreover, on the eighth Windows versions stability in the application is very difficult to achieve. It is not uncommon for a program to simply crash out of nowhere. Therefore, the Connectify setting will be considered specifically for Windows 7. In it, the application shows maximum performance and ease of setting the desired parameters.
Connectify: how to install and set up the app? First steps. Where and what to download?
The first step involves installing the package. First you need to download the installation distribution from the official site, where you will be offered two options for downloading: the standard free version and the Pro modification, which you will have to pay for.
Here the choice is up to the user. After downloading, run the installation file (mandatory on behalf of the administrator) and agree with license agreement. Next, the entire process will be performed by the "Installation Wizard", and at the end of the process, you will need to reboot the system by selecting the Reboot now item in the final window.
Connectify setup: creating a hotspot
After restarting Windows, an icon will appear in the system tray corresponding to installed application. Now let's go directly to the question of how to set up the Connectify program. The settings are accessed by clicking on the icon. The main window appears on the screen initial settings, where you will need to enter the initial parameters.
The application interface is not Russified, so we pay attention to the English names. In the Hotspot Name field, enter an arbitrary name for the future network. In this case, it is advisable not to use personal data such as last name or first name. In the next field (Password) we enter our password (it becomes active only after setting the WEP Wi-Fi Ad-hoc encryption parameter in the Sharing Mode section. In the Internet to share item, select from the list to which the provider's cable is directly connected. In the Share line Over, a Wi-Fi adapter is installed.In the Pro version, there are two more items for firewall settings.However, apparently, few ordinary users will use the paid version (there are checkboxes in the boxes by default), so you should pay attention that in the free modification of the application, these two items are inactive.
After all the parameters have been entered, it remains only to press the activation button (Start Hotspot), after which the icon for connecting to new network. Now it is completely ready for other devices to connect to it, including mobile devices.
As you can see, the question of how to configure Connectify for the optimal mode turned out to be quite simple in the solution. Now let's move on to some other useful features.
The main advantage of this application is that it has special controls for all client devices, including this moment connected to the established network. To display full information on them, you just need to enter the Clients section. You can also view a list of all MAC addresses there. In addition, in the Services section there is full information connection speed, traffic usage, active adapters, information about inactive primary and secondary devices, etc. In the History menu, you can view the history of connections, as well as analyze all data related to devices or users ever connected.
But that's not all. The program is indispensable when working with Yota devices and connections based on 4G technology. The fact is that the device itself can already be identified as a network card, so in free version Connectify such a device works without problems at all. True, some experts recommend not installing updates for the main application from time to time, as this may cause some communication problems. But when using Yota, you can quite simply play with relatives at home using local network in multiplayer mode.
Conclusion
That, in fact, is all that concerns how to set up Connectify for the optimal mode. As can be seen from the above, the tuning process is reduced to just choosing a few basic parameters and comparing with the same setting wireless network operating Windows systems looks so simplified that even an ordinary user, completely far from understanding Wi-Fi-based distribution, will not be able to fill in the required fields and set the recommended values of the parameters.
Naturally, this software is constantly being improved, but so far, regarding the expediency of installing all kinds of updates or even new versions among experts and ordinary users there is no consensus.