Ad Hoc

Ad hoc is a latin term that means ‘to this.’ In English, the term is used to describe a solution designed for a specific problem or task and not to be used for any other purposes. A common example is an ad hoc committee or commissions, which is created at the national or international level for a specific task. Ad hoc can also be used as an adjective describing temporary or improvised methods to deal with a particular problem. Ex: The decisions were made ad hoc.

Ad hoc network

In computer networking, an ad hoc network is a network connection established for a single session and doesn’t require a router or wireless base station. An ad hoc network is a temporary type of Local Area Network (LAN). If the ad hoc network is set up permanently, it becomes a LAN.

For example, if someone needs to transfer a file to their coworker, but the coworker doesn’t have access to a safe Wi-Fi connection, they can create an ad hoc network instead as long as the device is within 100 meters. From this point, the files are transferred to the coworker. The connection between the two devices will end when the hosting device ends the sessions.

Multiple devices can use an ad hoc network at the same time, but performance may lag. Users can also use an ad hoc network to access the internet. An ad hoc network may also be referred to as ad hoc mode.

How to set up an ad hoc network

Windows 10 or 8

1. Go through the Command Prompt and type the following: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=[your desired network name] key =[your desired password].
2. Start the hosted network by inputting the following into Command Prompt: netsh wlan start hostednetwork.
3. In your Control Panel, open Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click on Network Connections.
5. Click on Change Advanced Sharing Center.
6. Turn on Network Discovery.
7. Click OK.

Windows 7

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Click Connect To.
3. Then Set up a connection or network.
4. Choose Set up a wireless ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network.
5. Click Next.
6. Enter the network details, like the SSID and the password.
7. Click Next.

Mac OS

1. Pick Create Network from AirPort.
2. Click on Create a Computer-to-Computer Network.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts.