Q: When I set up my wireless network, my computer gave me the
option of setting up an "ad hoc" network. What is this and what
would I use it for? A: "Ad hoc" is a method by which multiple
wirelessly enabled devices may communicate without needing a
central hub, or base station. It's not the way most people use
Wi-Fi in that it connects computers directly without the need
for a router. Instead, ad hoc networks are primarily created for
temporary use, as the Latin origin of the term, meaning "for
this," implies. Say you had two laptops out in the field with no
connection to the Internet. You could create an ad hoc network
between the two to transmit files and share data. Although it is
possible to connect to the Internet using an ad hoc network, it
is generally used to connect to other devices. And it's not just
for computers: Both the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS use ad hoc
wireless networks to establish multiplayer games between players
in the same room. TECH CLINIC: More Digital Conundrums Solved!