How does Mobile Hotspot work?

Marian Hercek 236 Reputation points
2020-08-04T07:58:29.293+00:00

I have two network interfaces in my PC: LAN and WLAN.
I have my internet connection via LAN interface.

I want connect my phone via WiFi to internet.

Will Mobile Hotspot work in this environment?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Networking | Network connectivity and file sharing
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  1. Marian Hercek 236 Reputation points
    2020-08-04T11:31:57.92+00:00

    I suggest we focus on why there's NETWORK label as I emphasized on screenshot. I'd assume there'll be something like interface name or connection type (Wi-Fi or Wired)

    Network troubleshooter found nothing, despite that I performed reset of network components and result is the same.

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  2. Marian Hercek 236 Reputation points
    2020-08-04T17:42:20.497+00:00

    Try to explain this: how is it possible that WiFi interface is able to broadcast its SSID when its driver does not support AP mode?


  3. Anonymous
    2020-08-05T02:30:45.517+00:00

    Hi ,

    What's the result when you run netsh wlan show drivers ?

    What you want to look for is “Hosted network supported”. If it says ‘No’ under “Hosted network supported” then that means your adapter does not support AP mode.

    In the event your adapter does not support AP mode there’s two possible options:

    1. Check for driver updates. Sometimes checking for driver updates may include support for Hosted Networks (or AP mode). After updating your wireless driver check your driver information again.
    2. Add a USB WiFi adapter to the computer. If update your wireless driver still did not help, then you might need to purchase a USB WiFi Adapter with support for Hosted Networks. These adapters are usually very cheap and widely available.

    ---Please Accept as answer if the reply is helpful---

    Best Regards,
    Candy

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  4. Marian Hercek 236 Reputation points
    2020-08-05T05:40:53.53+00:00

    This is absolutely ridiculous situation:

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  5. Marian Hercek 236 Reputation points
    2020-08-05T06:00:45.027+00:00

    This is absolutely ridiculous situation:

    • why so basic hardware requirement is not clearly noted in documentation (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027762/windows-use-your-pc-as-a-mobile-hotspot)?
    • why Network Troubleshooter does not say you have incompatible NIC?!
    • Intel as major WiFi chipset manufacturer says All current Intel® Wireless Adapters are client-only devices and don't support the master or AP mode.[1]
    • it's very unlikely vendor would update drivers to support AP mode
    • I have USB WiFi dongle (Realtek 8811CU) which supports AP mode but netsh wlan show drivers outputs Hosted network supported : No

    [1] https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000030429/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking.html

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