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What is an Ad Hoc Network?

By Derek Schauland
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 35,948
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Since the inception of wireless networking there have been two types of wireless networks: the infrastructure network, including some local area networks (LANs), and the ad hoc network. Ad hoc is Latin meaning "for this purpose." Ad hoc networks therefore refer to networks created for a particular purpose. They are often created on-the-fly and for one-time or temporary use. Often, these networks are comprised of a group of workstations or other wireless devices which communicate directly with each other to exchange information. Think of these connections as spontaneous networks, available to whomever is in a given area.

An ad hoc network is one where there are no access points passing information between participants. Infrastructure networks pass information through a central information hub which can be a hardware device or software on a computer. Office networks, for example, generally use a server to which company workstations connect to receive their information. Ad hoc networks, on the other hand, do not go through a central information hub.

These networks are generally closed in that they do not connect to the Internet and are typically created between participants. But, if one of the participants has a connection to a public or private network, this connection can be shared among other members of the network. This will allow other users on the spontaneous ad hoc network to connect to the Internet as well.

Ad hoc networks are common for portable video game systems like the Sony PSP or the Nintendo DS because they allow players to link to each other to play video games wirelessly. Some retail stores even create networks within them to allow customers to obtain new game demos via the store's own ad hoc network.

An ad hoc network can be thought of as a peer-to-peer network for the wireless age. Peer-to-peer or workgroup style networks were used to create a network environment for early Windows computers. This allowed these early computers to connect to each other to exchange information, usually in a smaller office environment without the need for domains and the additional management and overhead that comes with them.

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Discussion Comments
By anon112580 — On Sep 20, 2010

thanks for such nice information. if possible, please send me some information about scope (a prototype for p2p social networking). --sinu

By anon111858 — On Sep 18, 2010

Thanks for such a great article. --Haresh R.

By puneet — On Aug 14, 2010

this is a good short introduction to ad-hoc networks.

By anon103838 — On Aug 14, 2010

Good article for beginners. Enjoy!

By Pimiento — On Aug 02, 2010

@anon82940 - You should also make sure that if you are using Ad Hoc that you do not connect to one unless you know who the user is. This could create a security risk because the host can access all of your information even though you cannot access theirs. The points that ChickenLover and turtlez have made are also very relevant and should be enough to help you better understand the whole Ad Hoc situation.

By ChickenLover — On Aug 02, 2010

@anon82940 Ad Hoc only requires you to have a network interface card. Also, the time it takes to setup the wireless LAN takes less time than installing an infrastructure WLAN. An Ad Hoc connection isn't where you just hook up to someone else's modem or hub, it's when you connect through their computer to get to the internet.

By turtlez — On Aug 02, 2010

@anon82940 - Before making your decision to use Ad Hoc mode, you should probably consider the following:

Without the need to purchase or install physical hardware you can create an Ad Hoc network with multiple access points. Ad Hoc will save you a considerable amount of money when using wireless LANs, but the Ad Hoc network security (or a lack thereof) can present considerable risks.

By anon82940 — On May 08, 2010

this article contains some valuable information. if possible send me enhance information about ad hoc networks.

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