mobile broadband -wireless network

Hi,

Is it possible to setup a wireless network using a USB mobile broadband stick? I currently have a 3 mobile bband stick and a wireless printer that i previously used with a modem/router provided by virgin Media.

Ive now moved house and not using Virgin-media or any provider since i'm getting such a great reception with my 3USB stick - but i would like to print wirelessly. My printer manual explains i can create an ad-hoc network but its all 'gobbledygook' to me.

I use Windows Vista 32bit, Firefox (latest browser version), 3 ZTE MF627 USB modem and a Samsung CLP-315 wireless (and USB) printer.

Any help much appreciated, step-by-step - for a newbie - i'm computer literate but networking leaves me baffled

thanks in advance ...

[quarridors]

Originally Posted by girl-number-5

Is it possible to setup a wireless network using a USB mobile broadband stick? I currently have a 3 mobile bband stick and a wireless printer that i previously used with a modem/router provided by virgin Media.

Your mobile broadband stick can't share your connection wirelessly on its own, you'd need a mobile broadband router or 'portable hotspot' to be able to do this. 3 Mobile sell these as 'MiFi dongles'.

In theory with a 'MiFi' you could then connect to the portable hotspot using both your computer and your printer and print wirelessly.

Alternatively your computer's wireless adapter may be able to broadcast a wireless hotspot and share the Internet connection it's gaining from the mobile broadband. Some Android mobile phones will also work as a personal hotspots.

It may be easier to connect your printer to your computer via a USB cable if you're able to though.

hey,
thanks for that - i was actually looking at MIFI on the three 3 website before i left my original thread, wasnt sure what they did, thanks for confirming them as a possible. Looks like they start at around £10.00 per/m - so not too bad but i wouldn't really be taking full advantage of its capabilities since i rarely use my laptop on the move.

However the Android option sounds good i actually have a Google Android G1 on T-Mobile - i see in the 'Wireless' menu options to Join a WiFi network, set-up a VPN, set-up/manage wireless access points etc... any idea how i can use this feature?? i sometimes can figure things out by trial an error.

thanks

[quarridors]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

However the Android option sounds good i actually have a Google Android G1 on T-Mobile - i see in the 'Wireless' menu options to Join a WiFi network, set-up a VPN, set-up/manage wireless access points etc... any idea how i can use this feature?? i sometimes can figure things out by trial an error.

The option is very simple to set up, under 'Wireless & network settings' you simply choose 'Tethering & portable hotspot'. However I believe this feature is only available in Android 2.2 (Froyo) and higher so you'd have to upgrade your phone to get the feature. Googling shows there is an upgrade available though:

Cyanogen squeezes Android 2.2 Froyo into G1, MyTouch 3G -- Engadget

You may also be able to get this feature working by installing a third party app from Android Market, but I haven't got experience of this as I have 2.2 on my phone. Good luck!