Free WiFi Router

Free WiFi Router can turn any Windows device with a wireless connection into a hotspot.

Free WiFi Router is a very useful tool that lets you turn any Windows computer with a wireless internet card, USB Wi-Fi adapter and so forth into a hotspot. In other words, the program lets your computer behave as a router that can share its internet connection and data with other devices. Programs like these are primarily designed for laptops, but you can use them with any suitable device, including tablets that are running a full version of Windows.

Creating a hotspot is simple. Simply run the program and choose a hotspot name, which your computer will broadcast for identification purposes. Provide a hotspot password, or leave it blank if you want the connection to be open. Select a network connection. If you don’t have multiple connection options, the only one available will be the default. Click the Start button to begin, and that’s really all there is to it.

Other devices can now share the internet and connect to exchange data either with your machine or among themselves. Note that while password protection isn’t required, it is recommended. The WPA2 PSK password security ensures that only authorized users can gain access. Also, note that while sharing in this manner, you’ll need Windows sharing set up appropriately in order to exchange data.

This works with all kinds of connections, including dial-up, broadband, 2G/3G/4G, GPRS and so forth. It even works with USB tethering, which means that devices don’t actually need a way to communicate wirelessly. The only limitation here is having enough USB ports and the necessary cables.

The program provides monitoring tools as well. You can inspect any connected device for details such as device name, IP address, Mac address, current and total bandwidth usage and so forth. It also displays configuration and status information about the network.

Free WiFi Router provides a great way to let devices on data plans avoid usage of their quota. The program can also be used as a Wi-Fi booster or repeater. This is one scenario where the app can really be useful in a home environment. Rather than buy additional networking equipment, simply use the computers that you have to expand your wireless coverage.

There aren’t many downsides to using Free WiFi Router. If there’s an issue, it’s that the developer doesn’t provide a device limit. The implication here is that the limit is whatever the theoretical limit is for the equipment, relevant protocols and so forth. In practice, however, device limit seems to be inconsistent and not something you can really rely on beyond a handful of connections.

Pros

• Share an internet connection
• Turn any wireless computer into a hotspot
• Works with 2G/3G/4G and USB tethering

Cons

• Device limit can be inconsistent