Support NeoGAF

[fresquito]

Today I contacted Nintendo to ask them if I could play online through my WiFi PCI card. They told me that I could only if I can make my WiFi PCI card work as an access point.

So, does anyone know a way to make a WiFi PCI card work as an access point? Is it posible though some somftware? Thank you in advance.

 

[Gahiggidy]

Uh, ummmm... aren't you already using an access point to connect your PC-card?

 

[Particle Physicist]

..

 

[fresquito]

Uh, ummmm... aren't you already using an access point to connect your PC-card?

The WiFi PCI card is connected to a PCI slot in the mainboard. WiFi PCI cards are meant to connect to an access point (a WiFi router), not to be an access point. My conection doesn´t work through router, but through modem, and it´s a wired connection. So, if I want to play my DS online, I need an WiFi access point that I have not.

Nintendo told me that If I can make my WiFi PCI card work like an access point, then I´ll be able to go online with the DS. So I´d like to know if there´s some kind of software that can make the miracle work.

 

[Laguna X]

Nintendo's Wifi Dongle is probably what you're looking for. Plugs into your PC's USB port and you'll have to install some software.

 

[Gahiggidy]

You might be able to try what is a "peer-to-peer" network. I think?

 

[fresquito]

Nintendo's Wifi Dongle is probably what you're looking for. Plugs into your PC's USB port and you'll have to install some software.

I mean, I know the dongle, but if I can save the money they dongle costs, then I´m a happier man.

You might be able to try what is a "peer-to-peer" network. I think?

But a PCI card just receives information, doesn´t send any signal. At least that´s how it works for the usual. So, if you want to to send info (be an access point), you´ll need the software. So, my wonder is if there´s a software like that or not.

 

[cabel]

The WiFi PCI card is connected to a PCI slot in the mainboard. WiFi PCI cards are meant to connect to an access point (a WiFi router), not to be an access point.

I must be missing something.

If your WiFi PCI card is connecting to a WiFi router... then you already have a WiFi router... that your DS can connect to.

Right? What am I missing? Do you have a WiFi PCI card that's connected to... nothing?

 

[Gahiggidy]

also, there's "internet conection sharing".

 

[Mihail]

I'm also really interested in this since I have an extra Wi-Fi card that I'm not using for anything. I'll probably buy the dongle eventually, but this could be a good replacement in the short term, if it works.

And the card can't just receive data. It has to send data as well if you can use the Internet, heh.

 

[Cerebral Palsy]

Uh, if you're using a wifi pci card..... you must have a wireless router already? I'm confused.

 

[Straightballin]

But a PCI card just receives information, doesn´t send any signal.

It sends a signal to the router so you might be able to set something up...

 

[Gahiggidy]

"Turn Your PC into a Wireless Access Point"

http://www.eweek.com/cobrand/0,3223,a=118707&s=25414&ap=,00.asp




http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=turning+wifi+card+into+an+access+point

 

[fresquito]

Right? What am I missing? Do you have a WiFi PCI card that's connected to... nothing?

Yes, I got it from an old built. It was usefull in the past, not anymore.

I'm also really interested in this since I have an extra Wi-Fi card that I'm not using for anything. I'll probably buy the dongle eventually, but this could be a good replacement in the short term, if it works.

And the card can't just receive data. It has to send data as well if you can use the Internet, heh.

Well, of courses it sends. But if it doesn´t act like an access point, other hardware (the DS) won´t find it. So, the data it´s sending is not usefull for the purpose I want it to be.

also, there's "internet conection sharing".

What do you mean?

 

[Pellham]

why do you have a wireless pci card if you don't already have a wireless router or wireless access point?

 

[Gahiggidy]

Yes, I got it from an old built. It was usefull in the past, not anymore.

Well, of courses it sends. But if it doesn´t act like an access point, other hardware (the DS) won´t find it. So, the data it´s sending is not usefull for the purpose I want it to be.

What do you mean?

 

[fresquito]

Oh, thank you. I´ll try it out ^_^

 

[Nester]

why do you have a wireless pci card if you don't already have a wireless router or wireless access point?

I used to use wireless now my modem is close enough that I use a wired connection. I plan on using my wireless PCI card as an access point rather than hooking up my wireless router to the existing network.

Internet Connection Sharing does the trick just fine.

 

[fresquito]

I used to use wireless now my modem is close enough that I use a wired connection. I plan on using my wireless PCI card as an access point rather than hooking up my wireless router to the existing network.

Internet Connection Sharing does the trick just fine.

That´s exactly my case.

Does ICS offer some kind of security? be it WEP or WPA?

 

[monkeyrun]

The WiFi PCI card is connected to a PCI slot in the mainboard. WiFi PCI cards are meant to connect to an access point (a WiFi router), not to be an access point. My conection doesn´t work through router, but through modem, and it´s a wired connection. So, if I want to play my DS online, I need an WiFi access point that I have not.

Nintendo told me that If I can make my WiFi PCI card work like an access point, then I´ll be able to go online with the DS. So I´d like to know if there´s some kind of software that can make the miracle work.

Share your internet connection through the wireless PCI card, then you are good to go.

 

[Nester]

That´s exactly my case.

Does ICS offer some kind of security? be it WEP or WPA?

You can set it up, yes. WEP as DS can't do WPA.

I think this is what I used to set mine up:

ICS setup tutorial

 

[jamesinclair]

Can somebody bump this when they confirm it works?

Im in the same situation. My laptop has an internal wireless card which I use when Im out of my room.

My room does NOT have wireless internet and so Im connected with ethernet cable.

If I can use my laptop to become an access point, and have the DS accept it, Ill be VERY happy.

 

[aoi tsuki]

Theoretically, it should work given the right software. i haven't been able to find the right software, however. Sucks as a have an Belkin 802.11b USB adapter. i'd rather not get Nintendo's dongle, which costs about the same as comparable adapters but only works for the DS.

 

[Nester]

Theoretically, it should work given the right software. i haven't been able to find the right software, however. Sucks as a have an Belkin 802.11b USB adapter. i'd rather not get Nintendo's dongle, which costs about the same as comparable adapters but only works for the DS.

What software? I just use WinXP with Internet Connection Sharing. No other software is needed.

 

[jamesinclair]

What software? I just use WinXP with Internet Connection Sharing. No other software is needed.

Are you using it with a DS with MKS inside the system and it works?

Or just assuming it should?

 

[Nester]

Are you using it with a DS with MKS inside the system and it works?

Or just assuming it should?

No, I've tried it with the game. Not my DS or cart though. Just as a test to see if it would work to determine whether I should buy a router or not.

Edit: I'm sure it's not bound to work with all wireless cards though just as the DS doesn't work with all routers. If it matters at all, I am able to boot wireless demos through my card. I bought it with that specifically in mind.

 

[jamesinclair]

No, I've tried it with the game. Not my DS or cart though. Just as a test to see if it would work to determine whether I should but a router or not.

That's more than enough.

Thanks! This is excellent news indeed. Very excellent.

 

[Unlimited4s]

No, I've tried it with the game. Not my DS or cart though. Just as a test to see if it would work to determine whether I should buy a router or not.

Edit: I'm sure it's not bound to work with all wireless cards though just as the DS doesn't work with all routers. If it matters at all, I am able to boot wireless demos through my card. I bought it with that specifically in mind.

so you're using a ralink5200 card and it works as an AP?

 

[HeadsUpSevenUp]

I downloaded a softAP tool from GIGABYTE that turned my Belkin PCI Wifi card into an Access point. It also has a Railink chipset, though I don't know if that matters.

 

[Xenon]

Could you setup an ad-hoc connection to get the two wireless network adapters, your ds and your PCI wiFicard, to connect without an access point? Then you could share the internet connection of your ethernet adapter as the previous pic shows.

 

[stewy]

I went to fire up Mario Kart for the first time a couple days ago, and kept getting an error where it could connect to my network, but didn't have any access to the server. After fiddling with it for 20 minutes by doing things like manually setting the DNS and so forth, I went to Nintendo's support page.

Turns out my trusty D-Link wireless router is the ONLY D-Link wireless router not supported by Nintendo WiFi.

Now it's dongle land for me. But not before I unhook my router completely and connect my computer directly to the cable modem. Fun!

 

[fresquito]

You can set it up, yes. WEP as DS can't do WPA.

I think this is what I used to set mine up:

ICS setup tutorial

Thank you very much.

 

[Morts]

I think this thread just saved me $40. Thanks guys!

 

[vjoe]

Anybody tried this way yet?

my DS recognizes the network but I keep getting error 51300 in Step 3 in the connection test.

 

[Nester]

Works ok for me with my own copy. Played a few rounds online last night with no problems. I have no WEP keys or anything setup, I just disable the wireless card when I'm not playing online.

 

[levious]

Anybody tried this way yet?

my DS recognizes the network but I keep getting error 51300 in Step 3 in the connection test.

I get the same error, must have done something wrong setting it up... or maybe just the particular card won't work.

 

[vjoe]

I have a D-link G520 Wireless PCI Adapter for my desktop and a (Dell Wireless WLAN 1450 Dual Band WLAN Mini-PCI Card) in my laptop. And each of them gives me the same error.

 

[callous]

How about this:

My cable modem has the option of being connected to the PC either through a standard network cable, or through a USB cable. I don't want my PC to be turned on while I play (noise and electricity). Wouldn't I be able to plug the dongle into the cable modem's USB port and just use it that way even with the PC itself turned off?

 

[fresquito]

Works ok for me with my own copy. Played a few rounds online last night with no problems. I have no WEP keys or anything setup, I just disable the wireless card when I'm not playing online.

Good to hear. BTW, since DS supports WEP, I´d configure it if I were you.

 

[jedimike]

How about this:

My cable modem has the option of being connected to the PC either through a standard network cable, or through a USB cable. I don't want my PC to be turned on while I play (noise and electricity). Wouldn't I be able to plug the dongle into the cable modem's USB port and just use it that way even with the PC itself turned off?

No, because in order to use the Nintendo Dongle, you have to load software.

 

[callous]

No, because in order to use the Nintendo Dongle, you have to load software.

Ok. Thanks. And fuck.

 

[Mihail]

So did anyone figure out where the error is kicking in? Does it have anything to do with the IP settings?

 

[jamesinclair]

I just tried it and got the same problem, I didnt bother with setting up WEP for now.

My mario kart found the internet connection, but had that error...

 

[jamesinclair]

Nobody?

 

[Mihail]

Bad news for you and me, if this is to be believed:

http://www.planetgamecube.com/mailbag.cfm?action=profile&id=142

Heya, TYP. Here's a (possibly) interesting question for you: Can a DS access the Wifi Connection service through an Ad-Hoc network? (For those of you less technologically informed, an ad-hoc network is when two or more devices access each other wirelessly without a router, e.g. LAN'd DSes. It's basically the route Nintendo is taking with the USB dongle.) I was wondering if you can do this with any wireless card, not just Nintendo's.

-Stu

Ah, a challenge! I spent an hour or so trying to get this to work—I'm afraid the answer is no. Using Windows XP's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature I was able to share my laptop's wired internet connection with my desktop using a wireless peer-to-peer (aka ad-hoc) network.

However, I could not get the Nintendo DS to interact with my laptop through the same setup. And yes, I disconnected my desktop from the network before attempting to connect the DS. The Nintendo DS software will see the ad-hoc network, but it cannot obtain an IP address. I guess Windows uses some (possibly standardized) peer-to-peer handshake, and Nintendo DS isn't part of the cool club. This is why Nintendo consistently uses "Access Point" in its terminology, and not simply a "wireless network."

 

[joshschw]

I'm using some solution I found on the GBADEV DS forums. works great since I have WPA. basically the wired connects to my computer which relays that through the wireless card.

 

[Morts]

No! I refuse to believe that there isn't an easy, inexpensive way around that problem.

 

[jamesinclair]

Other people in thsi thread have gotten it working though.

Heres my wifi card:

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection


I need to do some work tonight, but if I have more time later Ill scan the Nintendo website to see if they go over connecting with a wireless card (vs a router).

If I dont find anything, and the informed dont reply here, Ill send Nintendo an email tommorow.

 

[Mihail]

Ooooh... http://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?t=7499

 

[Jonnyboy117]

Bad news for you and me, if this is to be believed:

http://www.planetgamecube.com/mailbag.cfm?action=profile&id=142

TYP has had MKDS for two weeks and knows what he's talking about with computer stuff. I'd believe it, but it would be nice if there turns out to be a way around the problem.