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Using Windows XP as a software bridge
Summary: In this example, we will show how a Windows XP computer with an ethernet and 802.11b wireless adapter can take the place of a 'wireless access point' on your network.
 One of the new networking features in Windows XP is called a software bridge. This new feature allows two or more networks to be tied together in such a way that they act like a single network. For example, if some of your computers have Ethernet connections and some have HPNA (PhoneLine network) connections, Windows XP can ‘bridge’ these networks together so that they act like a single network with a single IP schema.
Bridging networks is not limited to Ethernet and PhoneLine networks (HPNA). When Windows XP can bridge together just about any two networks.
 Software based bridging is different than hardware based bridging for one big reason. With software bridging the XP software bridge computer must be turned on for the networks to communicate. In the example above, if computer B is not turned on, Computer C can not see Computer A.
For a 'hardware based' bridge example, click here
Bridged Network Diagram
In this example, we will use a Windows XP computer to connect wireless computers to our existing ethernet network and then out to the internet through an existing broadband router that does NOT have wireless capabilities. With this network setup, there is no need for us to purchase a wireless access point since XP bridges the networks. Here is the way the network will look.
 The XP computer above has both an Ethernet and Wireless. The wireless network card is in ADHOC mode; meaning it does not need an access point to communicate with the other wireless computers.
The first thing we need to do is install both an Ethernet adapter and a Wireless Ethernet network adapter into our Windows XP computer. Be sure you can get out to the internet using your ethernet connection. This will make sure everything is working later too. For our wireless side, put your network card in ADHOC mode and set a wireless channel to communicate on. Do the same with the other wireless computers.
Next, Set up the bridge between the two networks, highlight both of your network adapters. Right click on one and select ‘bridge networks’ as shown in this picture.
 Your system will grind away for a minute or so with this picture displayed. Resist the temptation of clicking on things till the system stops grinding.
 When the bridge setup is complete, your network connections will look like this. NOTE THE NEW NETWORK BRIDGE ICON.
 When your wireless client computers are rebooted, they will get an IP address from your router on your ETHERNET lan. The XP software based network bridge has turned your wireless network into the same network as your wired network!
Things are a little different
Your network adapters no longer have anything in their network properties. For the most part, all of the info is in the properties of the network bridge. If you want to change any of your network properies, you will have to do it through the Network Bridge Properties.
 For reference, here is an example that uses Windows XP to brdge a PNA (PhoneLine) network to Ethernet.
 Also See:
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