Hello everyone, I am looking for some information about multi-hop ad hoc networking on windows. As far as i know windows 7/XP allows one to create an ad hoc network which other devices can connect to thus forming an IBSS where all devices are connected to a single node in a hub and spoke fashion (do correct me if i am wrong). What i wanted to know is whether it is possible to extend this ad hoc network to another hop (or more) by means of one of the spoke nodes propagating the same to the devices which are out of the range of the first node (original hub). Any help is highly appreciated.

If my memory serves - not with usual netcards and drivers. Access point (ESS) mode is more robust and therefore is preferred for complex setups. An AP can talk to another AP/router to extend the distance, using a standard bridge protocol. Of course, you can use any ready or home-brewn IP bridging/tunneling software to connect wi-fi networks. -- pa

Thanks Pavel, I gather from your answer that with the usual netcards and the drivers it is not possible to create a multi-hop ad hoc network in windows machines. Is there any specific reason why an ad hoc network cannot be extended to multiple hops ? i was also hoping to find how an ad hoc network is advertised to the neighbours by the STA wherein it is created. I was wondering if you could please help me with that also ? -pratyush

Is there any specific reason why an ad hoc network cannot be extended to multiple hops ? i was also hoping to find how an ad hoc network is advertised to the neighbours by the STA wherein it is created. I was wondering if you could please help me with that also ? The reason is that the cell coordination functionality is already quite complex even for a simple cell. The details you can find in the 802.11 standard and books. Also, google on wi-fi mesh projects. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_mesh_network --pa

Thanks a lot Pavel. As you suggested i will do some reading for the details. I appreciate the help.