Do I have to enable "Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)" in Windows XP SP2 to set up a wireless network?

Question

I'm a little confused about this. I went to this page http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx on the Microsoft Windows XP site, and it doesn't show anything about using ICS to set up a wireless network in my home...but I noticed on a different page on the Microsoft website, it mentions ICS.

So exactly how do I set up my network?

Answer 1

Short answer: NO you do not have to enable ICS to set up a wireless LAN.

Let your wireless router do that.

1) Have or obtain Cable or DSL internet access.
2) Have or obtain a wireless router.
3) Have or obtain a wireless adapter for each computer you want to access the internet with.

Plug the wireless router into the Cable or DSL "modem" via Ethernet. Make sure the computers are on and that the wireless adapters are on. Turn the Cable or DSL modem off for approximately 20 seconds. Turn the wireless router off.
Turn the Cable or DSL router on. Turn the wireless router on. Reboot computers if required.

All of your computers should now be connected to the internet via your wireless router.

Answer 2

If you are using a router to share your internet connection then you do not need ICS as the router does the work and not the computer.

If you are connecting your modem to a computer then creating a Ad-Hoc wireless network from that computers wireless card to another computers wireless card the yes you need to turn on ICS.

Answer 3

ICS is used if you want one computer to be a network connection host on a home network. Should be able to set up each computer with its own connection with a wireless device on the computer to the wireless router.