somewhat different kind of network question

Can I wireless network two  machines, without a router?

I have done it with  wired connections,  using crossover cables. Can
wireless NICs communicate with each other, or do they require a
router?

On top of just curiosity, my Windows 2000 PC in my home office has
broadband access, and my kid's machine elsewhere in the house, runs XP
and connects via a modem. If I  could give them broadband through my
machine's network card, using wireless from their's to mine, then I
would have the added benefit of controlling when they can use the high
speed connections.

Anyway, all that aside, can their PC talk to mine, via wireless, just
using wireless NICs?

Thanks.

John

somewhat different kind of network question

You can connect two Windows boxes together using wireless NICs without a
router.  This is called an ad hoc connection.  See
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_02april08.mspx

Assuming that your Win2k box has two network connections, one to your
broadband service and the other (wireless) to your kid's XP box, you can
share your broadband using Windows Internet Connection Service (ICS).
That is also covered in Barb Bowman's column (linked above).


--
Lem -- MS-MVP - Networking

To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer

somewhat different kind of network question

Thanks Lem, that is just what I was looking for.

Much obliged for your time,

John

somewhat different kind of network question

You're welcome.

--
Lem   MS MVP -- Networking

To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer