USB wireless connection to PC network

[Dave Potts]

Bit of an odd question I'm sure. I have a wi-fi enabled laptop. All the PCs at my office are connected via ethernet cables to our network. Is there a device I can buy that I can plug into a USB on one of our network PCs which will enable me to access our network via my laptop? In other words something that can perhaps be plugged into a USB port on one of the desktops which will generate a wireless connection that my laptop will pick up?

[vehelpfulguy]

It is not such an odd question, many people want to use a wifi laptop in their office. You seem to be asking if you can go via a networked PC to the network.

Why not bypass the PC and go direct to the network. 

You say all the PCs are connected via ethernet cables in your office. Well you need to find the ethernet connection they are plugged into, and plug a Wireless hub into that.

They look something like this http://www.users.net2000.com.au/~compint/WirelessHub.gif

This will transmit the network over wireless to your laptop.

It is VERY important to check with the people who look after your network before doing this. There are security implications with a wireless network, and anyone driving round outside in their car could just as easily connect to your network with THEIR laptop. 

[Gandy]

If you want to connect via USB to a desktop then you may as well buy a wire. As vehelpfulguy says, wireless networking is the bain of many an Net Admins life at the moment. It's true too, I have PDA based sta nave in my car, if I leave Wifi on while I drive round then a piece of software such as WiFiFo Fum simply list the unsecure ones. I can then drive back and surf the network at my leisure. My local Waitrose carpark is excellent, having 3 unsecure wireless networks nearby. Luckily for them, I couldn't care less about whats on their network but free internet and SkypeOut calls while the missus does the shopping is a godsend!