up vote 1 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

The Internet Sharing feature in Mac OS X (available at the "sharing" System Preferences panel) seems to be somewhat limited, it does not have the ability to use WPA when sharing through AirPort for instance.

Is there a simple software alternative that will use a MacBook Pro built in AirPort card to create a local wi-fi access point?

link|improve this question
Thanks Jon, I appreciate your suggestion - I'll wait a bit more to see if there is any software solution before I accept it as my answer. – villares Jan 12 '10 at 11:56
I'm having a hell of a time trying to share a USB 3G Modem connection on MacBook Pro. I have tried Mac OS X Internet sharing trough Ethernet. Tried pluging a WiFi router but it seems unable to pick an IP. Plugged a HP NetBook on Windows XP also couldn't pick an IP from the Ethernet sharing... frustration - might have to open a new troubleshooting question. – villares Jan 12 '10 at 12:02
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

OS X's built in internet connection sharing is not really up to long term use. Snow Leopard at least has introduced 128 bit WEP compared to Leopard's 40 bit

The best solution is to get a hardware WiFi router - only about $40 and it will give you WPA2.

link|improve this answer
1  
There are a variety of routers that let you share a 3G modem. Just one example is this Netgear: blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=899 – ridogi Jan 12 '10 at 17:55
feedback
up vote -1 down vote

You can have this functionality from the system preferences itself. before enabling the internet sharing just click on it. the details will be show on the right side. tick on airport, and then on the "Airport Options" you can create your own password protected wifi network.

link|improve this answer
Yes he knows this - it's what he said in his question. He wants to use WPA not the WEP that OS X has built in. – Jon Rhoades Jan 12 '10 at 11:33
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.