Connectify
is a software router for Microsoft Windows developed by Connectify. It
can enable a Windows PC with a Wi-Fi device to act as a wireless access point.
This enables users to share files, printers, and Internet connections between
multiple computing devices without the need for a separate physical access
point or router.
History
According
to Connectify CEO and founder Alex Gizis, back in 2009, the development team
was testing wireless networking hardware at an Army base. Their hardware
technology was driving Humvees wirelessly over miles, but the team itself was
juggling USB drives to sneakernet files between Windows laptops. For the next
trip out, they brought a hardware router, but the bulk of that extra gear, and
the need to plug it in, became an issue. To address this need, they developed
the original Connectify application.
Overview
Simple wireless ad-hoc
networking was introduced in the Windows operating system family with Windows
XP. Windows 7 added support for the Virtual Wi-Fi, which allows a single
physical wireless adapter to be split into two logical adapters. Connectify
takes advantage of this feature to create an infrastructure mode wireless
network and effectively turn the Windows 7 PC into a wireless access point.
Connectify is released on the freemium
model. The free Connectify Lite license delivers basic wireless access point
functionality. Some features in this edition are limited; for example, the SSID
of a Connectify Lite network will always start with "Connectify-".
Additional paid Connectify Pro features include wireless repeater capability,
more complete 3G/4G network sharing, automatic configuration features, firewall
controls and priority technical support.
Download
: Connectifity Installer