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Wanted solution:
[internet]---[3G USB modem]---[Windows7]---[WLAN]

I have a Huawei E367 modem that is connected to a Win7 machine's USB port. This works alright. (except huawei's love for intermittent stops)

Now I want to share my internet connection from the 3G USB via WLAN.

On controlpanel->networkandinternet->networkconnections I see LAN, WLAN, bluetooth and 3G.
I can bridge LAN/WLAN but not anything 3G. (or bluetooth for that matter)
On 3G->properties->sharing I can set up a share of sorts but that is computer-to-computer and not a "normal" wlan so that is not usable for me for other reasons.

Is there a way around this (except buying a 3G router)? A setting I haven't found, a program that does it, updating to Win8, linix live CD or antyhing that doesn't involve placing the 3GUSBmodem a place the sun doesn't shine very close to the developers of the thing? The latter wouldn't solve my problem but would give me a temporary feeling of satisfaction.

Update Rereading this QA I see that the solution was a bit hard to find as a comment to an answer. I went with virtualrouter and it worked without a problem. It is F/OSS so please keep hacking.

LosManos
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5 Answers5

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I'm struggling with approx. the same issue. I dont think the term Bridging is right here, its another pure network term defined years back. Instead, I believe you want to have your PC (or Laptop) with 3G Internet (Modem Broadband) access (also known as Wide Wide Area Network or WWAN) to act as a WiFi Access Node (either permanent or temporary). This is treated in several (and its growing) places like here: http://www.itgeekdiary.com/windows-7-as-an-wi-fi-access-point/ or here: Internet connection sharing over WIFI without modifying LAN adapter IP address

In the first link ressource, its described that "..Some wireless broadband providers’ hardware disallows the use of their device in an ICS setup. Microsoft are working on a solution to support all of these and will make an announcement when we have a resolution."

I guess this is what we have to wait for, unless you decide to move to another platform like nix type of OS. Some refers to programs that promise this functionality like this overview site: http://alternativeto.net/software/connectify/ but they can't beat the hardware or driver limitations set by vendors like Huawei. I have a qualified guess that European Union (or Commission) will look into this sort of matter as a protective measure for keeping competitors away, and thus will file a case against these vendors in due time. Hope this gave some comfort even the solution isn't just around the corner... Cheers

Community
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Peter Rosenberg
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From what I have tried and learned, the only option for sharing a connection as such is via ICS ("Internet Connection Sharing"). When you enable ICS for the 3G connection (which is treated as a "modem" and not as a "high speed connection") it automatically assigns another LAN connection as the sharer of the 3G connection (when available, and if there are more than 2 available network connections, I believe you have to choose which one shares the 3G).

Anyway, a static IP is assigned to the sharer connection, and the computer will begin to act as a DHCP server for any other devices on that connection. (Make sure to disable or disconnect any other DHCP devices, as such would be when connecting to a router instead of a switch. Or you could just plug into the WAN port of a wireless router.) If using Ad Hoc, make sure to create an Ad Hoc wifi network before sharing the 3G connection, and then when you share, select the Ad Hoc network as your sharer.

Unfortunately, Windows 7 will not bridge a high-speed connection with a 3G connection (or with any other "modem" type connection, for that matter). Please let me know if this helps. I just figured it out the hard way! :(

Slink
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How to Setup a Wi-Fi HotSpot in Windows 8

This is the best solution. I used it on Windows 7. You should also create the batch file he mentions at the end of the article, if you want to autostart the Wi-Fi. This has worked brilliant for me.

TFM
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user205622
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For those who like me faced the problem that the 3G dongle/software blocked internet sharing (client/consumer can connect to sharing PC but does not have an internet connection): hide the client's traffic using a proxy so that the 3G dongle does not know about the client and therefore cannot block it.

1) Follow this page's guide to create a wifi hotspot. Get the IP address of the newly created connection (for me it was Network Connections -> "Local Area Connection* 17" -> Status -> Details). http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/turn-windows-wifi-hotspot-share-internet-connection/

Using other solutions like VirtualRouter should work as well.

2) Install a Proxy server on your sharing PC. I used CCProxy Personal for that.

3) Configure the client's internet settings to use the proxy with the hotspot's IP as host name + port (CCProxy default port is 808). For Windows: "Internet Options" -> Connections -> Lan Settings For Android: add settings in the advanced options part of your wifi connection

For me this works like a charm. (Source: http://www.youngzsoft.net/ccproxy/internet-connection-share.htm )

nessim
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Ive actually bridged my home cable modem connection with my Android modem 3g connection. It lowered my speeds though.

Hrmmm
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