Minimum hardware for wifi connectivity from tablet to pc?

[cmmichael]

Having just purchased a tablet, having no need for a wi-fi router heretofore, I am wondering if I can get away with a cheapie wi-fi adapter for connecting my desktop (12.04) and cable modem to the tablet for short-range roaming. The smallest wi-fi routers available are now thumb-drive size. The tablet, of course, has wi-fi built in, so wouldn't an adapter be adequate as a transceiver at the desktop end, or is there something in a router that is needed for a simple network?

This would only save about ten bucks, but I'm curious about the distinction here.

[Nr90]

If I understand you correctly you want to plug your PC into your router and then use an USB wifi adapter to create a hotspot for your tablet?
That should work.
However, if the hassle of having to have your PC on to use internet on your tablet worth it?

[cmmichael]

Sorry if I was unclear, I have no experience with home wifi setups. I have a desktop with an internet connection, I just bought a tablet, and I am wondering what is the cheapest way to connect the tablet to the internet wirelessly. I could plug a router into the usb jack on my cable modem, but I am wondering if one of those mini usb "adapters" would work?

[ugm6hr]

Would it work? Yes.

There are many specialised Linux distros / other OS that are designed to act as a router. Ubuntu has that capacity if configured correctly.

But - as Nr90 says - your desktop would have to be on all the time (since it is the router). Also, the range for wifi would probably be poor - aerials on most mini usb adapters is not as good as routers. Setting this up will not be entirely straightforward, since (to my knowledge) not all wifi chipsets have the ability to create an "infrastructure" wifi network on Linux - only ad-hoc. So make sure you choose wisely if you go down this road... (or buy a second hand router from ebay for about $15-20 - I bought 2 that have the capacity to install dd-wrt for this price)

On the other hand, if you do already leave your computer on all the time (i.e. not suspended or hibernated) - then perhaps the extra energy required for a router isn't justified?