Virtual Router

by Chris Pietschmann

Virtual Router is a free open source tool that turns a Windows 7 or 8 computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot to share its Internet connection.

Operating system: Windows

Publisher: Chris Pietschmann

Antivirus check: VirusTotal report

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Virtual Router is a free, open source application that allows you to turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot (wireless access point). Simply put, with Virtual Router you can share an Internet connection over Wi-Fi using the Virtual Wifi and Wireless Hosted Network technologies built into Windows 7 and later. Despite the seeming complexity, the program is very easy to use. To organize Wi-Fi distribution, you only need to specify a few basic parameters (network name, password, and the connection to share). With Virtual Router you will be able to share virtually any type of Internet connection - Wi-Fi, LAN, cable modem, dial-up, cellular, etc. - with laptops, phones and other Wi-Fi devices. You can use Virtual Router anywhere - at home, in the office, at the airport, at a bus station, etc. Your network is protected, as Virtual Router always encrypts the connection with WPA2, one of the most secure encryption methods. The program needs a Wi-Fi driver that supports the Wireless Hosted Network, does not work on Windows 7 Starter, and is no longer developed.

Virtual Router allows you to easily convert your computer into a secure Wi-Fi hotspot, distributing any type of Internet connection wirelessly.
Windows 7, 8, Server 2008 R2 or Server 2012
.NET Framework 3.5
Wi-Fi adapter supporting Wireless Hosted Network

PROS
Enables sharing of internet connection with multiple devices.
Easy setup process and user-friendly interface.
Secures the hotspot with WPA2 wireless encryption.

CONS
May slow down internet connection due to splitting bandwidth.
Needs a Wi-Fi driver that supports hosted networks.
No longer developed or updated by its author.
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