Ad Hoc Network Connection & Tutorial | What is an Ad Hoc Network? | Study.com

What is an Ad Hoc Network?

An ad hoc network is one that is created between wireless devices without the use of other network devices. In an ad hoc network, one device connects directly to another. This connection allows the two or more devices to communicate with each other, share resources such as files, printers, and in some situations allow the sharing of an internet connection.

An ad hoc network is created whenever one device directly connects to another. If a cell phone allows a tablet to connect to its hot spot, or if a smart speaker is connected via Bluetooth to a media player, they are on an ad hoc network together. The network possibilities for an ad hoc network are endless as different devices with different resources can add functionality to the ad hoc network.

Ad hoc networks do not rely on network infrastructure, instead allowing devices to connect directly to each other.

When to Use an Ad Hoc Network

Ad hoc networks are often used when traditional networking equipment is either unavailable or unreasonable to use. With the recent advancements in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even Cellular technologies, ad hoc networks are becoming more common and are demonstrating advantages over traditional networks.

The ability to directly connect to another device without the need of special networking equipment, policies, and overhead give the ad hoc networks a cost and speed advantage when compared to traditional networks.

An ad hoc network can be created within minutes without the need for special software or planning. Users who want to share files, internet access, or other information can join an ad hoc network with even limited familiarity with technology and just a few devices. A user who has a cell phone with internet access can create an ad hoc network by starting the hot spot on their cell phone and allowing a tablet with only Wi-Fi capabilities to join via the cell phone’s internet connection.

How an Ad Hoc Network Works

An ad hoc network is typically established between two or more devices over a Wi-Fi network connection. These devices are located in a relatively small area. This small network area is typically called a Local Area Network, or LAN.

Some ad hoc connections can be established over a Bluetooth connection. Typical network devices, such as a router, are not needed in an ad hoc network as the devices are connecting directly to each other. In a typical computer network, there are centralized access points and devices used to provide access and security to the network. These devices are not present in an ad hoc network. A device can disconnect from the ad hoc network by simply leaving the area of the network.

To create a standard ad hoc network, devices just need to connect to each other via a wireless network. This could be over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Cellular signals. In any of these situations, the devices must discover each other and make a pairing request to make an ad hoc connection. The request is then either confirmed or denied by the other device. If confirmed, the two devices have just created a joined ad hoc network.