T42 as Bluetooth Network Access Point (NAP)

[felyian]

Good day, guys,

I was here a while back in January because the ol' T42 had some issues.

Now, it's still running great, and I have a question about what I can do here:

I just got 6 Thinkpad Edge laptops for my customers to use. They all have Bluetooth capability.

I want to set up my T42, which stays on location and plugged in at all times, to act as a Network Access Point for the other computers so I can share the internet connection.

Is this possible?

As I understand and from trying to do it, I can't do it with the built in MS Bluetooth Stack, but I don't know how to change that. I tried to install drivers from Broadcomm (http://www.broadcom.com/support/bluetooth/update.php), but they don't install. The Lenovo-provided drivers don't seem to allow for this kind of sharing.

I realize I can do this all easily if I just get a Wi-Fi wireless router, but I figure that I should be able to use the Bluetooth capabilities for more than mice and printing if I can.

Thank you.

[felyian]

Well, I'm not using Bluetooth, but I got a network going.

I used a youtube video to help me through it; I'm not sure I can post the link here...

Basically, the video showed me how to set up an ad-hoc computer-to-computer wireless network, turning ol' T42 into the most expensive wireless router I've ever owned.

This capability along with the Bluetooth print sharing will let me work on any other computer while accessing the internet and print on my Canon!

Although, I couldn't figure out how to make this PC into a Bluetooth NAP, I'm happy with the result.

If anyone does know how to answer the OP, I'd love to know! Thank you.

[Orclas]

As much as I like your idea of turning the T42 into a NAP - it's the kind of idea I could myself easily be toying with - I must say I wonder if it's worth the hassle given BTs limited range and bandwidth...

[RealBlackStuff]

I must say I wonder if it's worth the hassle given BTs limited range and bandwidth...

You said it, it's NOT worth the hassle or effort.