What is the difference between “point-to-point” and “ad-hoc” networks?
An ad-hoc wireless network is the standard type of network configuration, where one or more computers connect via a wireless adaptor to a wireless router or base station. By contrast, a point-to-point wireless network is created between multiple computers or laptops, one of which is connected to the physical local area network through an Ethernet cable. At the University of Minnesota, point-to-point wireless network connections are to be avoided, because routing all of your network activity through another person’s computer is not only unsafe and a risk to your privacy, but also because it can interfere with network quality.
