Because ad-hoc networks require minimal configuration and can be deployed quickly, they make sense when you need to put together a small — usually temporary — cheap, all-wireless LAN. They also work well as a temporary fallback mechanism if equipment for an infrastructure mode network fails.
Ad-Hoc Benefits and Downfalls
Ad-hoc networks are obviously useful but only under certain conditions. While they’re easy to configure and work effectively for what they’re intended for, they might not be what’s needed in some situations. There are a few other limitations of ad-hoc networks that you should be aware of before you set up this type of network.
Requirements for Creating an Ad-hoc Network
To set up a wireless ad-hoc network, each wireless adapter must be configured for ad-hoc mode instead of infrastructure mode, which is the mode used in networks where there is a central device like a router or server that manages the traffic. In addition, all wireless adapters must use the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) and channel number. Wireless ad-hoc networks cannot bridge wired LANs or to the internet without installing a special-purpose network gateway.
