Use android as usb wifi dongle/5GHz ability

droseofc

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Dec 29, 2015
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Is there a way to use android for the wifi capabilities such as a dongle? Basically my laptop only sees 2.4GHz and I could buy a dual band dongle or upgrade the network card, but my note 5 is rooted, has 2.4/5/AC capability and a usb even lol so Id think itd be possible to plug phone into pc and have pc recognize it as a wifi adapter which would allow me to analyze the network with all the capability of the phone. I can nly find results of tethering which the pc recognizes as a ethernet connection which wont enable being able to see the wifi ssids that the phone can.
 

Kaffeetrinker

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May 15, 2015
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Is there a way to use android for the wifi capabilities such as a dongle? Basically my laptop only sees 2.4GHz and I could buy a dual band dongle or upgrade the network card, but my note 5 is rooted, has 2.4/5/AC capability and a usb even lol so Id think itd be possible to plug phone into pc and have pc recognize it as a wifi adapter which would allow me to analyze the network with all the capability of the phone. I can nly find results of tethering which the pc recognizes as a ethernet connection which wont enable being able to see the wifi ssids that the phone can.
Theoretically, yes.

You would need an application on your phone and one on the laptop.
The application would take over your laptop's wifi control and hand it over to the app on the phone.

Afaik, this pair oft apps does not exist.
And I think it's not worth writing them.
USB Wifi Dongles with 5Ghz cost like 20 €/£/$.

So

Effectively, no.
 

droseofc

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I figured but really, everybody has a phone if this was an option even for 5-10$ it would be a better one then having to go out or get on amazon, read reviews and purchase a dongle that may or may not satisfy. If it was able to be done on a phone more then likely there is one with anybody that gets on a pc/laptop and if it was as easy as plugging it in to use it as a wifi dongle, not tether but an actual wifi adapter itd be like the next great thing, not like that bluetooth tethering they tried but like the end to usb wifi dongles I think anyways. Besides with all the ridiculous apps that do cost money on the play store i think somethin like this would be in the top most purchased. plus idk how the licensing works but with it actually being a internet connecting app it would be hard to crack the apk as it would be required to have full contact with whatever servers authenticate the purchase. I would think anybody that worked with networking would have it as a must have for work as its one less thing to carry and should be somewhat simple plug and go plus the countless people who are someday buying a dongle there would be no need to. Cha to the ching

Theoretically, yes.

You would need an application on your phone and one on the laptop.
The application would take over your laptop's wifi control and hand it over to the app on the phone.

Afaik, this pair oft apps does not exist.
And I think it's not worth writing them.
USB Wifi Dongles with 5Ghz cost like 20 €/£/$.

So

Effectively, no.
 

Kaffeetrinker

Senior Member
May 15, 2015
326
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I figured but really, everybody has a phone if this was an option even for 5-10$ it would be a better one then having to go out or get on amazon, read reviews and purchase a dongle that may or may not satisfy. If it was able to be done on a phone more then likely there is one with anybody that gets on a pc/laptop and if it was as easy as plugging it in to use it as a wifi dongle, not tether but an actual wifi adapter itd be like the next great thing, not like that bluetooth tethering they tried but like the end to usb wifi dongles I think anyways. Besides with all the ridiculous apps that do cost money on the play store i think somethin like this would be in the top most purchased. plus idk how the licensing works but with it actually being a internet connecting app it would be hard to crack the apk as it would be required to have full contact with whatever servers authenticate the purchase. I would think anybody that worked with networking would have it as a must have for work as its one less thing to carry and should be somewhat simple plug and go plus the countless people who are someday buying a dongle there would be no need to. Cha to the ching
Nah, there'd be like 0 to 4 people on the planet who'd actually pay for that feature.
Cause from pro to noob, 99.99999% are fine with regular USB tethering or BT Tethering! If they have to change the wifo network, they don't need to change the Wifi network using the mouse. They just grab their phone. It can't be far, it's connected to the laptop, just follow the cable :D

Anyway, most people don't even know they can do something else with their phone besides Whatsapp, Facebook, Snapchat, taking pictures and dropping it cracking the screen :D

Already heard of a thing called routing tables? Just because something is connected to the internet doesn't mean it will reach a certain server. How do you think your Adblock works? Exactly like that ;)

People who work with networking use ethernet cables. They have Ethernet plugs all over their workspace. They often don't usw wifi at all at work.

If you still think it's ka and ching, then go ahead, learning to program is always a good idea!
 

droseofc

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Dec 29, 2015
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*if this end up looking fantastic its because I tried the increase indent option in an attempt to figure out how to paragraph on this*
Lol will I know for a fact itd be like, whoever made that app now has some change in their pocket and it goes jang a lang a lang. I unfortunately do not know the programming knowhows, though think I could learn it if I put myself to it, by looking at how some of them are written it looks pretty straight forward once you got the jist of it down, I just dont got that and it kind of overwhelms me trying to figure it out without any knowledge of it. But, you are right, at least without maybe google play promoting it or some type of advertising that would show it as being in place of a usb dongle it would probably get buried by the countless apps made each day which btw all are not great (some are ridiculous) yet they are there.​
I am sure root would be needed for an app like that, which would detract from the audience as well. but the need for usb dongles is nowhere near a thing of the past, in fact I'd say it will only become more of a thing to have especially for the ones that would rather get it instead of buying a entire new system. With technology today and the transition from wired to wireless it would be the last option for anybody that doesnt have wireless before they have to update a whole system so more then likely they will opt for the 20$ dongle. I do consider myself one of a kind and like harry potter special (joking) but if I really am the only person to have tried doing a wifi heatmap on a laptop that only had 2.4 ghz capabilities then either i am broker then everybody else or I am just not from this earth.​
With all of the things you are able to do with a phone, use it as a bootable usb to boot a system (drivedroid), foxfi tether, wbnr wifi hack) youd think with a few changes of the programming or combination of the 3 this would be something easily done. I take it your familiar with programming? It seems you are and thats in a compliment kind of way, none of this is in a disrespect or disagreement with you at all, i just am uninformed in the category, but how long approximately does it take to say program an app that would be like a screen mirror app or even simple notepad app? These days if given the choice of buying a 20$ vs anything above and both have the same end result the 20$ is going to fly off the shelf. Of course these arent hot cakes but in any given situation when paying for less is an option and getting the same thing is the result i mean it is hard to think it wouldnt become popular. Drivedroid lets you use phone as bootable usb, i have countless usbs but it is just so much more convenient using my phone as its usally in my pocket already and convenience is what takes the cake​
.

Nah, there'd be like 0 to 4 people on the planet who'd actually pay for that feature.
Cause from pro to noob, 99.99999% are fine with regular USB tethering or BT Tethering! If they have to change the wifo network, they don't need to change the Wifi network using the mouse. They just grab their phone. It can't be far, it's connected to the laptop, just follow the cable :D

Anyway, most people don't even know they can do something else with their phone besides Whatsapp, Facebook, Snapchat, taking pictures and dropping it cracking the screen :D

Already heard of a thing called routing tables? Just because something is connected to the internet doesn't mean it will reach a certain server. How do you think your Adblock works? Exactly like that ;)

People who work with networking use ethernet cables. They have Ethernet plugs all over their workspace. They often don't usw wifi at all at work.

If you still think it's ka and ching, then go ahead, learning to program is always a good idea!
 
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Kaffeetrinker

Senior Member
May 15, 2015
326
164
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31
Eppelborn
*if this end up looking fantastic its because I tried the increase indent option in an attempt to figure out how to paragraph on this*
Lol will I know for a fact itd be like, whoever made that app now has some change in their pocket and it goes jang a lang a lang. I unfortunately do not know the programming knowhows, though think I could learn it if I put myself to it, by looking at how some of them are written it looks pretty straight forward once you got the jist of it down, I just dont got that and it kind of overwhelms me trying to figure it out without any knowledge of it. But, you are right, at least without maybe google play promoting it or some type of advertising that would show it as being in place of a usb dongle it would probably get buried by the countless apps made each day which btw all are not great (some are ridiculous) yet they are there.
I am sure root would be needed for an app like that, which would detract from the audience as well. but the need for usb dongles is nowhere near a thing of the past, in fact I'd say it will only become more of a thing to have especially for the ones that would rather get it instead of buying a entire new system. With technology today and the transition from wired to wireless it would be the last option for anybody that doesnt have wireless before they have to update a whole system so more then likely they will opt for the 20$ dongle. I do consider myself one of a kind and like harry potter special (joking) but if I really am the only person to have tried doing a wifi heatmap on a laptop that only had 2.4 ghz capabilities then either i am broker then everybody else or I am just not from this earth.
With all of the things you are able to do with a phone, use it as a bootable usb to boot a system (drivedroid), foxfi tether, wbnr wifi hack) youd think with a few changes of the programming or combination of the 3 this would be something easily done. I take it your familiar with programming? It seems you are and thats in a compliment kind of way, none of this is in a disrespect or disagreement with you at all, i just am uninformed in the category, but how long approximately does it take to say program an app that would be like a screen mirror app or even simple notepad app? These days if given the choice of buying a 20$ vs anything above and both have the same end result the 20$ is going to fly off the shelf. Of course these arent hot cakes but in any given situation when paying for less is an option and getting the same thing is the result i mean it is hard to think it wouldnt become popular. Drivedroid lets you use phone as bootable usb, i have countless usbs but it is just so much more convenient using my phone as its usally in my pocket already and convenience is what takes the cake.
Whoaaaa.... Sorry but too long to read...

Maybe THIS will convince you:

1. Almost any phone uses USB 2.0

2. Phone's USB Speed is limited due to the USB speed not being the manufacturer's priority (Ever been annoyed about the slow transfer speed of files to your PC?)

3. 2.4 GHz Wifi already gives you 54 to 160Bit/s.
That's a speed, you'll NEVER get through your USB connection.
Be really happy if you get 40 MBit/s...

4. There are... like no wifi routers which support 5GHz only.

5. There are no Laptops without any wifi except in a museum or in the big spare parts box in my garage.



Who'll buy it?

1. People who don't have wifi in their notebook?
No, they sit in a museum or they just use regular USB tethering.

2. People who want faster network connection?
No, cause it won't get faster.

3. People who are in an area with 5GHz wifi only?
No, 5Ghz only makes no sense due to its bad signal through walls. This just doesn't exist.

4. People with old hardware who have a broken wifi chip in their notebook and who can't afford a dongle?
They would use regular USB tethering. If they can't afford a dongle, they can't afford your app.

5. People with very few space in their pockets, to few to carry a thumb sized wifi dongle?
No, they use Bluetooth Tethering. They probably also have a wireless charging phone cause they also don't like to carry a cable.

6. People who are allergic to Wifi dongles or who are forbidden to buy them by their religion because the dongles aren't approved by their guru whereas mobile phones are?
Nooo, they just use regular USB Tethering. They live in the guru's house, they may not leave it, so no point in having an easier way to change the wifi network. Besides, the only laptop in the guru's home is his own, cause his followers may use the internet only once a week, so one notebook is enough for the whole lot. And Guru is rich enough to have a new notebook with integrated 5 GHz Wifi.


AND FINALLY: HOW OFTEN A DAY DO YOU CHANGE YOUR WIFI NETWORK?
ONCE OR TWICE :D

Use regular USB tethering and pick your fnjörpliging phone up to change the network, there's absolutely no need to have an app for that!


So, I had very much fun trolling you with facts! I even got to make a joke about a funny made-up religion.
I'm outta here ;)
 
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droseofc

Senior Member
Dec 29, 2015
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Well after that post it all kind of makes sense to me now. You either are not that informed about 2.4/5ghz radios, you live somewhere that it is not popular... yet. Not sure if you understand what heat mapper is referring to, its only the signal that matters not the speed but if speed was an issue you kept up on any tech news lately or hear of somethin called usb c? 10Gbps. 2.0 gets 480Mbps or 60MBps which would be plenty and would undoubtedly be better then usb tethering as it would have direct and complete use of the wifi connection.

So almost any phone USED to use usb 2.0, like almost any computer USED to dial up to connect, wondering if you might still be, (jk). Just like it always has and will tech changes and soon they will MOSTLY have usb-c or 3.1 and speed is out the window. And finally, r u familiar with play store and its contents? They have some quirky things that become instant hits (flappy) or this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque that you connect the phone to the cars diagnostic connection obd and has 1 million users at 4.95$ each. With your thinking all if those people would never have got that app and would use the normal regular mechanic tool to read odb errors.

And last but not least your comment was just as long as mine. And i read it, out of respect. If u want i could send you a little like 5 step process on what its all about and a song to go with it that even spells it out. ;) all in fun and respectfully debating of course. I go to school for this stuff, not that u dont or havent but definitely was skipping the day they spoke of 2.4 and 5 and the heat mapping of each.

Which is ok, i was wondering cuz yes i am too cheap/college student to get a pc just for that 5ghz. I needed it to completely do my heatmap as the router is 2.4/5 simultaneously (prepare for that, most of them are these days wont even mention ac) but only seen 2.4. Anyways from the sounds of it you dont like to read long things which explains some things. If u do please know i say all of this in a friendly sarcastic way, with honesty behind it just definitely no disrespect more friendly joking.

Whoaaaa.... Sorry but too long to read...

Maybe THIS will convince you:

1. Almost any phone uses USB 2.0

2. Phone's USB Speed is limited due to the USB speed not being the manufacturer's priority (Ever been annoyed about the slow transfer speed of files to your PC?)

3. 2.4 GHz Wifi already gives you 54 to 160Bit/s.
That's a speed, you'll NEVER get through your USB connection.
Be really happy if you get 40 MBit/s...

4. There are... like no wifi routers which support 5GHz only.

5. There are no Laptops without any wifi except in a museum or in the big spare parts box in my garage.



Who'll buy it?

1. People who don't have wifi in their notebook?
No, they sit in a museum or they just use regular USB tethering.

2. People who want faster network connection?
No, cause it won't get faster.

3. People who are in an area with 5GHz wifi only?
No, 5Ghz only makes no sense due to its bad signal through walls. This just doesn't exist.

4. People with old hardware who have a broken wifi chip in their notebook and who can't afford a dongle?
They would use regular USB tethering. If they can't afford a dongle, they can't afford your app.

5. People with very few space in their pockets, to few to carry a thumb sized wifi dongle?
No, they use Bluetooth Tethering. They probably also have a wireless charging phone cause they also don't like to carry a cable.

6. People who are allergic to Wifi dongles or who are forbidden to buy them by their religion because the dongles aren't approved by their guru whereas mobile phones are?
Nooo, they just use regular USB Tethering. They live in the guru's house, they may not leave it, so no point in having an easier way to change the wifi network. Besides, the only laptop in the guru's home is his own, cause his followers may use the internet only once a week, so one notebook is enough for the whole lot. And Guru is rich enough to have a new notebook with integrated 5 GHz Wifi.


AND FINALLY: HOW OFTEN A DAY DO YOU CHANGE YOUR WIFI NETWORK?
ONCE OR TWICE :D

Use regular USB tethering and pick your fnjörpliging phone up to change the network, there's absolutely no need to have an app for that!


So, I had very much fun trolling you with facts! I even got to make a joke about a funny made-up religion.
I'm outta here ;)
 

droseofc

Senior Member
Dec 29, 2015
295
65
0
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Omaha
Also the internet provider gives you the speed not the 2.4 or the 5. And more importantly the ability to see the 2.4/5 channels is what i was needing which in a setup if you have alot of people connected to wifi by splitting it with some on 2.4 and some on 5 you would have better connectivity vs everyone on the same one. If somebody wants speed and speed alone a dongle, wifi or bluetooth wont even be on their mind , they will be hooking it directly with ethernet as thats the fastest and best option there is.
 

droseofc

Senior Member
Dec 29, 2015
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Also look in this network forum like 4 down it says usb reverse tethering and has like 600,000 views. Read that description and see if you still think this would be useless. With your logic ud have to wonder y they even have a phone in the first place. But its obviously popular. Mind/openit