If you want to download files from your Android phone/tablet without getting out the USB cable, the simplest way is to put an HTTP server on the device. Once the device has joined your network via WiFi, you can download files through any web browser using an URL like "http://192.168.2.100:12345".
My favourite app from the Google Store is Simple HTTP Server by ubi.jp.
If you don't have a home WiFi LAN, you can create one using Wlanmaker, assuming that your computer's WiFi adapter is capable of working as an access point.
1. Get Wlanmaker from below. The dependency is hostapd.
2. Start Wlanmaker from a terminal with: wlanmaker
3. Connect the Android device to this WiFi network and start the HTTP server. It will display its IP address. (Make sure that the on/off button says ON.)
4. On your computer, open a web browser and go to this address. Right-click-download some files.
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WlanMaker
WlanMaker uses your computer's WiFi adapter to create a temporary wireless network.
Your WiFi adapter must be capable of switching into an access point. Internal units that use the ath5k, ath9k or b43 drivers work, as do many Intel Centrino adapters using the iwlwifi driver. The Broadcom vendor wl driver does NOT work.
Certain external USB WiFi adapters like carl9170 and rt2800usb also work. Some Realtek adapters like the 8192cu or 8192eu work but they may require custom drivers from the combo-wifi-driver-pack.
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The basic WlanMaker setup is NOT an Internet sharing tool. It does not provide Internet access to client computers. But see below.
The program is /usr/local/bin/wlanmaker. Open the script in a text editor and note these lines at the top:
Code: Select all
IFACE="wlan0"
SSID="MyOwnWiFi"
PASS="woof1234"
SUBNET="192.168.51"
DNS="8.8.8.8"
ROUTE=""
Select your own SSID and passphrase. This creates a WPA2-encrypted network with DHCP that hands out IP addresses in the range 192.168.51.10-250. If you prefer an open network, use the passphrase "none". The server computer gets the IP address 192.168.51.1 on its wlan0 interface.
Start WlanMaker from a terminal with: wlanmaker
If WlanMaker does NOT return a # prompt, it is working and ready to receive clients. Leave the terminal window open for the duration of the session.
For example, you could turn your laptop into a self-contained wireless HTTP server. Or you could add the p910nd print server and make a "WiFi Direct" printer.
Windows client machines may show the connection as "limited" because there is no Internet access.
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To enable Internet sharing, do the following:
The server machine needs the additional package "iptables" via apt-get.
Set the above ROUTE variable to the server's Internet-facing port, like eth0.
Client machines will get an IP address via DHCP and a route to the Internet.
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Update: Numerous downloads. Zero feedback. Zero test reports. Project withdrawn. If anyone still wants it, they can post a request.
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