This practical software review introduces Maryfi, a free Windows 7 application that transformed laptops into WPA2-encrypted WiFi hotspots, addressing a important connectivity pain point before mobile hotspot features became widespread. Patrick Bisch presents a relatable scenario of expensive airport Internet access, where paying $10 per device for a family of 15 would cost $140, demonstrating how Maryfi could provide big cost savings by sharing a single connection across multiple devices. The software represents the era when WiFi sharing required third-party solutions and technical know-how rather than built-in operating system features.
The analysis covers Maryfi's technical needs, including Windows 7 compatibility and specific wireless adapter support, while noting the exclusion of Mac and Linux users who lacked similar simple solutions. Bisch explains the dual features of serving as both a hotspot for sharing paid connections and a WiFi repeater for extending home router range, showcasing the software's versatility for different use cases. The free, ad-supported model made this capability accessible to users who couldn't afford dedicated hotspot devices or unlimited tethering plans that were expensive and limited in 2011.
The coverage emphasizes practical applications beyond the airport scenario, including home network extension and general connection sharing situations where multiple devices needed internet access but only one connection was available. The WPA2 encryption mention highlights security considerations that were becoming important as WiFi sharing became more common. The software's simplicity appealed to users who wanted hotspot features without complex networking setup or expensive hardware solutions.
This software review captures the transitional period when WiFi sharing features were migrating from specialized hardware and complex procedures to user-friendly software solutions, eventually becoming standard operating system features. Looking back 13+ years later, Maryfi's features has been largely superseded by built-in mobile hotspot features in Windows 10/11, widespread smartphone tethering features, and ubiquitous public WiFi that reduced the need for connection sharing. The $10 per device airport WiFi pricing mentioned seems quaint compared to today's often-free airport internet and unlimited mobile data plans. However, Maryfi represented an important democratization of networking technology, making sophisticated WiFi sharing accessible to non-technical users through simple software. The concept influenced Microsoft's eventual connection of similar features directly into Windows, and the general principle of software-based networking solutions became fundamental to modern computing. This review also documents the era when laptop WiFi adapters were powerful enough to simultaneously connect to and broadcast networks, a capability that became essential for many modern wireless technologies and mesh networking systems.
This summary was created by Dave Rogers. The original post was written by Patrick Bisch and published on September 1, 2011.
If you'd like to view the original post, you can find it here.