Share an iTunes library over an ad-hoc wireless network
May 15, '08 07:30:00AM
Contributed by: aGr[j5(6WU
Due to the fact that both of my laptops (iBook G4, 15" AlBook) will only recognize my Nokia 6120 Classic's HSDPA modem through one of their two USB ports (note 1), and because of an odd technical issue with the other USB port (note 2), I have to unplug my external USB hard drive whenever I want to browse the internet. Seeing as my iTunes library is stored on the external drive, it means cutting off my music.
But then I remembered: my iBook, which I use for travelling, has a full and complete copy of my entire iTunes library. Why don't I share it? The only wireless system in common between my two Macs is Airport Extreme, so I decided to use that.
In the following list, the provided values are settings I use, provided as an example. Modify to suit your needs.
- Create a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) WiFi Network between the host and client. If you don't know how to do this, search Apple's Help Viewer for the phrase Communicating with other computers wirelessly; I recommend using WEP (at least), with a 128-bit password. I named my network Mac Exchange.
- Manually assign a network address to AirPort on the host computer. I used 10.0.0.1 for the IP address, and 255.255.255.0 for the subnet mask.
- Manually assign a network address to AirPort on the client computer. I used 10.0.0.2 for the IP address, and 255.255.255.0 for the subnet mask.
- Launch iTunes on the host computer and make sure that Share Library is enabled. Given the ubiquity of iTunes these days, and therefore for performance reasons, I password protected the Shared Library on the host side.
- Launch iTunes on the client, and make sure it is set to search for shared libraries.
That's it. The Shared Library should appear in iTunes' Sidebar.
Note 1: Due, I'm sure, to a situation confirmed in this ZDnet report (only read the comments if you're unlikely to be incensed by some Mac-bashing, however).
Note 2: For some reason, my powered external hub (through which I connect my external drive) consistently shorts-out the right-side USB port on my AlBook, so I have to use the left-side port -- by Sod's Law, also the only port my phone's modem works through.
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