Windows 7: Join 2 wireless networks?

I am a newbie and I am unsure of how to join 2 wireless networks. I have a cable modem in one room and my roommate has a cable modem in another room (I prefer my own dedicated line hardwired). We both have a wireless router. What is the easiest way to join his network. I have heard of DD-WRT, but the 2 wireless routers are not supported. Thanks for your help!

Your PC can only join One wireless network at a time..

I am confused about what your question is asking?
Could you please explain?

To clarify, my 2 computers connect to my wireless router and cable modem in my room. I would like to stream the movies and music on my computers to his computers on his similar setup (cable modem, wireless router and 2 computers in his room). I am not sure if I am trying to bridge our wireless routers together or not. I guess I am trying to say how do I view his computers under my network connections. I hope I am explaining this right.

I see what you are saying and I don't think this is possible..

Here is my reason why...
I am assuming since your friend has is own Cable modem and router He also has a different ISP, IP address than you...therefor it will not work because your routers have to have the same IP address on that same interface (Ethernet) or (Wireless)

*To make this work All of your computers have to be under the same Router*

Then you would be able to share files and videos..

There are other ways to share your media across the Internet (for example) like Home Servers That you can connect to over the Internet.. (But it cost $$)

The easiest way (if possible) is to just have just one ISP so you could share your media and Internet under that One router..

Hope this Helps...

I'm not sure whether any drivers are available yet but Windows 7 adds native Virtual WiFi technology which allows two wireless connections from the same adapter.
Windows 7 adds native Virtual WiFi technology from Microsoft Research - istartedsomething

I have to disagree with Ryan.

Your computer can connect to a separate network with every NIC that is present and working. For instance, you LAN and WiFi cards can be connected to separate networks.

You both are now hardwired to your respective routers and further to the internet, not needing / using the WiFi NIC. You can connect your WiFi NIC to each others wireless router. You just need the WPA PSK or other security key to your mates router and you have to give your key to him.

Second method is to buy a USB WiFi adapter. Connect your original WiFI NIC to your own router, the USB adapter to your mates WiFi.

Other method is to create a wireless ad hoc, computer to computer network.

All these methods work. Remeber you have to setup shares in every network you are joined.

Kari

You can setup as many Wireless Networks as you want from Manager wireless network in your control Panel so long as your got the authentication credentials to access them. Once done, you can choose which network to connect to, however the question is can all of them be connected all at once? this i think is what he is asking.

I might try this, with my Home wireless AND through my iphone's tethering option (both are different ISPs). I suppose then if they both are connected and don't get disconnected then i'd assume i'm on two wireless networks at once.

Actually i think it will work however, it's not the same as the iphone is going through USB port and wireless nic isn't.

Excellent Point Kari.. I never thought of that
I have always thought that when you connect to a router that you can only be on that router..and only one connection can be made but since you have two NIC cards (LAN & WiFi) they are on different networks.(Interfaces)...(Just that I don't think I ever connected them to different Networks at the same time)

That makes total sense..

The important thing to remember is that both networks need to be properly configured. Homegroup / workgroup to join, shares, permissions etc.

In OP's case, I'd use the wired connection to their respective routers for the Internet and create a wireless ad hoc network to connect locally to other computer(s).

Kari

One thing that may be worth experimenting with is to set the both networks on to the same subnet and workgroup.

Depending on the actual routers involved they may automatically form a bridge / link

The local addresses for the routers would need to be manually set to different IP addresses and the DHCP ranges set not to overlap (or use manual IP set-ups.

the other thing to do would be to manually configure the internet gateways to point to the correct router on each PC