Why use a USB adapter in access point mode?

The advantage of using a USB adapter in access point mode is that your computer can be connected to both the VOCOM device and the internet at the same time.

Most computers only have one wireless adapter, which means they can connect to only one Wi‑Fi network at a time.

  • If the diagnostic computer is connected to the internet (Wi‑Fi), it cannot simultaneously be connected to the VOCOM device over Wi‑Fi.
  • If the diagnostic computer is connected to the VOCOM device (Tough or Mini) over Wi‑Fi, it will not have internet access at the same time.

Note: Only one VOCOM device can be connected to a vehicle at a time. The connection examples shown below are for illustration only.

The computer's built-in Wi-Fi adapter is connected to the VOCOM network
The computer's built-in Wi-Fi adapter is connected to a Wi-Fi network
  1. Diagnostic connector
  2. ECTA-26/OBD cable
  3. VOCOM Tough
  4. VOCOM Mini
  5. VOCOM’s Wi-Fi network
  6. Windows computer
  7. Internet network
  8. Router
  9. Internet access
  10. Internet/Central systems

Use a USB adapter

To connect your diagnostic computer to both VOCOM and internet at the same time, use an additional USB Wi‑Fi adapter.

  • Connect the computer’s built-in Wi‑Fi to the network that provides internet access.
  • Connect the USB Wi‑Fi adapter to the VOCOM Wi‑Fi network.

If you prefer, you can swap the connections and do the opposite.

The computer is connected to both the VOCOM device network and the Wi-Fi network simultaneously