I don't think so. Both laptops should pick up the signal on its own, unless they're fighting for the same address in which case you may have to change the address.
In case, the laptops are wi-fi enabled you don't need any external software.
In computer-to-computer wireless network, wireless stations connect each other directly, rather than through wireless access points. This is called as ad-hoc networking. You can connect your wi-fi enabled laptop with another wi-fi enabled laptop by changing the settings as -
1. turn on the wireless in both laptop.
2. Go to Start menu- Settings-Network Connections-Wireless Network Connection-In the Related Task Change the order of Preferred Network-Wireless Networks –Preferred Networks-Advanced-enable the computer- to- computer(ad-hoc) networks only.
And then both laptops can see each other and can connect……..