How to connect your computer to the Internet via mobile

The “tethering” is a process to connect a computer to a data network through a mobile device or terminal that serves as a modem. One of the most common devices for a connection of this type is the smartphones. Smart phones with 3G connectivity pass the data signal to the computer either through a USB cable, or via Bluetooth. The following are ways to connect your computer to the Internet via the phone.

With the coming to market next generation smartphones like the iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy or the HTC range of Android operating system, and always according to the flat-rate data, users have the option to give the Mobile atypical feature: can use it as an intermediary to connect their computers to the Internet. The connection that is shared is therefore obtained by phone from WiFi networks, such as through a 3G network operator.

Only for occasional use

Keep in mind that not all telcos allow the use of “tethering” in its various flat-rate data. Therefore, before using this method, one must know the conditions of use of the operator who hired the user. If this did not accept the “tethering” in its contract and the user decides to use it on his own, with breach of contract, the operator could check the amount of data consumed at each session independently agreed to the flat rate.

Major operators regarding the iPhone (Movistar and Orange) do not charge for this feature in their media flat rate plans. Even so, you should contact the service department corresponding client for the latest developments in this field and whether the agreed price moves using the terminal by “tethering”.

In general, the process of “tethering” from a mobile phone is only recommended in a timely manner and to connect to Internet if necessary, but not a commonly used option. The intensive use of the terminal for this purpose makes the battery drain faster, so it is not a connection that can be maintained for many hours.

“Tethering” from a computer

You can also do “tethering” from a computer to share the connection with another device or computer. The most common form is the utilization of Wired Ethernet network to access the Internet from one computer and then use the WiFi activated both as an access point ports.

The operating system of Mac OS X has the option of “Internet Sharing” easily from this procedure. This possibility is also available on the iPhone.

“Tethering” from a mobile

The basic operation is to connect two devices using Bluetooth to synchronize and start the connection. In other cases, is made through a USB cable. If a Bluetooth connection is used, it must be remembered that this type of port is very sensitive to interference with other nearby networks and, therefore, both devices must be discoverable and “find”. It is ideal for short distances.

Each phone model has its own system for the “tethering”. On the iPhone, this option is available from the iOS 3.0 operating system and a 3G terminal. In iOS 6 the process is simplified significantly. To do this, you must go to “Settings -> General -> Cellular Data -> Internet Sharing”. In the latter field you have to select “Yes”. However, for other devices you need to install an external application to perform the action.

The other way to connect is through the USB cable. In the case of Mac OS X operating system, the users can make it through “Network Preferences” and select the new connection created. To facilitate this, there are several tutorials on the internet with tips and tricks to enable or disable this function quickly.

You can also do “tethering” from a computer to share the connection with another device. For the Android operating system, there are different proposals for sharing Internet via “tethering”. In Android 4.0 or higher, this option is available in “Settings -> Wireless Connections -> Wi-fi Zone and USB modem”. Then you have to enable the “Wi-Fi Zone” and Set “Wi-Fi” from the appropriate alternative and indicate the type of security used in the Wi-Fi access and a password.

It is also useful to the PDANet application, which includes an update to the mobile and one for the computer of the user (Windows or Mac OS X operating systems only). It has a free version that only allows http-connections are not secure https present in platforms such as email web pages or e-banking and e-commerce, a full version, with a cost of $ 30, with high levels of security.

Another option is AziLink, a program that supports some handsets like the HTC Magic. The installation of this application is not simple, since it is not on Google Play Store and it should be installed manually. Furthermore, it is first necessary to run several programs, including the version of Android for developers, and connect this to the terminal from where you want to place the application. This allows “tethering” via a USB connection and runs on computers with Windows operating systems, Mac OS X and Linux.