When connecting a computer to the internet on the go, many people worry about the security risks of using open Wi-Fi. This is where the tethering function on a smartphone can come in handy. But what is hotspotting exactly? Understanding how to create a mobile hotspot and how it relates to tethering can help you make better connectivity choices. This article explains what tethering is, its benefits and some important points to note.
What is tethering?
Tethering is a feature that allows you to use your smartphone like a mobile router (a small communication device for transmitting data), allowing you to connect your computer or tablet to the internet. For instance, if you take a computer and an Android phone with you when you go out, you can connect your computer to the internet through your phone. While you also have the option to connect to open Wi-Fi in public places like cafés, this is best avoided from a security point of view given the risk of your data being intercepted.
Tethering is also more reliable than those open Wi-Fi networks set up by unknown entities and can be very handy if you need to use your laptop when you have a spare moment. Setting up a hotspot from your Android phone gives you greater peace of mind. When people ask what is hotspotting, they are often referring to this same process of sharing your phone's internet connection with other devices.
Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android - Android Help
Benefits of tethering
Now we know what tethering is, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using it. 1
You can use the internet when you’re out and about.
One benefit of mobile hotspot tethering is being able to browse the internet safely when you are out and about using just one Android phone. When you tether on your Android phone, you can connect PCs, tablets, gaming consoles and other devices to the internet even in places without internet coverage as long as there is mobile phone reception. This can also be invaluable in business contexts, such as when you are travelling for work.
Reducing costs on devices without mobile communication features.
Nowadays, many computers and tablets come equipped with internet connectivity features. These are usually more expensive than models equipped only with Wi-Fi functionality. Plus, if a device with internet connectivity is to be used on its own, you would need a contract with a provider to use internet services. However, by using your smartphone to tether instead, you can connect your computer or tablet to the internet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering. Hotspotting from your phone to your laptop or tablet means you don’t need a separate internet contract for those devices, so lower costs for you.
Things to be mindful of when tethering
While there are many benefits to using tethering, there are also a few things to be mindful of:
- Increased data usage on your smartphone
- Slower speeds compared to fibre-optic broadband
- Possible costs for tethering contracts
Increased data usage on your smartphone.
Tethering uses your smartphone's mobile data, so you need to be mindful of your data plan limit. Using a computer via tethering consumes more data than typical smartphone usage because of the larger screen. Even if you have been happy so far with an 8GB data plan, for instance, you may find this is not enough when you start tethering your computer. While it of course depends on your own individual usage, it might be worth reviewing your data plan if you plan on using tethering frequently.
Slower than fibre-optic broadband.
Tethering uses mobile phone data to connect to the internet, which can be slower than wired cables like the fibre-optic ones used in homes and offices. It tends to be most noticeable when viewing large files like images or videos. There might also be some cases of choppy or distorted audio during video calls when using tethering.
Tethering vs. mobile routers: Which is better?
Since tethering effectively turns your smartphone into a mobile router, you might be wondering if you should just use an actual mobile router instead. Let us compare the two.
Purpose of the device and battery consumption.
Tethering uses your smartphone’s battery, so it will deplete faster. If your smartphone were only used for tethering, running out of battery might not be such a big deal. But since the main function of a smartphone is to make calls, you will probably want to avoid this.
A mobile router, meanwhile, is a device dedicated to mobile communication. It does not have the ability to make calls so even if the battery runs out, it is not going to mean you cannot phone home.
Which is better?
Whether to go for tethering or a mobile router depends on your usage. Tethering is advisable for those who:
- Do not want to carry an extra device with them
- Tend only to use the internet for short or infrequent periods while out and about
- Prefer to consolidate their communication devices into one
A mobile router is advisable for those who:
- Need to use the internet for longer periods while out and about
- Want to preserve their smartphone's battery
Preparing to tether with an Android phone
Lastly, let us look at what preparations are needed for tethering on your Android phone:
- Choose a tethering-compatible device
- Check if your mobile phone contract’s data plan is sufficient for tethering
- Choose a connection method
Choosing a tethering-compatible device.
When using an Android phone, be sure to choose a model that supports tethering. Check this on your provider’s official website.
Contracting with a mobile provider for tethering.
Having chosen a tethering-compatible model, it is time to select a data plan. Be sure to select a data plan with a flat rate.
Choosing a connection method.
There are three main connection methods for Android phone tethering:
- Bluetooth tethering - Good for single device connections with lower power consumption
- Wi-Fi - Best for multiple devices and faster speeds
- USB - Most reliable for single device with direct cable connection
Choose the mobile hotspot tethering connection method that best suits your usage needs. You can choose how to tether depending on your preference.
Create an internet environment anywhere you like with Android phone tethering
Tethering on your smartphone allows you to set up an internet environment anywhere within your mobile provider's signal range. You can make calls and use the internet all with just one device. With a tethering-compatible Android phone, you will be able to work in cafes and other public places even if your computer or tablet does not have internet communication features. While it does consume data and battery power, tethering lets you get the most out of your smartphone while on the go.
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Footnotes
1. Some providers may only offer tethering as a paid option
2. Some devices may not support all of the features discussed in this article. The ability to use this product or some of its features may vary depending on the OEM and device manufacturer.