tethering

Tethering is the sharing of a device's internet connection with other devices. Most commonly it involves a mobile device providing access to the cellular network for laptops, tablets, or other phones. The host device acts as a gateway, routing traffic from connected devices to the internet. Tethering can be implemented through USB, Bluetooth, or Wi‑Fi, with USB tethering typically offering the most stable connection and power delivery, Bluetooth tethering being slower but more power-efficient, and Wi‑Fi tethering (often called a mobile hotspot) providing wireless access to multiple devices.

USB tethering requires a USB cable and, on some platforms, driver installation. Bluetooth tethering uses the Bluetooth PAN profile and is slower. Wi‑Fi tethering creates a wireless network by configuring the host to broadcast an SSID; connected devices join by password.

Typical uses include providing internet access when fixed broadband is unavailable, during travel, or when a primary line is down. Performance depends on cellular signal, network congestion, and the number of devices. Tethering consumes data and power; it can rapidly drain the host device's battery and may incur higher data charges or throttling by carriers.

Security and privacy: Secure the connection with strong encryption on hotspots; disable hotspot visibility if needed; remember that data transmitted over cellular networks can be exposed if the app traffic is not encrypted. Carriers may limit or bill tethering differently; some plans require a separate tethering plan or may throttle speeds after a data cap.