Definition: Tethering is a method for configuring computers (typically, laptops) with wireless access to the Internet using a cell phone as a modem.
Why Tethering
Tethering continues to grow in popularity as it has proven a highly useful option for Internet networking in certain situations:- when traveling, in places where local Wi-Fi hotspots are unavailable or inconvenient
- in rural areas or other residential locations where no high-speed Internet access options exist
- as an emergency fall back option in the home, when the primary form of high-speed Internet access is unavailable due to service outage
Making Tethered Connections
Mobile phones can be connected to a computer for tethering either via USB cable or via Bluetooth wireless.Tethered network configurations suffer from several important limitations compared to more traditional forms of Internet access:
- A mobile broadband data plan with tethering option is required; these may be more expensive than standard home broadband and may also limit the amount of network traffic connections are allowed to generate per month
- Connections often run at very low speeds (data rates significantly less than 1 Mbps)
- Phone and cellular network providers may forbid using some devices for tethering, or void their warranty
