Internet sharing

[TB]

A coworker lives out in Timbukthree and is currently using his Samsung Omnia, connected via USB cable, to connect his desktop to the internet. He's looking to get a laptop soon and is wondering about internet sharing with both computers.

Would the connection stream be cell phone --> desktop --> wireless router --> laptop or cell phone --> wireless router --> desktop/laptop? Are either of those possible? Of the two, cell to router would be preferred as then the desktop wouldn't have to be on to use the laptop, but if that's not viable, it's not really a big deal. I know internet sharing has been around for quite some time, but I'm not sure about the finer points of exactly how to do so.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Sureboss]

It'd be the 2nd one, would have less cables. I don't see why both wouldn't be compatible.

 

[Casio]

He should be able to set-up a Bluetooth PAN (Piconet) on his new laptop. And connect to the internet that way.

 

[TB]

It'd be the 2nd one, would have less cables. I don't see why both wouldn't be compatible.

Agreed the second one is preferable, but regardless I'm not sure what hardware equipment and software settings he'd need to do it.

He should be able to set-up a Bluetooth PAN (Piconet) on his new laptop. And connect to the internet that way.

BT's range is pretty pitiful compared to Wireless G, isn't it? I'm not sure, but I'd imagine he'd like the mobility that G would provide.

 

[Casio]

Well, yeah it's only about 10m.

I've seen mobile to Wi-Fi router, but it's a real PIA and you really have to know what you're doing (Unless you buy one of those routers you can put a mobile carrier SIM card in). It really depends on the mobile and router at hand, and you'd almost definitely have to flash the firmware.

Probably the best way in this case would be to get a Wi-Fi dongle for the Desktop and create an Ad-Hoc network to share an internet connection between it and the laptop.

 

[TB]

Probably the best way in this case would be to get a Wi-Fi dongle for the Desktop and create an Ad-Hoc network to share an internet connection between it and the laptop.

That's all there is to it? Figured it'd be more than that. If it's that simple, and all he needs to buy is a dongle for $30, that'd would be sweet.

Thanks, Casio. 👍

If anyone else has any other ideas, have at it.

 

[bergauk]

Satellite internet? I've seen commercials for it. Sounds like a viable option.

 

[Casio]

That's all there is to it? Figured it'd be more than that. If it's that simple, and all he needs to buy is a dongle for $30, that'd would be sweet.

Thanks, Casio. 👍

If anyone else has any other ideas, have at it.

To be honest I've never done it with a phone, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. It's called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Here is probably some info if you're more willing to shift through it than myself.

 

[TB]

To be honest I've never done it with a phone, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. It's called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Here is probably some info if you're more willing to shift through it than myself.

Like I'm going to read that! I'll pass it on to the guy at work and he can read it.

Thanks again!

 

[Eric.]

How did you guys plan to connect a cell phone to a router, anyway?

Also, does your coworker know that Unlimited Data really only means about 3-5GB of bandwidth depending on the carrier? Exceed that more than once and the carrier will terminate the line.

 

[Casio]

How did you guys plan to connect a cell phone to a router, anyway?

Also, does your coworker know that Unlimited Data really only means about 3-5GB of bandwidth depending on the carrier? Exceed that more than once and the carrier will terminate the line.

It can be done. But that's some super-nerdery right there.

I was going to mention that too. Unlimited generally (at least here) has a fair-use policy, which if you're using as a dedicated home internet connection probably goes past that.