The Internet “Everywhere” is very present
As we have mentioned, in many cases it is essential to be able to have a good internet connection anywhere. The truth is that today we have wireless connectivity in a simple way in public places such as shopping centers, train stations, airports …
However, sometimes this is not possible and we cannot connect our laptop, tablets or any other device that does not have one. own network. We can share the connection from our mobile, for example. There are different options for this.
The main point is that we live in a time when having a good Internet is necessary. It is to work anywhere, to inform ourselves, to keep in touch with friends and family … Hence, the term Internet “Everywhere” or anywhere, is increasingly present.
Sometimes we will have to look for different alternatives to be able to have a connection on those devices where we are interested. That’s where both the Tethering What Hotspot. They are similar terms, which will allow us to have a connection in other devices, but they are not the same.
Differences between Tethering and Hotspot
In order to have Internet on other devices, to be able to share connection, we will be able to make use of what is known as Tethering and also Hotspot. We can share the Internet with other devices via cable or via Wi-Fi. This is precisely where one of the main differences lies and it can be decisive for some users.
What does Tethering mean
We can say that Tethering is how the action of share connection between devices. For example sharing data from a mobile phone to a computer. It is something that we can do with most mobiles today, in addition to having different methods to achieve it.
Tethering is not just about sharing connection via Wi-Fi. We can also share the data through a USB Cable or even by Bluetooth, although the latter is not the most appropriate if we want a good speed.
Therefore, when we talk about Tethering We can refer to the ability to share connection between devices. Generally what we are going to use is a mobile phone, which has Internet through mobile data, and we share it via Wi-Fi or cable with other devices that do not have a connection.
The main computer, the one that offers connection to the rest, will have a public IP address while the others use NAT to connect. Each one is going to have a private IP address.
One of the main differences between Tethering and Hotspot is that the first option will allow us to connect two computers by cable. This provides extra security, since at no time will they be able to access the connection and break the password of the wireless network.
What is Hotspot
On the other hand we will have what is known as Hotspot. In this case we are facing an access point. It is what we can also create with our device, beyond the fact that there are physical equipment that allows users to connect in certain places.
We can have a Hotspot with a router, with a Wi-Fi repeater, PLC device or any device that can offer connectivity to other equipment. But we can also turn a computer, for example, into a access point.
In this case, the only technology that we will be able to use is Wi-Fi. We will be able to create a Hotspot on our mobile or computer quickly. For example, in the case of Windows we will have to go to Start, enter Settings, go to Network and Internet, Mobile wireless coverage area and there enable the option to Share internet with other devices.
What we are creating is an access point, so it will have a name and a password. In this way users will be able to connect with other devices if they know the information.
But here we must also differentiate the Wi-Fi hotspot. Basically with areas where we can connect to the network. A phone company, for example, could spread out different access points across a city or region.
Tips for Sharing the Internet Safely
We have seen that we can share the Internet or access the network through Tethering and Hotspot. They are two different concepts, although in both cases the end goal may be similar. However, whenever we share a connection between devices, certain recommendations must be taken into account to avoid problems.
Use strong passwords
Something fundamental will always be to use passwords that are strong. We must not create a Hotspot, for example, with a generic key, which can be easily exploited by intruders with the necessary knowledge. A good password is one that is totally random, that has letters, numbers, and symbols, as well as having a suitable length.
Keep computers protected
Another very important issue is having the properly protected equipment. It is going to be essential to use a good antivirus to prevent the entry of malicious software. We can also have other programs such as a firewall, capable of blocking the entry of malicious connections.
Have everything updated
On many occasions, hackers can exploit our connections due to vulnerabilities that may appear. We can solve this thanks to the updates and the patches released by the programs and systems themselves. Therefore, we must always keep everything correctly updated.
Common sense
But without a doubt something fundamental to avoid problems is not to make mistakes. You have to keep the common sense present at all times if we are going to share the Internet, whatever the method may be. This way we will reduce the risk to the maximum.
Ultimately, there are differences between Tethering and Hotspot. We have seen what each concept means and also some interesting tips to share connection with total security and not expose any type of data.
