Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Note
If your cell phone provider doesn't have a tethering plan, or if the plan is too expensive or
restrictive, there are numerous third-party tethering applications that can work. I recommend
searching online to find the options for your specific mobile OS. Examples that are available
include PdaNet (
www.junefabrics.com
) and Tether (
www.tether.com
). Note that since many if
not most of these third-party apps circumvent your carrier's optional tethering plan, you should
read your carrier's usage agreement and make sure you understand its policies before deciding
if you want to proceed.
If you have a dial-up modem, it can also be used for Internet access in an emergency. Several
broadband vendors also offer dial-up connections, such as AT&T (
www.att.com
)
, EarthLink
(
www.earthlink.com
)
, and SpeakEasy (
www.megapath.com
). Check with your provider in advance,
as this might require temporarily activating a service and an extra charge in some cases.
Sharing Your Internet Connection
Whether you have a broadband or dial-up modem connection, one connection is often not enough for a
home or small-office setting. You can share your connection with other computer users with one of
the following methods:
•
Router-based sharing solutions
—These work by connecting all the computers on a network
with a router (or gateway), which is then connected to the modem (or bridge) that is then
connected to the Internet.
•
Computer-based sharing solutions
—These work by connecting the computer with Internet
access to a network and then using software to make the computer act like a router, sharing the
Internet connection with other computers on the network.
Router-based solutions are available for popular types of home and small-office networks, including
the following:
• Wired Ethernet
• Wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet
• HomePNA (phone-line) networks
Routers for Internet Sharing
Most routers include three devices in one unit. They have a router, which connects to the modem via a
WAN (wide area network) port, plus a 4-port switch that allows up to four wired devices to be
connected, and finally a wireless access point, which allows multiple devices to be connected
wirelessly (see
Figure 16.7
)
. Most routers allow up to 255 devices to be connected (combining
wired and wireless). If more than four wired devices need to be connected, additional switches can
be used to expand the number of wired connections.
