Internet connection sharing is a common practice used to connect devices and can be essential in certain situations. For instance, when traveling by train, you may want to provide internet access to your tablet or computer. However, it’s important to be aware that there are various methods available for sharing the network between devices. In this article, we will discuss one method that should be avoided as it may result in a significantly slower connection.
So, what exactly is internet sharing? Essentially, it involves connecting a mobile device to another device. By utilizing mobile data, you can create a Wi-Fi network to connect devices that don’t have their own internet connection. This can be particularly helpful in scenarios where wireless networks are unavailable or when someone you’re with has depleted their mobile data allowance.
Do not share the Internet by Bluetooth
Another term for this practice is “tethering,” which has been available on mobile devices for many years. Over time, it has evolved and improved, offering superior quality today. In fact, using a high-quality mobile phone with 4G or 5G coverage can provide faster data sharing speeds with a computer compared to many Wi-Fi networks.
We have multiple options for sharing this data: Wi-Fi, USB cable, and Bluetooth. However, it is important to avoid using Bluetooth for internet sharing. It is the slowest option and may impose significant limitations when browsing the web. Bluetooth tethering should only be considered in rare cases. While Bluetooth is useful for tasks like playing music through headphones, its transfer speed is insufficient for sharing the internet and normal web browsing. Generally, the standard speed for Bluetooth tethering is around 2-3 Mbps.
This speed is far from what we can achieve when sharing the connection via Wi-Fi or cable. In these two cases, we can enjoy a better network for downloading files, streaming content, or uninterrupted browsing.
Considering that 2 Mbps is relatively low for today’s internet speeds, relying on Bluetooth for internet sharing will result in a subpar user experience. It is much more effective to share the internet using Wi-Fi, leveraging the Wi-Fi antenna on our smartphone. This will allow us to achieve significantly higher speeds, with the limitation possibly being the mobile broadband network rather than the Wi-Fi network.
Share the Internet safely
When it comes to sharing the internet, security should always be a top priority. Incorrectly sharing your internet connection can lead to unauthorized access and compromised performance. To avoid any potential problems, here are some important factors to consider:
First and foremost, use a strong and secure password. This will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Never share your internet by leaving the network open. A good password should be random, incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid using words or numbers that can be easily associated with you. Additionally, always opt for WPA2 or higher encryption types. Avoid using WEP or WPA as they are known to be weak encryption types vulnerable to various attacks.
While WPA3-Personal and WPA3-Enterprise are currently the most secure encryption types, it’s worth noting that many wireless devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, do not support these encryption types. When configuring encryption, consider compatibility issues that may prevent your devices from connecting. There is an encryption type called WPA2/WPA3 that provides backward compatibility, but it is not recommended for security purposes as cybercriminals can perform downgrade attacks to force connection using the weaker WPA2. Therefore, it is best to either use WPA2-Personal for universal support or opt for WPA3-Personal for enhanced security.
It is also important to ensure that your devices are protected. Keep them updated with the latest security patches to address any vulnerabilities. By installing regular security patches and updates, you can fix potential bugs that attackers could exploit. This aspect is particularly crucial for Android devices, as security patches are released monthly, usually in the first week of each month by device manufacturers.
As evident, sharing the internet via Bluetooth is not advisable. While it may be an option, it comes with significant limitations. It is best to share your network either through Wi-Fi or a cable connection. Whichever option you choose, always prioritize security and protect your communications to avoid any potential problems.
