Tethering
From GetYourDroidOn
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[edit] About
The term "Tethering" refers to using an Android, or any capable phone, device as a modem or medium used to give Internet access through the device to a laptop or desktop computer. Tethering is a common practice among smart phone users who are constantly traveling and do not wish to pay daily access fees for a WiFi connection at a coffee shop, hotel, etc.
Tethering usually requires software for both the smart phone and computer as well as a physical connection between the two devices, usually a USB cable. However, there are some programs that will turn an Android powered device into an ad-hoc WiFi network allowing for multiple computers to utilize the phone's Internet connection simultaneously.
[edit] Tethering Software
[edit] PdaNet
Perhaps the most common software used for tethering is PdaNet, developed by June Fabrics. Users download the executable file to their Windows powered device and then follow the step by step process to install it to both the computer and the Android powered device. The software is the most common used because, to date, it is the only software that does not require a Rooted phone. Currently, the software is available for a free trial with the full version costing $29(US).
[edit] Tether WiFi
Tether WiFi allows a user with a Rooted device to utilize the built in WiFi card as an ad-hoc wireless access point. The benefits to this is that multiple users are able to connect to a single Android device. Currently, for T-Mobile U.S. users to utilize Tether WiFi, they must download it from the authors Google page at Google Code, this is a free download.
[edit] Controversy
On March 31, 2009 Google removed Tether WiFi from Google's Market. A few days later, Google allowed it back into the Market place however, by request of T-Mobile, denied access to G1 users on the U.S. network. Currently, T-Mobile U.S. does not officially support or allow for tethering on it's Android powered devices and any tethering done risks a violation of T-Mobile's TOS(Terms of Service).
