What's "Internet Sharing" for on my Comm Manager?

[mlevin77]

I'm using WM6.1 (cooked)on the XV6700 (Verizon). In Comm Manager, I see a thing called "Internet Sharing". What exactly is this for? While we're at it, I also see "Modem Link" in Applications. What's that one for? I'm trying to figure out the best way to get my laptop on-line through the high-speed internet connection on the phone when I'm not in wifi range (I've tried USBModem and it works pretty well, if slow).

thanks,

Mike

[gearjunkeez]

INternet sharing is what allows you to use your phones internet connection on your computer.

[mlevin77]

Aha! I suspected something like this. How does it work? I recently bought a program called USBModem which allowed me to tether my computer via DUN and be on the network that way. How does this Internet Sharing thing work? Will it use the normal network connection instead of the phone voice connection? Does it make a difference to the speed, or whether it's allowed by Verizon?

Mike

[eagle63]

Internet Sharing was added on WM6 I believe, and is Microsoft's built-in solution for tethering your PC to your phone. In theory, it operates the same way that USB data-card would work if you bought one of those from Verizon and plugged it into your laptop.

I've never heard of USBModem, but I imagine it's the exact same thing. I've used the Internet Sharing application a number of times (on Sprint) and it works well. It uses your phone's data connection. The speed is only limited by your phone - so if your phone supports full 3G data (EVDO Rev A) then you should get those same speeds on your PC.

[mlevin77]

very cool. So how do you use it - once you click it to "on" on the Comm Manager, do you also have to initiate a network connection and then plug the cable into the computer? what driver or whatever do you use on the computer side? USBModem added a new type of internet connection to the list on my laptop (a Mac). If you're not using any 3rd-party app, how do you get your laptop to use the Internet Sharing/Cell phone as its internet connection?

Mike

[eagle63]

Originally Posted by mlevin77

very cool. So how do you use it - once you click it to "on" on the Comm Manager, do you also have to initiate a network connection and then plug the cable into the computer? what driver or whatever do you use on the computer side? USBModem added a new type of internet connection to the list on my laptop (a Mac). If you're not using any 3rd-party app, how do you get your laptop to use the Internet Sharing/Cell phone as its internet connection?

Mike

Despite the fact that I have a Macbook, I've never actually used it with that. I only use it with my work laptop which is a PC. I know it can be done on a Mac, but you'll need to to a little googling to find out how.

For windows, here's how I do it: First disable activesync on my PC by unchecking the "allow USB connections". Second, launch Internet Sharing on the device and click connect. Third, connect the device to the laptop via USB cable. At this point Windows should recognize the device as an external modem and you'll be good to go.