Root How Does Wireless Tether Work?

[Ruben]

How does wireless tether work? I know that it can receive a WiFi signal but it can also transmit one? Just curious.

Also, is the new WiFi tether coming in the OTA going to be faster than the root one? The root WiFi tether is fine, but I most certainly wouldn't mind faster.

Thanks

 

[Bug Splat]

Wifi tether allows you to connect another mobile device to you phone via wifi and your phone supplies the attached device with broadband via 3G like such

Laptop---->Phone----->3G network------>Internet

From what I hear the OTA update will enable wifi tethering but for an added cost ($20/month).

 

[Ruben]

lol. Bug, I'm asking for a more in depth explanation. Not the obvious stuff. But thanks for the pricing.

 

[Bug Splat]

Oh, sorry. Didn't know how technical you wanted it.

Yes your phone can transmit/broadcast a wifi signal and connect via Adhoc with another device. Be aware though that it is a major battery hog with wifi and 3G both going full bore at the same time.

 

[Ruben]

Thanks

 

[Mahalo]

Oh, sorry. Didn't know how technical you wanted it.

Yes your phone can transmit/broadcast a wifi signal and connect via Adhoc with another device. Be aware though that it is a major battery hog with wifi and 3G both going full bore at the same time.

True that! So much so that tethering is better... you get to charge your phone off of the laptop and get the internet to your laptop in return.

Like, symbiotic, man!

 

[Ruben]

What is adhoc?

 

[Mahalo]

What is adhoc?

It is a wireless connection of mobile devices which requires no end user configuration or intervention other than selecting to establish it. So... you don't need to configure a network interface to establish connection.

 

[Ruben]

I see. Is it slower?

 

[Mahalo]

Slower than what, specifically? Any time you have any networked communication you will see a measurable decrease in throughput in each step from source to destination.

 

[Ruben]

Well I assume that the adhoc connection is an adhoc connection because it shows up as a device in my WiFi menu. But will the VZW 3G mobile hotspot be adhoc?

 

[Mahalo]

Well I assume that the adhoc connection is an adhoc connection because it shows up as a device in my WiFi menu. But will the VZW 3G mobile hotspot be adhoc?

To address the first part of your post:
WEP and WPA2 networks can each advertise their "names" or conceal them. That does not make them adhoc networks. Each requires end user intervention in that keys must be known. Just because you see a network does not mean it is accessible.

To address the second:
Making a 'Mobile Hotspot' which is vendor specific isn't really an option since they would exclude most mobile devices (notebooks, tablets, etc...) which they intend to serve. Can you imagine the uproar? "Bummer, I had a Toshiba and got connected but my friend with a Sony couldn't."

Often, proprietary software will be required, but this is not end user intervention. This is simply a mechanism for automated authentication.

This said, as far as I know your adhoc network will be visible to the world (at least your proximity.)

 

[jasonb1985]

obviously our phones send and receive data over wifi. when tethering, the phone is still sending and receiving data over wifi, it's just connecting to another device. not to be rude but it is a pretty easy concept. it is an amazing thing though.

right now i am on a camping trip, and i of course brought my phone and laptop with me so i have been tethering a bit. i just happened to be in an area with fantastic signal strength and speedtest.net shows that i am getting up to 2.5Mbps down, and about 1Mbps or so up. it's working GREAT! it's still not cable or fios fast, but it's fast.

 

[jasonb1985]

This said, as far as I know your adhoc network will be visible to the world (at least your proximity.)

not all devices can connect or even see an Ad-Hoc network. i know my Playstation 3 can't see it and neither can the Archos tablet we have on display at my job. other phones also won't see it. pretty much just laptops, and maybe ipads can see and connect to it.

 

[aaronrockies]

i Will say it does work as a wifi hot-spot, so i connected using my ipad up to the ssid the nexus made, and connected fine, but un sure if charges will appear, i will keep a eye out on my next bill.. but they don't detect then that saves me $25/mon for the 3g data, if i can just use my phone $30 unlimited..
Aaron from Summit County real estate group

 

[drdoom]

I'm glad you bumped this near year old thread to tell us about your "unique" experience.