The process of leveraging an Android smartphone to provide a computer or other device with internet access over a Wi-Fi network involves employing the phone’s mobile data connection or existing Wi-Fi connection. This method essentially transforms the phone into a wireless network interface card for the device lacking such connectivity. For instance, a desktop computer without a built-in Wi-Fi adapter can connect to the internet by tethering through an Android phone.
This functionality offers a significant advantage in situations where a primary internet connection is unavailable or unreliable. It provides a convenient and portable solution for maintaining connectivity on devices that are not inherently equipped for wireless networking. Initially, tethering solutions required complex configuration or third-party applications. However, modern Android operating systems include native support for Wi-Fi tethering, simplifying the process and increasing its accessibility.
