How to set up a tethered connection with a Samsung Galaxy S2

 Recently I did a guide on setting up a portable Wi-Fi Hotspot using the Samsung Galaxy S2. As well as using wireless technology to share the phones internet you can also use a wired connection via USB cable in a process that is known as "tethering". To start the "tethering" process you need to connect the phone to a laptop (or computer) via USB cable and make sure that the phone is still in "phone mode" (you may need to press "Home" to ensure you're not stuck in data mode).

After linking your phone and laptop you need to open the settings screen so press "Menu" on the hand set and then settings to open a screen similar to the one on the right hand side and then select the top option of "Wireless and network" which will
open up the wireless settings for the phone. In here you will need to scroll to the option entitled "Tethering and portable hotspot" (see the image on the left for guidance if you need it) and click on it.

With the USB cable connected you will notice that the USB tethering option is available to be selected (if the cable isn't connected this option will be grayed out completely). At this screen (one on the right) you need to put a tick in the "USB tethering" check box. After doing this you effectively done with
 the phones settings however you will notice a a new icon on the
 notification bar (a small blue square with a USB icon inside it)
and a small message saying "Tethering or hotspot active" (see left).

Although you're done with your phone at this point you will notice that your laptop, or computer will start to become much more active as it installs a number of drivers to allow you to actually use this function. These can take several minutes to fully install then you should notice a new icon in the taskbar as well as a connection to a "Network"

 If you click on the image to the right you will notice that the connection to the internet is via "Network", this is the tethering working (see the top arrow) whilst in icon tray you will notice a "network" type symbol.


As with setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot tethering does have it's draw backs. Firstly you are limited to the speed of the phones internet (unless you are using it to effectively join a Wi-Fi connection, where the phone acts as Wi-Fi card, where you are still limited to the Wi-Fi speed) and secondly you will use your data connection if you are using a form of mobile internet for the connection. Tethering, if done often could see you amassing a large phone bill if you're not careful due to the data usage so just be careful.

As with using the phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, I wouldn't advise doing it too often unless you're on a truly unlimited internet package or can really keep an eye on your usage.

How to use your Samsung Galaxy S2 as a portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

The technology of today is simply amazing, I think we'll all agree that what we can do now with phones is amazing and it doesn't seem like we'll be finding a limit on what they will do any time soon. One of the great features of the current Android is their ability to act as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, something that was completely unimaginable 10 years ago. This guide will walk you through the task of setting up such a connection and also look at some of the issues of doing it.



Firstly you need to open Settings screen (see right) and click on the Wireless and Network option at the very top of the list which will open an options screen like the one to the left. As you can see in the screen shot there is an option for "Tethering and portable hotspot", you need to click on this option at this point to open yet another menu. This will open up a menu with 3 options. "USB Tethering" (only available if you've got your laptop or PC connected to your phone), "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings" and "Help". The one you need to click is "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings" (see the screen shot to the right as a guide).

After clicking on "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings"you'll see a screen like the one on the left called "Introduction to portable Wi-Fi hotspot".This screen will explain the basics of what a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot is though really doesn't act so much as an introduction but more as a chance to go back. If you are still wishing to set up the hotspot click "OK" at this screen.

After clicking OK on the previous screen you will see the screen to the right. Now I would advise, if you live in a city mainly (thankfully I don't) that you click on "Configure portable Wi-Fi hot" and put on some security (using a password with the WPA2 PSK option) though if you don't you'll find it as an open connection. When you've decided on your security you need to tick the check box.

 After ticking the check box neck to "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot" a warning will appear on the screen (see the screen shot to the left). If you click OK you're ready to go and you will notice a new blue icon along the top that sits on the notification bar. In regards to the phone that's everything you need to do before going back to your laptop or computer.

On your laptop/computer you will need to see what Wi-Fi connections are available. If you didn't change the name of the connection it should appear as "AndroidHotspot" then some numbers. If you went into the configuration screen you can re-name them and things to whatever you want such as "Dave's hotspot" or "Jenny's phone".
 On this screen you need to click on the Android connection (or whatever you re-named it to) and connect as you would usually do so. When you first use the
  connection you may come across a screen shot like the one on, quick whichever best applies to you and within seconds you'll be connected and using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.



Now we get to the problems, and there is a fair few of them. Firstly as one screen shot said using a phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot consumes the battery, and quickly (so I'd advise plugging it into an electric socket if you can) and it will swiftly eat into your data allowance. Remember desktop browsers aren't made with 500MB allowances in mind and you can easily go over your limit with out even realising. Also from the browsing point of view your speed is limit to what mobile internet you can get so trying to use a "G" connection for anything other than checking E-mails will be a pain.

Although it's a very handy tool, it's one that you're unlikely to be using outside of emergencies and maybe train rides. Where possible I'd advising using your home internet, public Wi-Fi (Cloud, BT Openzone and similar) or just using your phone (which compresses webpages for mobiles) for anything online.