Tethering shares a mobile device's internet with other devices. You connect your laptop to your phone. The phone acts as a hotspot. The laptop uses the phone's cellular data. Tethering is convenient. It is also limited. Carriers may cap it. They may charge extra. They may throttle it.

Tethering works over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. Wi-Fi is most common. USB is faster and charges the phone. Bluetooth is slower but uses less power. The phone becomes a router. It shares its cellular connection. The other devices see it as a Wi-Fi network.

Tethering methods

• Wi-Fi hotspot: wireless, multiple devices
• USB: wired, faster, charges phone
• Bluetooth: slow, low power
• Carrier hotspot: separate device

Tethering is a backup. It is not a replacement for home internet. Data caps make it expensive. Speed may be throttled. Latency is higher. But when you need it, it works. The phone in your pocket is a gateway. Tethering opens the gate.