When it comes to sharing your mobile internet with your computer, there are two primary methods – USB tethering and mobile hotspot. Before we delve into their differences, let's first understand what tethering is all about.
Tethering is a technique that allows mobile devices to share their internet connections with other devices such as computers, via a USB cable or Bluetooth. Essentially, there are two types of tethering:
Bluetooth tethering
USB Tethering
The key difference between USB tethering and mobile hotspot lies in their method of connection. USB tethering uses USB cables to share the internet between mobile devices and connected computers, whereas a mobile hotspot uses wireless LAN (WLAN) to achieve the same.
What is USB Tethering?
USB tethering refers to the process of sharing a mobile internet connection with computers via a physical USB cable. This method of internet sharing guarantees a faster connection speed between the mobile device and the connected computers.
What is a Mobile Hotspot?
A mobile hotspot, on the other hand, is a method of sharing a mobile internet connection with computers via Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN). This method is commonly used for establishing temporary connections between mobile devices and connected computers.
Comparing USB Tethering and Mobile Hotspot
Factors
USB Tethering
Mobile Hotspot
Purpose
It involves the use of a USB cable to share an internet connection between a mobile device and a computer.
It involves the use of wireless LAN (WLAN) to share an internet connection between a mobile device and a computer.
Speed
Typically, it provides higher internet speed between the connected devices.
The internet speed here is comparatively slower.
Requirements
A USB cable and a mobile device are required for connection with a computer.
Only a mobile device is required for connection with a computer.
Type of Connection
It's a wired form of internet connection.
It's a wireless form of internet connection.
Need for Hotspot
The mobile devices connecting to the computers do not necessarily require a personal hotspot.
A personal hotspot is a must for mobile devices connecting to the computers.
Effect on Mobile Battery Life
It doesn't affect the battery life of the mobile device.
It can negatively impact the battery life of the mobile device.
Duration of Connection
USB tethering is preferred for longer duration connections.
Mobile hotspot is used for establishing short-term connections.
Range
The range of USB tethering is limited to the length of the USB cable used.
The range of mobile hotspot varies among different devices, but is still limited.
Need for Wi-Fi on Computer
The connected computers do not need Wi-Fi functionality.
The connected computers must have Wi-Fi functionality to receive the mobile hotspot.
USB Tethering is the process of sharing the mobile internet connection using physical cables like USB with the connected computers. This type of sharing ensures a higher speed sharing of the internet among the devices.
What is a Mobile Hotspot?
A Mobile Hotspot is a process of sharing the mobile internet connection using Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN) with the connected computers. It is usually used for establishing short-term connections.
How does USB Tethering differ from Mobile Hotspot?
USB Tethering uses physical cables like USB for sharing the internet while Mobile Hotspot uses Wi-Fi. USB Tethering usually provides a higher speed of internet and doesn't affect the mobile device's battery life, whereas Mobile Hotspot might slow down the speed and affect the battery life.