How to share Internet connection on a mac

Sharing Internet connection on a mac

Mac OS X has a built-in Internet Sharing function that can be a real lifesaver while traveling. If you are in A HOTEL ROOM with one Ethernet jack. You can make wireless hotspot to share the connection with other computers . It’s possible to share that connection with a wired PC if you have only wireless access on the other hand. Read on to find out how.

This guide has two parts:

Sharing Wireless connection over Ethernet
Sharing Wired Ethernet connection wirelessly (making a hotspot)

Sharing Wireless connection over Ethernet

MacBook Pro is connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi and you need to get my Windows desktop PC online. This only contains wired Ethernet adapter. Then you should follow these steps.

Plug in an Ethernet cable into the wi-fi connected mac and the other end into the PC. There is no use of crossover cable or other networking hardware.
Open System Preferences. This is typically found on your dock, or else it’s in your Applications folder.
Go into the Sharing menu which is under Internet & Wireless in System Preferences.
Select Internet Sharing from the list on the left, in the Sharing menu. You will see Internet Sharing options.
Select for sharing your connection from Wi-Fi to computers on Ethernet.
Lastly, tap on the Internet Sharing checkbox to enable the service.
You will have Internet access if your wired PC should now discover the Internet connection. If it doesn’t, try rebooting.

Sharing Wired Ethernet connection wirelessly (making a hotspot)

What can I do if I’m at a hotel that doesn’t have wi-fi, but there is an Ethernet jack in the wall? I have got multiple wireless devices such as iPad, iPhone, other computers, etc. that need net access.

Actually, you can get a hold of an ethernet cable. You can make your mac computer into a wireless hotspot. Unfortunately, you need Thunderbolt or a USB to Ethernet adapter if you have one of those fancy slim Retina MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs.

Plug in the mac to the network with Ethernet. Confirm that you have a working Internet connection. Test it in your web browser.
Look for Sharing menu which is under Internet & Wireless by going into the mac’s System Preferences.
Tap on Internet Sharing from the list on the left, and you can find Internet Sharing options.
From Ethernet to Wi-Fi, select to share your connection.
Tap on Wi-Fi Options button for configuring the name and password of your wireless network. You can put the name as you wish. On concord, keep the channel as it is. Using a password for any wireless network you create is a good idea.

6. Lastly, don’t forget to check that Internet Sharing checkbox to enable sharing.

7. Then your mac acts such as a wireless router by providing wi-fi for all your gear.

8. Plug your wireless devices to your new hotspot. This guide was written on Mac OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion. On concord, will also work on earlier versions.