Sharing a USB cellular modem Internet connection makes your computer a mobile hot spot
USB cellular modems are an easy way to get Internet access wherever there is a wireless connection available. However, while USB cellular modems offer the ultimate in portability and convenience, they cannot be physically connected to multiple computers simultaneously, nor can they support more than one connection on their own. As a result, a single device must be designated the host computer to which other devices may connect. Thankfully, setting up this network is easy whether you use Windows or Mac OS X.
Instructions
Microsoft Windows
1. Open the Control Panel. The Control Panel is found under the Start menu. Once you open the panel, Select the Network and Sharing pane, and open up the list of your network devices.
2. Start the connection sharing. Windows has a feature called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) that makes it easy to share a connection between devices. To prepare your USB cellular connection for sharing, right-click on your USB device. This will normally be called Mobile, 3G or similar. It may also be the exact model number of your device; for example, Sierra Wireless 598U. Right-click on the device and choose "Properties." Under the Sharing tab, check the box that allows the connection to be shared. Finally, click "OK."
3. Start an ad hoc network connection. With the Internet connection ready for sharing, go back to the Network and Sharing pane of the Control Panel. Select the option to add a new network, and select ad hoc as the type of network connection.
4. Create an SSID and a network key. While configuring the ad hoc network, you will be asked to create a network name, called the SSID, and a network key. The SSID can be any name you wish; it is simply the name of the network to which other devices will connect. You can use WEP or WAP security for the network, or you can leave it unsecured. Click "OK" to start the ad hoc Internet sharing connection.
5. Connect other devices. With Internet sharing active, other devices can connect to the USB cellular modem connection as if it were a wireless router.
Mac OS X
6. Open System Preferences. Under the Internet and Wireless options, select "Sharing."
7. Start Internet Sharing. Click on the "Internet Sharing" tab on Mac OS 10.4 and older, or simply check the "Internet Sharing" box in Mac OS 10.5 and newer.
8. Configure network options. Click "Airport Options" to rename the SSID (network name) and to create a network key. Mac OS Internet Sharing only supports WEP keys. You may also leave the network unsecured. Once done, click "OK."
9. Select the connection to share. You must select the Internet connection you want to share. This will normally be the name of your USB cellular device or a generic name like Mobile. Next, select how you want to share the connection. Choosing Airport will share the connection over Wi-Fi, like a mobile hot spot.
10. Start Internet Sharing. Click the "Start" button to begin sharing the connection. You will notice the Airport icon in the upper right of the screen will change to an arrow to signify the Internet connection is being shared. With Internet sharing started, other devices may connect to the network.
