A mobile hotspot and tethering are both methods of sharing an Internet connection from a mobile device, but they differ in how they provide that connection and the devices they support.
Mobile Hotspot:
A mobile hotspot creates a Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to. This allows multiple devices, such as laptops, tablets, and other smartphones, to access the Internet using the mobile device's cellular data connection. The mobile device acts as a router, broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can connect to.
Example: If you have a smartphone with a mobile hotspot feature enabled, you can turn it on and set up a Wi-Fi network named "MyHotspot." Your laptop can then connect to "MyHotspot" using its Wi-Fi settings and access the Internet through your smartphone's cellular data.
Tethering:
Tethering, also known as USB tethering, involves connecting your mobile device to another device, typically a computer, via a USB cable. This allows the connected device to use the mobile device's cellular data connection to access the Internet. Unlike a mobile hotspot, tethering typically supports only one device at a time.
Example: You can connect your smartphone to your laptop using a USB cable. Your laptop will then be able to use your smartphone's cellular data connection to access the Internet. This is useful when you need to transfer files or use your laptop offline.
Cloud-Related Recommendation:
If you frequently need to share your Internet connection or require more reliable and secure connectivity for multiple devices, consider using cloud-based solutions like Tencent Cloud's IoT Hub. This service provides a secure and scalable way to manage and connect multiple devices, making it easier to share resources and data across devices.
By understanding the differences between a mobile hotspot and tethering, you can choose the method that best suits your needs for sharing your Internet connection.