[Q] Reverse Tethering Through USB Cable On Android 2.3.3 - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm asking this question on BEHALF of MYSELF and OTHERS. Can you SHARE your LAPTOP or PC's connection with your android phone.
For example lets say i wanted to play a gameloft game but i need to download additional data through Wifi, is there a way for me to use my Laptop or Pc's connection through my phone so i can download the game for my phone.
If anyone has a solution to this question please make your answer VERY DETAILED
I am on a XPERIA X10, Please reply or answer THIS QUESTION

Advice:
I've Googled about this problem. I have data plan in my phone and no WiFi at home. Many people like me also use this way to get connection. But what they got were "FAILED". ONLY WAY = connect TO WiFi (can't say every game, but maybe 1% can use reverse tether method)
Accidentally sent from my Google Nexus S using XDA Premium

melvinchng Same here i dont have Wifi in my house, there certian games that wont download with my carrier network and insist on me downloading through wifi. I ALREADY know how to download GAMELOFT GAMES that require wifi only but it is very inconsistant and dodgy on my x10.
Theres a wifi signal on my laptop i can connect to the but the signal on android phones are so bad i just cant connect to the router.

If your pc has wifi(I know you don't have wifi in your house) you can download and use the app connectify for windows

If your pc has a working wifi card (with drivers installed of course), then you can share its connection via wifi. If you have windows 7, you can use "Connectify" or "Virtual Router". If you have windows xp and above (on a dell pc. Don't know if it works on others), then you can use "Dell Laptop to Hotspot Converter".

there is a guide on my device's forum about this here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1229558
for the step where it says "bridged local area connection and LG adaptor," you must find the equivalent of the lg adaptor that applies to your phone (if that makes sense). other than that, i think it should work.

What you are looking for is called "usb-internet pass-through" correct? Alot of custom roms already have it as a feature in the wifi setting, next to wifi hotspot. Im not familiar with your device or whether you are rooted but its pretty handy. Can also work as a wireless card, as in turn wifi setting on the phone and plug it into a desktop that doesnt have a wifi card and presto, wifi through your phone thats through a wireless router so its not eating up your data quota and much faster than the 3g on your phone. Submitting a pic of my wireless settings on Virtous Unity ROM.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium

Related

How to connect ad-hoc wireless?

Hi all
I want to know how tk connect ad-hoc wireleas its really needed??
Thanks.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
It really depends on what you want to connect to with the AD-HOC wireless connection the HD2 uses as some electronic devices do not support AD-HOC like most Sony products for example. But there is a work around. So please post back here with what you are trying to connect to.
I have internet sharing to other so i want to connect the shared internet but the shared wireless does not shown in wireless.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
cutiyar said:
I have internet sharing to other so i want to connect the shared internet but the shared wireless does not shown in wireless.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply but I think you are looking for WiFi Router for Windows Mobile. There is also a paid WiFi Router app in the Market call WMRouter if I remember correctly. But I use to use the free one all the time and loved it.
I dont think u get my question.
I want to connect the ad-hoc wireless ,when u share internet from ur pc the type of connection is ad-hoc some device cant read this wireless or find it,so the point is by which way i can connect from my hd2 to those type of wireless?
Thank u very much.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Ok I think I might understand you question now, and yes I know what AD-HOC is. To put it simply it is a computer to computer connection. Anyway if you are talking about using the AD-HOC connection to put your HD2 online via your computers internet connection then you will have to use a WiFi router and access your home internet connection via Wifi. I don't think you can connect your HD2 any other way to non cellular network, at least that I know of.
Ok
so its microsoft .
thank u very much .
Hi there,
I have encountered some strange problem with my HD2.
I cannot make ad-hoc connections with most laptops, except for maybe one.
This means, I cannot connect to an ad-hoc connection set up on a laptop, nor can I turn my HD2 into a wi-fi router with most computers.
The connection is detected but after trying to connect, it just cycles and eventually windows (tried xp, vista and 7) notices that it cannot connect.
I have read that it may be the case of:
1. IP mapping (but why should this happen if all these laptops did connect with my previous i8000?)
2. WLAN Channels (Whereas I found no way to access/change them on wm6.5)
It's a new HD2 so it's got the pre-installed sharing feature. I also used the wmwifi router trial and downoladed the htc installable router app (tom codon's).
I've searched the forums for 3h allready and found no conclusion - will be really greatful for some hints.
Thanks.

[Q] Help me find a working reverse Tether app

Hello Everyone! I want to use my Laptop's internet connection via usb cable using my Dell Streak. So I searched for an app that will enable me to do that. While I'm searching and reading all the stuffs that I think that will be the answer to my question, I stumbled upon the word Tether/Tethering.
In which will enable your computer/Laptop to use your Mobile Device's Internet plan or 3g connection. However, what I really wanted was the reverse of this process. I want to use my Laptop's Internet connection. From my laptop connection through USB? or Bluetooth, then to my Dell Streak. So I can surf the Internet using my Mobile device.
I searched the forums already and learned that the latest post for this topic was last 2008. I hope there is already a solution to do this.
Everyone, If you know any apps that I can use please do tell me. Thank you very much!
there aren't any that I know of plus I think it would need to be computer prog not android
There are guides to do it in linux but you need to do it manually I think.
http://blog.mycila.com/2010/06/reverse-usb-tethering-with-android-22.html
You'll be needing to set up a local network via the wireless connection on your PC.
If you are already on the internet via wifi on the PC, why not use the wifi on the streak?
If you are hooked up via Ethernet/other cable, then broadcasting the connection on the PC's wifi is fairly simple.
Hope this helps.
MarkyG82 said:
You'll be needing to set up a local network via the wireless connection on your PC.
If you are already on the internet via wifi on the PC, why not use the wifi on the streak?
If you are hooked up via Ethernet/other cable, then broadcasting the connection on the PC's wifi is fairly simple.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he wants to do it via usb or bluetooth..
I was able to do this with Linux, but it was a pain and some programs couldn't access the internet. I think only the browser worked.
Would be difficult with usb.It might be easier if you use bluetooth or wifi.
Just go ahead and setup your ad-hoc network or soft-ap on your pc,and make sure you have inter access sharing service or similar software running.
I would recommend you use a wifi soft-ap,it's super easy to setup on winxp/2k/2k3.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App

Any reverse tethering/internet passthrough app for the SGS2??!

I have tried the reverse tether app on GP by jasongong and it gives me a (Kernel not supported error) on two different ROMs (spike pure ICS and resurrection remix 2). There is another reverse tethering application on the market but its paid.
I cannot possibly imagine that such a basic functionality is not available by default let alone so rare in the GP. I just need to be able to share a LAN connection through a USB cable... is there anyway or any app to do that?
when you say reverse tethering, do you mean use your pcs internet connection??
if so then sure ya just connect ya wifi to the pc, or should i say router.
There is a program you can get for the pc, called VIRTUAL ROUTER or CONNECTIFY, both of which let you turn your pc into an internet hotspot providing you have wifi, this is how i connect my 360 to get around the firewall issues for online gaming.
Hope they may help you.
I am doing this to get internet at work. Wifi is protected by a password that I cannot know. So I need to get my PC's LAN internet connection on my phone via USB. HTC has a beautiful utility for that. I don't understand why samsung doesn't have this simple functionality... :S

[Q] Tether internet from Computer out through Phones Wifi

I have searched the forums and google for an answer to this but haven't been able to find anything.
What I'm trying to do is use my computers internet for my phone, and then broadcast it out. I've downloaded and used successfully the xda Android Reverse Tethering .exe and it's worked wonderfully. But the thing is I want to be able to use it in conjuction with a wifi tether app from my Samsung Galaxy S. My phone is rooted.
The purpose of this is to get internet connection on my PSP Vita. All of the internet in my house is wired, I don't own a wifi router nor do I want one. I live in a building where finding wifi passwords is easy for everyone as we all have the same general field of work, but no one near me has wifi.
What I've tried so far is using the xda Reverser Tether program with Barnacle Wifi Tether, Open Garden WiFi, and WiFi Tether. All apps I've downloaded from the marketplace. They work well at broadcasting my cell signal for use as Wifi, but none of them have been able to use the internet being sent from my phone.
In short what I'm looking for, or even if it exists, is a way to transfer my hard wired internet through my computer to my phone and subsequently the cellphones ability to act as a Wifi router.
Check my signature
Edit: *bump* I have removed it
check my threads
That looks close, but how could I use that, and then have my phone broadcast my internets computer through it's Wifi?
Hi ,
Use virtual router software in your pc and turn on pc and phones wifi.and connect to pcs wifi connection.if you have confusion try virtual router in google. i got succeeded in this but i dont have any link to give you.
If i helped press thanks.
This sounds like something that might do it. I have it downloaded but it's not doing anything. What were the steps you got to make it work for you?
Well, I was able to get it to work using redankaiahu's advice. The only thing is I had to go out and buy a usb-wifi adapter instead of using my phone like I would've liked. Oh well.
I know this really doesn't belong here, but did u know that if u get a router, u can actually change the frequency channel on it? Which means , no ones pc will pickup on the channel unless they adjust from their own pc's and know what channel u changed to.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

[Q] Make apps think you're using Wifi

I've searched around for some solid technique or, preferably, app that allows you to trick apps into thinking you are using Wifi when in reality you are still on 3g/4g.
- I am NOT looking for alternatives or workarounds for a specific app
I found it crazy that the iPhone has over a dozen apps, tweaks, etc that can easily do this type of thing, but the only stuff I've found on the subject for android were either ridiculous techniques that don't work, or people questioning WHY you'd want to do this...
If anyone has ANY information on this subject, please tell.
Is there a reason why this is so much harder on Android than on iPhone? I'd be happy to learn exactly what the problem is here.
bump
Im also interested on this. I have unlimited data and i find it ridiculous that devs make apps to only work on wifi. I use to use 3g unrestrictor all the time back when i had my iPhone.
bump
bump again...
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
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I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
xMrArnoldx said:
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work.. My wifi is turned off as soon as the tethering starts. What app exactly am I supposed to use?
Thanks!
Try wifi tether for root users.
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Give me a thanks if i helped
Lg Lucid running Cm10
w/ Cm10 Kernel
Asus Tf700 running Cromi-X 4.6.5
w/ Max's v4 kernel
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Diablo67 said:
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this whole text file thing didn't work for me. Do you have to be rooted for this to work?
It didn't work for me either and I'm rooted
Work for anyone
Did the above fix work for anyone?
.txt thing didn't work for me either and I'm rooted]
I am having a rooted phone with busybox and this text file trick doesn't work.
Sent from my GT-S5360 Gadget of Mass Destruction using xda-app
Using CWM........Busybox Commands........No I use my hands
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
omf05 said:
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty pathetic really
I'll be abroad next week and wanted to catch a bit of the French Open Tennis but one of the TV apps I'm using requires a wifi connection. The fact there is no workaround yet is almost as idiotic as the morons who implement this "feature" in their apps.
Why should I care if someone is dumb enough to rinse their 1GB Data limit when I have unlimited 4G internet?
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Planterz said:
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
taino211 said:
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
Planterz said:
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
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Thanks for the great explanation! This helps quite a bit. I'll give this a shot to see how it goes.

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