---
type: concept
title: Tethering
tags: [connectivity, networking, troubleshooting]
related: [campus-it, digital-teaching, universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_studium_lehre_elearning_tethering.md"]
---

# Tethering

**Tethering** is the process of sharing a mobile device's (smartphone or tablet) cellular data connection with another computer to provide internet access. Within the context of [[digital-teaching]] at the Universität Greifswald, it serves as a critical alternative access method when a user's primary home internet connection is unavailable.

## Technical Methods
Depending on the hardware and operating system (e.g., [[android]], iOS), different tethering methods can be used:

- **USB-Tethering**: The mobile device is connected to the computer via a USB cable. This is functionally similar to a classic modem solution.
- **WLAN-Hotspot**: The mobile device creates a personal Wi-Fi network that the computer joins wirelessly.
- **Bluetooth-Tethering**: The mobile device creates a personal Bluetooth hotspot for the computer to connect to.

## Critical Considerations
Users should be aware of the following limitations and risks:
- **Data Consumption**: Tethering utilizes the mobile data quota of the user's cellular contract.
- **Bandwidth Management**: To avoid rapid data depletion or unexpected costs, users are advised to avoid high-bandwidth activities while tethering, including:
    - System or application updates.
    - Large file downloads.
    - High-resolution media streaming.

## Implementation
Configuration typically involves searching for "Tethering" or "Hotspot" within the mobile device's settings menu. For detailed steps, users are referred to the official documentation provided by the device manufacturer (e.g., Apple Support for iPhone/iPad or Google Support for Android).