Both of these are ways in which mobile devices share the internet with computers. In this article, we will discuss the difference between USB tethering and mobile hotspot. But before we do that, let us know more about tethering.
The term tethering refers to the process by which we share the mobile internet communication among their connected devices, such as computers, using a USB cable or Bluetooth. Based on this classification, tethering is of two major types:
- Bluetooth tethering
- USB Tethering
There is a major difference between USB tethering and mobile hotspot. USB tethering uses USB cables to share the internet between mobile devices and the connected computer systems, while mobile hotspot uses WLAN for the same.
What is USB Tethering?
The process in which we share the mobile internet connection using physical cables with the connected computers is known as US tethering. In this case, we use cables like USB. Such a type of sharing ensures a higher speed sharing of the internet among the connected computer systems and the mobile devices to which we connect them.
What is a Mobile Hotspot?
The process in which we share the mobile internet connection using Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN) with the connected computers is known as a mobile hotspot. Users generally deploy such a type of sharing for establishing short-term connections among the connected computer systems and the mobile devices to which we connect them.
Difference Between USB Tethering and Mobile Hotspot
| Parameters | USB Tethering | Mobile Hotspot |
| Meaning | It is the process of establishing a connection and sharing the internet between mobile devices and their connected computer systems via a cable (USB). | It is the process of establishing a connection and sharing the internet via wireless LAN (WLAN) between mobile devices and their connected computer systems. |
| Obtained Speed | We can usually obtain a higher speed internet among the connected computers. | The speed of the internet that we obtain here is comparatively a little slower. |
| Requirements | We require a USB cable along with a mobile device to connect with a computer. | We only need a mobile device to connect with a computer. |
| Wires Involved | It is a wired type of internet connection. | It is a wireless type of internet connection. |
| Requirement of Hotspot | The mobile devices that connect to the systems don’t necessarily need a personal hotspot. | Having a personal hotspot is a prerequisite among the mobile devices that connect to the computer systems in use. |
| Mobile Battery Life | It has no negative effects on the battery life of a mobile device. | It does have a harmful effect on the battery life of the mobile device up to some extent. |
| Duration of Connection | We use USB tethering when we need to establish a connection for a longer time. | We only use the mobile hotspot when we need to establish a short-term connection between the devices. |
| Range | The range of USB tethering is predefined due to the length of the USB cable that comes in use. | The range of mobile hotspots varies among different devices- but the range is still limited. |
| Requirement of Computer Wi-Fi | The connected computer systems don’t need to have the functionality of Wi-Fi. | The computer systems need to have Wi-Fi functionality to receive the mobile hotspot in the first place. |
Keep learning and stay tuned to BYJU’S to get the latest updates on GATE Exam along with GATE Eligibility Criteria, GATE 2024, GATE Admit Card, GATE Application Form, GATE Syllabus, GATE Cutoff, GATE Previous Year Question Paper, and more.
Comments