Difficulty: Average Time Required: 20 minutes
How to Share Internet Connection in Windows XP
Using the built-in Internet Connection Sharing feature on Windows computers, you can share that single Internet access with any device over Wi-Fi or by connecting with an ethernet wire. In essence, you can turn your computer into a wireless hotspot (or wired router) for other devices nearby. Your Internet connection will now be shared with other computers on your local network; if you connect them via wire (either directly or through a wireless hub), you’re all set. If you want to connect the other devices wirelessly, however, you’ll need to Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network or use newer Wi-Fi Direct technology.
Tips
Clients that connect to the host computer should have their network adapters set to get their IP address automatically (look in the network adapter properties, under TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6 and click Obtain an IP address automatically). If you create a VPN connection from your host computer to a corporate network, all of the computers on your local network would be able to access the corporate network if you use ICS. If you share your Internet connection over an ad-hoc network, ICS will be disabled if you disconnect from the ad hoc network, create a new ad hoc network, or log off from the host computer.
What You Need
A Windows XP computer with Internet connection and another network adapter Client computers that are TCP-IP enabled and capable of an Internet connection Network adapter for each computer Modem for the entire network
