A wireless router is the most convienient way to share a USB Internet connection.
Sharing an Internet connection with a USB modem can be accomplished in a number of ways. The computer it is connected to may simply link an Ethernet cable to the computer that will share the connection. The computer could share the connection via Bluetooth. The USB modem could also be hooked up to a wireless router and share the connection wirelessly. The right option depends on the hardware available on both computers.
Instructions
1. Share the connection via Ethernet cable. If the USB modem is plugged into one computer, that computer may be turned into a network hub, meaning other computers may connect to the Internet via that computer. Set up a network in Windows using the "Internet Connection Wizard" tool and connect the second computer via an Ethernet cable. Most computers have more than one Ethernet port, which means more than one one computer could share the connection.
2. Utilize Bluetooth. Many newer computers come with Bluetooth integration. Simply turn on Bluetooth on both computers. Setup the primary computer as a host and let the second computer (and third or fourth) connect via Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth requires the computers to be in relatively close proximity to have a strong signal. However this method requires no wires or additional hardware.
3. Connect the USB modem to a wireless or wired router. This may be best solution for sharing an Internet connection via a USB modem. A wireless router should be powerful enough to transmit the signal over an entire house. While a wired router should have enough ports for every computer to connect to it. Many new wireless routers have a USB input feature specifically for USB modems. Purchase one of these routers and set it up. Such a router will cost less than $100 and may be purchased at any computer electronics store.
