What Is Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)?
If you're sharing an Internet connection, you probably use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). What is it? Microsoft Windows's feature enables users to share an Internet connection for one or more users and computers through a dial-up modem or local area network (LAN). Why use it? It enables multiple devices to share the same Internet connection. It can be helpful for devices without a relationship, such as game consoles, tablets, or laptops. CS enables sharing an Internet connection for one or more users and computers through a dial-up modem or LAN. ICS can be used to allow for Internet access for hosts on a private network. ICS is typically used in corporate environments, universities, and government agencies to enable Internet access for hosts on a private network. ICS allows a computer to share its Internet connection with other computers on the same network. The host computer must have two network adapters - one connected to the Internet and the other to the private network where other computers will share the connection. ICS supports IPv4 and IPv6, but you must have an Internet service provider (ISP). When you enable ICS, you must simultaneously disable the firewall on the host computer. If you have Windows Firewall enabled, it will block the incoming connection. You must have a static IP address on the host computer. Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses, which will not work with IDS. Having a different subnet than the other computers sharing the connection would be best. ICS can share your Internet connection with your home or office computers. Do you know what's better than one computer? Two computers! Or three, or four. You get the idea. The Internet is great, but it can be a drag to plug in different devices whenever you want to use them. ICS lets you use multiple devices from one Internet connection, so you can set up shop wherever you want and still be connected to the web. No more having to move your laptop around for it to work—bring it over to where you have your Wi-Fi router, plug it in, and voila! You're online again!
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