What Is Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking

What Is Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)?

A quick guide for Windows devices

By Melanie Uy Melanie Uy Writer Queens College Harvard University Extension School Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 25, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS, is a built-in feature of Windows computers that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet using one internet connection on one computer. ICS is a type of local area network (LAN).

ICS Features

ICS uses a single computer as the gateway (or host) through which other devices connect to the internet. Computers wired to the gateway computer or connecting to it wirelessly via an ad-hoc wireless network can use ICS. There are several reasons why you might want to set up this type of network: Allows most devices (including non-Windows and older Windows systems) to connect without installing additional client software. Support for all connected clients to use many different protocols, including VPN and internet gaming. Clients are automatically given an IP address and configured for DNS through the ICS computer. In Windows 98 or Windows Me, ICS needed to be enabled or installed on the host computer from the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs setting. (To access this setting, go to the Windows Setup tab, and select Internet Tools > Internet Connection Sharing.) Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 have this setting built-in. (Look in the Local Area Connection properties for a setting under the Sharing tab to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection.") ICS requires the host computer to have a wired connection to a modem, such as a DSL or cable modem, or an AirCard or other mobile data modem. The client computers must also be either wired to the host computer or connected via a wireless adapter.

ICS for Different Versions of Windows and Mac

For more information, learn how to share internet access on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. You can also share your Mac's wired internet connection via Wi-Fi; this process does not use ICS, but it is similar. To share one internet connection among several computers, either use a router or, on Windows, enable Internet Connection Sharing so that other computers connect to one computer that has an internet connection. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Share Internet Access One Home Network Sharing Two Internet Connections Share an Internet Connection in Windows 15 Best Free Remote Access Software Tools (Oct. 2022) How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error Can I Share Dial Up Internet Service Over a Wireless Network? Remote Utilities 7.1 Review (Free Remote Access Tool) How to Change DNS Servers in Windows How to Share Your Internet Connection on a Mac via Wi-Fi How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address How to Turn Your Computer Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot in Windows 10 9 Best Free Firewall Programs (Updated October 2022) Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Install the Client for Microsoft Networks How to Perform a Netsh Winsock Reset Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies