CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Mobile DevicesEasy
A user wants to share their smartphone's cellular data connection with a laptop using a physical USB cable instead of Wi-Fi. Which term describes this method of connection sharing?
- ATethering
- BNFC pairing
- CMDM enrollment
- DHotspot
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Tethering
Tethering refers to sharing a mobile device's internet connection with another device via a direct connection, such as USB, whereas a hotspot broadcasts the connection wirelessly to multiple devices.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. NFC pairing is used for short-range data exchange or payments, not internet sharing.
- C. MDM enrollment relates to device management, not internet sharing.
- D. A hotspot shares data wirelessly, not via USB cable.
Tethering vs Hotspot
Tethering shares a mobile connection via USB or Bluetooth to one device; a hotspot broadcasts Wi-Fi to multiple devices.
- Tethering often uses USB or Bluetooth
- Hotspot uses Wi-Fi broadcast
- Both consume mobile data plan allowances
Memory trick: Tether = tied by a cable; hotspot = floats wirelessly.