Share LAN Internet Connection In Windows 7: Setup

If you happen to use single router or modem for internet connection, this may just be a very useful article for you. Do you know you can use 1 computer, which is connected to internet, to share internet to another computer using LAN or Wireless connection?

Although this feature is not new at all, some people do not realize it. I have some friends who have multiple laptops and they buy the exact same modems for their each laptops respectively. Considering you need to first pay the fee for a new modem, plus the subscription fee and also, the new-customer registration fee (depending on your ISP), it is an obvious waste.

So how can one setup an internet-sharing connection without requiring any tools?

I have originally planned to write the setup + troubleshoot into 1 article. However as it will be too lengthy, I have decided to split this into 2 articles. First is the setup (this article) and the latter will be the problem troubleshooting which is the next post. This article however will only limit to LAN sharing and internet is connected via a modem or USB. Wireless or Wi-Fi sharing method is almost the same and will not be covered. Are you using LAN to connect to internet? Reply to this article if you want to know how to setup via Wireless connection.

To setup your internet sharing via LAN connection is easy. You only need to follow these easy steps:

Terms:
Server = the original computer that has the internet-connection
Client = the other computer that is receiving the internet-sharing

1. Server: From the taskbar, click once on the Network icon and select "Open and Network Sharing Center".

Taskbar > Network Icon > Click Open Network and Sharing Center

2. From the right pane, click on " Change Adapter Settings".

Change adapter settings in Network and Sharing Center

3. Depending on different cases, right click on the network icon which you are currently connected to internet and select "Properties". For my case, it is "Wireless Terminal". It can be variations of name such as "modem", "usb-modem" etc.

Right click active network icon > Properties

4. Now, from the sharing tab, tick: "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" box. You may need to select a home networking connection. When you do, choose "Local Area Connection". And choose "OK" all the way. If you have set everything correct, you should see the word "Shared" in the icon.

Check the first box to allow internet sharing

5. Connect the LAN data-wire between the server and client. It takes approximately 1 minute for the client to identify the network and start connecting to internet.

This is rarely the case. Some clients may not directly be able to connect to internet no matter how many hours they wait after the set-up. The troubleshooting is not that complex at all and will be on the next article.

Before you troubleshoot the internet sharing, you need to understand each of the steps so that you do not confuse yourself on the next article: Troubleshooting LAN Internet Connection. I have put screenshots for each steps so in case you still have questions and doubts, reply here.