How to Share Internet Through Apple Airport

Apple's Airport software, which comes standard on all Mac laptops and can be installed on desktops as well, allows users to connect to the Internet through wireless networks. However, wireless Internet is not available everywhere. But thanks to Airport, you can create your own wireless network on your Mac by sharing your hard-wired Ethernet connection. This article explains how to share an Ethernet connection through Airport to create a wireless network.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac running OS X 10.4 or later
• Airport installed
• Live ethernet connection

1. Enable the Airport on your computer by going to the Airport icon in the top menu bar and clicking "Turn Airport On."

2. Open System Preferences by clicking on the icon in the dock.

3. Click on the "Sharing" control panel and then in the left side of the window, click on the line that says "Internet Sharing."

4. In the "Share your connection from" field, choose "Ethernet" from the drop-down menu.

5. Check the box next to "Airport" in the "To computers using" field.

6. Go back to the left side of the control panel window and check the box next to "Internet Sharing." You will be prompted to confirm this action. Click "Start." This will create a wireless network from your Ethernet connection, which can then be accessed by any computer or device with a wireless adapter.

Tips & Warnings

• To shut off internet sharing, simply uncheck the box next to "Internet Sharing."

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