We distribute online Mac with other devices

To stay productive in our time online is almost always needed. Unfortunately, many of today's desktop computers are not equipped with the WiFi module. Probably their manufacturers believe that if you need internet - you or buy WiFi-module alone, or hand out the Internet from another computer is already connected to the Internet.

The second option can also be used, and vice versa - to connect to the wired Internet and distribute it via WiFi. In this article you will learn how a networked computer Mac distribute the Internet to any wired or wireless devices, whether PC or XBox.

Why would you want?

Suppose you have an old laptop which lacks a WiFi module, but of course, there is an Ethernet port. It is using this port, you can connect to your Mac and ensure that old laptop Internet.

As well, Mac distributing Internet can serve as a good substitute for a router.
If you do not want to spend money on a router, you can use an old Mac mini (although not a lot of people there who have overlooked the old Minicoy) or iMac as such. Simply connect it to the Internet via Ethernet and distribute via the built-WiFi-module. For example, I did so at home from their parents - they just do not want to buy more, "some sort of box."

Option 1. We distribute the Internet without wires

Wireless Internet distribution necessarily need a WiFi-module - either already built into the Mac, and connected to the Mac via USB.

Step 1: Open the Sharing System Preferences

Runs System settings and the opening section General access. In the left part of the window will be a list of possible services, which you can share. Choosing Internet Sharing.

Step 2: Configure access settings

Now you need to click on the drop-down menu Common connection and select it Ethernet or bridge Thunderbolt, Depending on how the Mac is connected to the Internet. It is worth noting if you are working through the VPN, then it can drop down menu to choose VPNTo all traffic between your computer, which you hand out the Internet, too, passed through the VPN.

Then we put the box next WiFi. To set a password to connect to a WiFi network and change the name you have to press Wi-Fi Options ..., The default channel is 11, but you can change whatever you want here.
With regard to safety - the only option here is WPA2. Unfortunately, OS X will not generate a password and you will have to set it yourself - it can consist of a minimum of 8 characters, and it does not matter whether you use capital letters and numbers. When you're done here, then click OK.

Step 3. We begin handing out

It may seem that after all the steps carried out by the Internet already distributed. But there is no need to make another step - check the box opposite Internet Sharing in the left pane. A warning appears that the joint use of the Internet can cause problems in the network and network settings to other computers, but if you are confident that everything will be fine - boldly press enable.

Option 2. Distributing Internet via a wired connection

Deal wireless ineternet glued to the device through the wire easier than vice versa. Once the Mac is connected to the computer on which you want to distribute the Internet, remains to be done 7 small steps:

1. run the application System settings.
2. open section General access.
3. Click on Internet Sharing in the left pane.
4. In the drop-down menu, select the Connection Sharing WiFi.
5. The list using computers to choose Ethernet or bridge Thunderbolt, Depending on how you connect the computer.
6. We put the box on the left side in front Internet Sharing.
7. Check how it works on a connected computer.

We distribute online on XBox 360

The first version of the Xbox 360 were released without an integrated wireless network adapter, and spend $ 80 to buy the module from Microsoft wants not many. So why not use a Mac to connect your Xbox 360 to the Internet?
It will take only 5 minutes, but it will be a little more difficult than to distribute the Internet on an old laptop.

1. Connect Mac and Xbox to means Ethernet.
2. Repeat the same steps for the WiFi distribution via Ethernet, as above.
3. Then you need to click on the button show all in system settings and move to Net.
4. Choosing WiFi in the list on the left.
5. push the button Additionally…
6. select the tab DNS and write DNS-server somewhere, you will need it later.
7. after a click OK, Choose the left Ethernet or bridge Thunderbolt and again click on the button Additionally…
8. tab TCP / IP We ask Off. the drop-down menu IPv4 configuration.
9. Again OK and after apply.
10. On the Xbox go to Network Settings, choose Wired Network, and then Configure Network.
11. We ask Manual for IP addresses tab Basic Settings and introduce 192.168.2.2
12. In field Subnet Mask introduce 255.255.255.0, As well as ask for Gateway address 192.168.2.1 Further Done.
13. After that select DNS Settings and writes to the address of the 6th step.
14. We check that everything is working and we rejoice.

Stay online

Now you can get an old computer out of the closet, put Linux on it lightweight distribution (for example, Ubuntu) and give a second life to this piece of iron, without spending money on the WiFi adapter, or something else.
In addition, it is possible to make the house completely wireless using a Mac computer as a router - this is a good option that also save you some money.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments or tell us how you use your Mac for Internet distribution.