T-Mobile Tethering Between Google Nexus 4 And Nexus 7

[Jim1348]

I have been a T-Mobile customer for quite a while now, but I have never really paid much attention to tethering. My plan is:

Even More Plus 750 Talk + Unlimited Text
• 750 whenever minutes
• Unlimited weekend minutes
• Unlimited weeknight minutes
• Preferred Android Web

I got a Google Asus Nexus 7 for Christmas and I just bought a Google LG Nexus 4 recently. Anyway, now that I have been using both of them I have been wondering about tethering when I am not within wifi range for the Nexus 7. I seem to recall reading that tethering can be an issue. I called T-Mobile to add tethering, but they wanted to change my whole plan.

Anyway, when or if I decide to tether, what is the best way to do it? Should I select:

-Bluetooth Tethering
-Wifi Tethering
-USB Tethering

I suspect that tethering via USB is always going to be faster than either Bluetooth or Wifi, isn't it? Also, if I am in an area of poor wifi, can I use a phone as a "repeater"? For example, can I place my phone in an area and receive wi-fi and then send data via Bluetooth to my Nexus 7? Or, is wi-fi to wi-fi tethering possible?

Also, with regards to battery life, I assume that either Bluetooth or wifi tethering will use more power than USB tethering. I suppose if I connect a charger it won't matter.

What about range with Bluetooth vs. wi-fi? I seem to recall reading that wi-fi range is better than Bluetooth. Is Bluetooth only allow a range of 20 or 30 feet and wifi perhaps 150 feet or is that way off?

What cable(s) do I need for wired tethering? Since both the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 use micro USB, do I simply need a cable with micro USB connectors on each end or do I need something more? Also, are these cables easy to find at MicroCenter, Best Buy, or Radio Shack?

[fxsarge]

Actually I found the easiest way for me is with wifi hotspot. You set up your personal wifi network. You may be able to do that without your carrier even noticing. Mine doesn't.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

[bjs229]

IMHO tethering with a wire takes away from the whole portability thing. I use an app on my phone for hotspot. Look into Open Garden which is free or Foxfi to start...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[loociddreemr]

This is one of the most insignificant flame wars. I can't stand Open Garden! My vote goes to Wi-Fi Tether. But that requires root. But hey, more than one way to skin a cat.

Sent from my CM10.1 Nexus 7

[bjs229]

The only reason I mention Open Garden is because it was the only one I could get to stay connected using my cell phone. Why do you hate it and how is this a flame war?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[S.Prime]

From what I have experienced, tethering to your mobile device is dependent on your hardware and ROM on both devices , therefore your tethering app has to mate your devices, therefore we do not have a one solution fits all.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[bjs229]

From what I have experienced, tethering to your mobile device is dependent on your hardware and ROM on both devices , therefore your tethering app has to mate your devices, therefore we do not have a one solution fits all.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Amen.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[JayJ]

Shouldn't be any need for a standalone tethering application to tether a Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 via Wi-Fi hotspot unless your provider can see this being done or it's disabled by the carrier/provider.

As bjs stated, USB tethering takes the whole mobile experience away and a Wi-Fi hotspot it's far superior to Bluetooth.

I am unaware of any way to use the phone as a repeater or anything else, just open the "Settings" of your Nexus 4, go to "More" and "Tethering & portable hotspot", "Set up Wi-Fi hotspot" and enter a password in the field provided. Now go back and tick the check box for Portable Wi-Fi hotspot...
Your now ready to tether, just open the Wi-Fi settings in your Nexus 7, search and enter password as you would any other Wi-Fi service.

Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 4