Sharing Internet connection in small network setups

It is possible to operate the Spectera offering without dedicated router networks e.g. in really small setups, but we do recommend to always use some kind of home network router for trouble-free usage.

Especially for providing Internet access to Spectera Base Station it is possible to use the builtin functionality of Windows and MacOS for Internet Connection Sharing.

For enterprise networks we DO NOT RECOMMEND the usage of Internet Connection Sharing. Most of the times it is even prohibited by enterprise IT policy to use such service.
The network setup might look like this:

Inside this setup one workstation is used for all client software applications (Sennheiser LinkDesk, Spectera WebUI, Dante® Controller). Either two separated wired network interface are used for control and audio (Dante®) or one interface gets shared. Please be aware that in such setups (typically) no DHCP service is activated. Use either manual IP settings or ZeroConf configuration.

For Internet Connection Sharing typically an existing network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) with Internet access gets shared with another selected network interface of the host.

In order to share your Internet connection on Windows:
  1. Connect your client device to your host PC using an Ethernet cable. If either device doesn’t have a free Ethernet port, use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
  2. Go to the Network Connections menu. The easiest way to get there is by searching for “Network Connections” in the Windows Search box.
  3. Right-click on the network adapter connected to the Internet (for example, Wi-Fi or modem), and then select Properties.
  4. Toggle Allow other network users to connect to ON from the Sharing tab and select the relevant Ethernet port from the pull-down menu.
    Note that, if you have VPN software installed, you may see a lot of virtual Ethernet ports on your list and you’ll need to pick the real one.
    After you click OK, Internet should flow to your client device over its Ethernet port. For more details on sharing an Internet connection please refer to the Microsoft Support page.
In order to share your Internet connection on MacOS:
  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click on General in the sidebar and then on Sharing (you may need to scroll down).
  3. Turn on Internet Sharing and click on Configure.
  4. Click the Share your connection from pop-up menu.
  5. Choose the Internet connection you want to share ((For example, if you’re connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi, choose Wi-Fi).
  6. Under To devices using, turn on the port other devices can use to access the shared internet connection. (For example, if you want to share your Internet connection over Ethernet, select Ethernet).
    If you’re sharing to devices using Wi-Fi, configure the Internet-sharing network, then click OK.
  7. Click on Done.
    For more details on sharing an Internet connection please refer to the Apple Support page.
Your Internet connection will be shared on MacOS/Windows.