Internet Sharing and Network Privacy: Should You Use a Proxy Server?

The internet is important for businesses all over the UK, regardless of the industry; and has largely benefitted small businesses, freelancers, and startups. If your team needs to share a business broadband connection and you are considering using a proxy server, it is wise to find out how it could benefit your business.

Proxy servers can be useful for people who are remotely managing a business with little IT resources at their disposal. Having basic knowledge of the concepts of internet sharing and proxy servers can help you understand whether or not your business can benefit from this.

 

What Is Internet Sharing on Windows?

 

The term internet sharing is also referred to as Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Windows 10 offers a feature that allows internet sharing. This technology allows computers and mobile devices to share one internet connection. For instance, your laptop or desktop can act as a mini Wi-Fi hotspot.

PCS internet sharing is popular in the UK where freelancers or remote workers who travel a lot with portable routers tend to use this technology. Sharing a single connection across multiple devices eliminates the need for new routers or access points, making it convenient for startups business that do not have full office infrastructure.

 

What Is a Proxy Server and How Does It Work?

 

A proxy server is a server that sits between your computer and the internet. If you are using the internet with a proxy, the proxy server resets your requests before the internet retrieves information for you. After proxy has fetched the information, it passes it back to you.

This method reduces chances of revealing your actual IP address, giving you some measure of  online security and anonymity. In the UK, proxies are integrated in businesses, schools, and at times, even by individuals to control internet access, monitor internet traffic, enable faster browsing by caching, and manage online traffic. Depending on your needs, there are different proxies available such as HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS which support different proxy types and levels of internet usage.

What are the Risks of Sharing a Proxy-Free Connection?

Sharing the Internet without a proxy server is not particularly hazardous, but it certainly has less protective features. As an illustration, when a person shares a connection from their laptop to a different gadget, both gadgets utilise the same public IP, which means they are able to access the Internet freely.

Having proxies or filters makes it easier to manage what is being accessed, and also adds an extra level of privacy and security. For small businesses or freelancers based in the UK who deal with client data, the lack of a proxy or VPN can be stressful. In these cases, the chances of tracking, content exposure, or unwanted network activity could be high. Although sharing Internet is functionally effective, doing so with a VPN or proxy brings peace of mind and control over shared resources.

 

Proxy vs VPN For UK Based Small Businesses

 

The choice between a proxy and a VPN will rely on what your business requires. A proxy functions adequately for more specialised jobs such as web content filtering, location-specific website access, or handling browser-based applications. It’s particularly useful for marketers, researchers and for some who need to mask their actual location.

VPNs, however, are better suited for businesses that deal with sensitive data as they encrypt all internet traffic, not just browser traffic. Such businesses include those with remote employees that use public Wi-Fi. UK small businesses most commonly use both for overall network security and anonymity or flexibility for certain online activities.

 

Does a Proxy Work with Internet Sharing on Windows?

 

This can start to become rather technical, but lets break it down.

If you turn on internet sharing on your Windows PC and also have a proxy server set up on that device, the proxy usually is active only for that host PC which means none of the other shared internet devices downstream will have proxy access- this includes a team member’s laptop or a second device, by default they will be unable to use the benefits from the proxy setup unless the proxy is also set up on them.

 

How to Set Up a Proxy on a Windows PC

 

Windows devices allow for proxies to be configured. Proxies allow you to control how the internet connection is routed for better security or bandwidth usage. Below is a more detailed guide on how to set up a proxy on Windows (PC):

1. Open ‘Settings’
2. Choose ‘Network & Internet’ > Proxy
3. Go to ‘Manual proxy setup’ and scroll down
4. Enable the ‘Use a proxy server toggle’
5. Type in the address of your proxy server and port number
6. Press Save

If you use a third party proxy client (from a provider), it may configure this for you automatically, so you will not have to bother with the manual steps.

Note: This configuration only applies to the device that you have set up. If other people are connecting to your shared internet, they will have to individually configure their proxy settings.

 

How to Share Internet on Windows (UK Users)

 

There are some very simple steps to sharing your internet on Windows:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Network & Internet and click on Mobile Hotspot Switch
3. Click “Share my Internet connection with other devices” to the on position
4. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet as your preferred method of sharing
5. Take note of the displayed network name and password