What is NetworkSharing?

NetworkSharing is the process behind macOS's Internet Sharing feature.

What is NetworkSharing?

NetworkSharing runs Internet Sharing, the feature that lets your Mac share its internet connection with other devices. You can share an Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi (turning your Mac into a hotspot), share Wi-Fi over Ethernet, or share through Bluetooth or USB.

How do you use it?

Turn on Internet Sharing in System Settings, then General, then Sharing, then Internet Sharing. Choose which connection to share and how to share it.

Common uses:

• Ethernet to Wi-Fi: your Mac is on Ethernet and creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices
• Wi-Fi to Ethernet: sharing your Wi-Fi with a device plugged into your Mac by Ethernet
• iPhone USB to Wi-Fi: sharing your iPhone's connection with other devices through your Mac

What services does it set up?

When Internet Sharing is active, NetworkSharing sets up:

• NAT (Network Address Translation) through the PF firewall
• A DHCP server (hands out IP addresses to connected devices)
• DNS forwarding
• A Wi-Fi access point (if sharing over Wi-Fi)

Does it use many resources?

Very little. It routes network traffic, which the kernel handles well.

Should you worry?

No. Internet Sharing is off by default. If it is on and you did not set it up, turn it off in System Settings. An open hotspot on a network you do not trust could be a security risk.

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