What is Microsofts Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)?
ICS is a Microsoft product that allows other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to use the Internet connection resources of a designated Host PC running Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP. It’s sometimes refered to as a software router since it channels other PCs on a LAN to the Internet connection established by the Host PC. Though it’s mostly used in Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) situations, it also works with cable and DSL connections. In almost all Dial-up ISP cases, the Host PC must establish an Internet connection before other PCs on the LAN can gain access to the Internet.