Droid 2: Barnacle Wifi Tether for Rooted Android Cellular Phones

There is a huge difference between the applications available for the iPhone in Apple's App Store, versus Android's Market.  The Android "MARKET" appears to be a universal destination for downloading most available applications for the droid, whereas applications available through Apple's "App Store" appear to be filtered through criteria as defined by Apple.  By "jailbreaking" your iPhone, you are able to access a variety of applications that may not have met the standards which are set forth in Apple's "App Store".

Most applications available for the Android platform appear to be available through Google's "Market", however, you'll find many references for applications requiring "root access".  Rooting your Android is very similar to jail-breaking your iPhone, as it allows certain permissions which were initially banned (banned for a variety of reasons).

A word of caution!  Jail-breaking or rooting your phone may present some serious consequences, and you could find your mobile device malfunctioning in ways never expected.

Regardless, there are programs available in Google's "Market" which are only functional on "rooted" phones.  BARNACLE is an application that tethers your internet via wifi.  In plain English, this means, that you can connect to your phone (while using Barnacle) as you would if you were connecting to a wireless router.

Long story short, Barnacle is a free application and it works.  You simply load the program, adjust your settings (such as a password to access the wifi network which Barnacle will host from your phone), and access from other electronic devices!  It works like a charm!

There's a similar application called PDAnet, however, it tether's through bluetooth & USB versus Wifi.  For many individuals, PDAnet will work just fine.  The exception is the iPAD, since, the iPAD is not designed to receive internet connections via a USB connection or bluetooth.  PDAnet is a great option if you wish not to root your phone, and if you are tethering to a desktop, laptop, or another device which can receive a data connection via USB or bluetooth.

In theory, if you have a rooted Android phone with Barnacle, it could be of extreme value (for example) if your internet service at home failed and you had one (or many) computers that are compatible with wireless internet.

With that being said, Barnacle (or the process of rooting your phone) may not be compliant with the service contracts and/or warranties as set forth by your phone's manufacturer or your cellular provider's service plans.

In my opinion, I think Barnacle is an awesome program.