Link - Connectify 2018

| Feature | Connectify 2018 Pro | Windows 10 Native Hotspot | |--------|---------------------|----------------------------| | Share any internet (e.g., VPN, secondary Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (only share the primary internet) | | Wi-Fi Repeater | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Bridge mode for strict NAT | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Client bandwidth limits | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Start hotspot automatically on boot | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (manual or scripted) | | Cost | Paid | Free | | Requires OS reinstall on failure | No | Sometimes (known bugs in 2018) |

Introduction In 2018, as the world became increasingly mobile, the need for reliable internet sharing was more pressing than ever. Connectify, a long-standing name in network utility software, offered a solution that allowed Windows users to broadcast their internet connection as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Whether you were on a train with only a single ethernet port or trying to share a VPN connection, Connectify was a go-to tool. connectify 2018

Note: As of 2025, Connectify has continued to evolve. For the latest version, visit their official website. But for a nostalgic or archival look — the 2018 release holds up remarkably well. | Feature | Connectify 2018 Pro | Windows

This guide explores — its features, performance, pricing, and how it stacked up against native Windows solutions. What Was Connectify 2018? By 2018, Connectify had matured into version 20.0 (often referred to as the 2018 release cycle). The flagship product was Connectify Hotspot 2018 , available in free and paid tiers. Unlike the built-in "Mobile Hotspot" feature in Windows 10 (which was still finicky in 2018), Connectify offered advanced controls, better stability, and unique features like Wi-Fi repeating and NAT sharing over VPNs. Key Features in 2018 1. Universal Hotspot Creation Connectify could take virtually any internet source — Ethernet, 4G/5G dongles, Wi-Fi, or even another hotspot — and re-broadcast it as a new Wi-Fi network. This was critical for users in hotels or conference centers that only allowed one device per login. 2. Wi-Fi Repeater Mode (Range Extender) One standout feature in 2018 was the Wi-Fi repeater mode. If you had a weak Wi-Fi signal, Connectify could pick it up and re-broadcast it, effectively acting as a range extender — something the native Windows hotspot could not do. 3. VPN Hotspot Sharing Many corporate VPNs (e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, OpenVPN) blocked split tunneling. Connectify 2018 could share the secured VPN connection itself, allowing all connected devices (phones, tablets, smart TVs) to route traffic through the VPN. This was a game-changer for privacy and geo-spoofing. 4. Bridging Mode (Pro Version) Instead of NAT (Network Address Translation), the Pro version offered an Ethernet/Wi-Fi bridge. This allowed connected devices to appear as if they were directly on the original network — essential for gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) that required strict NAT types. 5. Real-time Client Monitoring The 2018 dashboard showed connected devices, bandwidth usage, and allowed you to block or rename clients with a click. 6. Command Line Interface For IT pros, Connectify offered a CLI to script hotspot startup, making it possible to automatically start a hotspot when a specific network was detected. Versions & Pricing in 2018 | Edition | Price (2018) | Key Limitations | |--------|-------------|----------------| | Lite (Free) | $0 | Hotspot name locked to "Connectify-xxx"; 1-hour session limit (would stop after 60 mins); No repeater mode; No VPN sharing | | Pro | $34.97/year or $69.97 lifetime | All features; Bridging mode; Repeater; VPN sharing; No session limits | | Max | $59.97/year or $99.97 lifetime | Everything in Pro + Wired bridging + Advanced firewall rules + Priority traffic shaping | Note: As of 2025, Connectify has continued to evolve