Title is self explanatory. For background, I am currently running Asahi Linux on my M1 MBP. Whenever I connected the hotspot without data being turned on, it somehow still worked like any regular wifi. I even ran several updates in the system and downloaded multiple apps in this wifi, which I find it amusing. But out of curiosity, I wanted to know from you guys that what could the reason be for this.
EDIT: So after following the advice of jet@hackertalks.com, I relized that the hotspot is using the network of my University’s Wi-Fi, which explains why the hotspot worked even with the data turned off.
So, you have a phone that does the tethering or something? Maybe, It’s some bug on its (or their, depending on how close you two are) side? I’d try another device with the same hotspot.
Alternatively, the laptop may be connected to several networks at the same time and be using whatever works. Can probably be checked by verifying ips of the phone and the laptop.