Creating a Windows 7 home network through a router. Set up a local network via a router, Wi-Fi and network access to printers

Let's figure out how to set up a local network through a router and what it is, because many people in their apartment have several computers connected via Wi-Fi, and even more so, everyone has a gadget: a tablet, a smartphone, a desktop, with which it is convenient to lie on the couch. But how inconvenient it is when you want to transfer a photo or song from one computer to another, or from a phone to a tablet, for example, or to a desktop computer, because you can’t do it that easily over Wi-Fi. In this case, you have to struggle with wiring or flash drives, look for bluetooth, but the fact is that your WiFi router is essentially a single node, a server that connects these devices into one single local home Wi-Fi network! In this article I will tell you how to create a local network connection through a router, and you will no longer need to go for a flash drive and wires from your phone, you can do this while lying on your favorite sofa, transfer files from device to device via Wi-Fi File using shared network storage without making unnecessary movements.

Scheme of connecting various devices to the Local Network via a WiFi router.

Let's say a few more words about the local network and why we might need it. A wireless local network is essentially a kind of networked data storage, which is formed as a result of connecting several computer devices via Wi-Fi, a wifi router in this case as a server. Its purpose is not only to transfer files, but also to communicate with each other of all devices connected to it; you can communicate using it from neighboring rooms, play online games, for example Counter-Strike, and also connect other digital devices, for example create a connection to a network printer, scanner, camera and other devices that can connect to the router via Wi-Fi.

Settings

And so, we’ve figured out what, what, and why, let’s start setting up the local network. This setup is carried out in the same way on any Windows operating system, including the new Windows 10. It’s easy for us to make a local network connection, the fact is that if you use a WiFi Router, then you already have it and configured it, you just didn’t know about it! We only need to create shared access to all the necessary folders on computers, and they will automatically go to the network storage via Wi-Fi.

Open the Network and Sharing Connection Center.

Click on the network icon in the taskbar LMB or RMB (Right or left mouse button) to open the “Local Area Network or Sharing Connection Center”.

In the “Network and Sharing Management Connection Center”, we check that our active network is the “Home Network”, a house must be built:

The name of our WiFi network is indicated in bold at the top.

Another type of network may be specified: “Enterprise Network” or “Public Network”, in this case click on the link with the name and change the network type:

Save the Home Group password for yourself and click Finish.

Now our home local network has been created and we can connect to it via Wi-Fi.

Changing the LAN password

If you don't like remembering these scribbles, you can set your own password.

Sharing files

Our network storage is already configured, but we need to do an important thing, the fact is that by default access to all files and folders on computers is not granted and this must be done manually. There are two options here, with and without password protection. For the home, of course, it’s convenient not to bother with passwords, so we’ll consider this option.

Disable password for files

Open changing homegroup settings, as described above.

Click “Change advanced sharing settings.”

Let's expand on both groups.

We filled out the parameters of the first group, in the “General” group, fill everything in the same way, this group is intended when you have several accounts on your PC.

Sharing folders

Now everything is ready, all that remains is to open public access to those folders on the disk that we want to use and will automatically be visible to all devices connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi. I'll show you using my local drive as an example; you can do this with any folder on your computer.

We can see that there are no files available on our local network yet, to do this, open “My Computer” and select the “Network” tab on the left in the menu.

Click on the folder and select Properties.

In the "Properties" window, open the "Access" tab, click on the "Advanced settings..." button

Check the “Share this folder” checkbox and click OK.

Connecting devices to the network

Windows

After a local network has been created on one of the computers, on other computers in the “Network and Sharing Connection Center”, in the view of active networks, the opportunity to join it will appear “Home group: Can join”. Click the link provided. If there is not one, then in order to be able to join a home group, you must set the network location to “Home network”.

To change the network to Home, click on the “Public Network” link and select “Home Network”, after which the network type will change.

We mark the necessary elements that will be publicly accessible from this computer. Click the Next button.

Enter the password for our home group. Click the Next button.

We check whether the files that we expanded on the main computer are available on the laptop.

Similarly, you can allow sharing of all files and folders on any computer that is connected to the homegroup.

Smartphone

We've dealt with Windows, let's figure out how we can see our shared files over Wi-Fi, for example, from a tablet or phone for Android OS. First we need a special program. I recommend that you download the ES Explorer program.

Software launches.

After the scan is completed, we have our files located on other computers that we have placed in our HomeGroup.

Also not on the computer, we will see the files that are located on the Android device in the storage. The setup is complete.

Useful to watch

Video

Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

The principle of creating a local network in any version of Windows (XP, 7, 8, 10) is practically nothing is not different. Exceptions are complex multi-level corporate networks, where several subnets, proxy servers and VPNs are used.

But in this article we will look at how to create home network without resorting to purchasing expensive equipment, but using a regular switch or router with Wi-Fi support.

What is needed to create a network

First of all, to create a local network of a certain number of computers, we need equipment:

note: if a direct connection is used (i.e. we insert a twisted pair cable into both devices without using a router), then you will need not a standard cable, but cross— over, except when modern network cards with MDI-X support are installed. In this case, you can use the standard crimping method.

How to create a local network

Now let's proceed directly to creation. First we need to prepare:

• Install all equipment in its place - computers, routers, etc.
• We crimp cable, if necessary.
• Let's do wiring, i.e. we extend the twisted pair to the equipment.
• Connecting twisted pair equipment.

Costs note, that when the connection is made and all devices are started, the connection connectors on the computers should shine. The same applies to routers with routers, only they have light bulbs located on front panel. If any light is off, it means the connection has been made. wrong.

When the connection is made, you need to configure the network in the operating system.

To start checking working group, for which we go to properties " My computer" You don’t have to open the properties, but use the combination Win+ R and enter in the window sysdm. cpl.

On all devices working group must be is the same, otherwise the computers will not see each other.

To change the group, just click on the button change and enter the group name. Name must be entered Latin alphabet, and match on all devices.

Then we look for network icon in the notification area and with its help we get to Network and Sharing Center.

Here we are interested in the link change additional parameters, it's third from the left and will allow you to edit sharing settings. In each profile we select: Enable network discovery, auto-tuning And general access to files and printers.

Scrolling page and below turn off shared access with password protection. All other settings can be left. Click Save changes and exit.

This completes the setup. The network should work, but only if your router distributes dynamic addresses.

If you used a router, or the devices were connected directly with a cable, then you need to make a few more settings.

Network settings

When direct connection or using a router, we need change IP addresses of computers. For this necessary:

We will not describe what each setting is responsible for, because... This is quite a large topic. It is enough to enter the addresses described above on all computers.

After making all the settings described above, the network should work. However, do not forget that a firewall or antivirus software can completely block the network. Therefore, if nothing works, check their settings or temporarily disable them altogether.

Local network via WiFi router

Setting up a network through a router is absolutely nothing is not different from what we described above.

If the device is configured to distribute dynamic addresses, then there is no need to change the addresses. Well, what if IP people static, then you will have to use the previous section.

Also, there will be no difference between whether the device is connected by cable or via Wi-Fi; in most routers, the settings for distributing addresses are configured simultaneously and wireless and on wired connection.

How to make shared folders

After everything is configured, you need to create shared folders for information exchange.

However, this is not enough yet. Now on the folder properties window you need to find the bookmark safety. And then press successively Change – Add.

The modern home of the common man is filled with various electronic gadgets. In an ordinary home there may be personal computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and much more. And often each of them stores or makes available any information and multimedia content that the user may need for work or entertainment. Of course, if necessary, you can copy files from one device to another, using wires and flash drives the old fashioned way, but this is not very convenient and takes a lot of time. Isn't it better to unite all devices into one common local network? How can this be done using a Wi-Fi router?

Creating a local network via a Wi-Fi router on Windows XP - 8.1

If you have a regular router, you can create your own personal home local network without unnecessary problems and difficulties. A single network storage has many useful advantages: access to any file on any device, the ability to connect for intranet use of a printer, digital camera or scanner, fast data exchange between devices, competition in online games within the network, and the like. Let's try to make and correctly configure a local network together, taking three simple steps.

Step 1: Setting up the router

First, let's configure the wireless network settings on the router, if you haven't done so before. Let's take the TP-Link router as an illustrative example; on other devices the algorithm of actions will be similar.

1. On a PC or laptop connected to your router, open any Internet browser. In the address field, enter the IP of the router. By default, the coordinates are most often: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, other combinations are possible depending on the model and manufacturer. Press the key Enter.
2. We go through authorization in the window that opens by entering the user name and password to access the router configuration in the appropriate fields. In the factory firmware these values ​​are the same: admin. Confirm your entry by clicking on the button "OK".



3. In the router web client, go directly to the tab "Additional settings", that is, we enable access to the advanced configuration mode.



4. In the left column of the interface we find and expand the parameter "Wireless Mode".



5. In the submenu that drops down, select the line "Wireless Settings". There we will carry out all the necessary actions to create a new network.



6. First of all, turn on wireless broadcasting by checking the required box. The router will now emit a Wi-Fi signal.



7. We come up with and write a new network name (SSID), by which all devices in the Wi-Fi coverage area will identify it. It is advisable to enter the name in Latin case.



8. Set the recommended type of protection. You can, of course, leave the network open for free access, but then unpleasant consequences are possible. It's better to avoid them.



9. Finally, set a strong password to access your network and complete your manipulations by left-clicking on the icon "Save". The router reboots with new parameters.

Step 2: Setting up your computer

Now we need to configure the network settings on the computer. In our case, the Windows 8 operating system is installed on the PC; in other versions of the Microsoft OS, the sequence of manipulations will be similar with minor differences in the interface.

1. RMB click on the icon "Start" and in the context menu that appears, go to "Control Panel".



2. In the window that opens, immediately go to the department "Network and Internet".



3. On the next tab we are very interested in the block , where we are moving.



4. In the Control Center we will need to configure additional sharing characteristics to correctly configure our local network.



5. First, enable network discovery and automatic configuration on network devices by checking the appropriate boxes. Now our computer will see other devices on the network and be detected by them.



6. Be sure to allow shared access to printers and files. This is an important condition when creating a full-fledged local network.



7. It's important to enable public directory sharing so that your team members can perform a variety of operations on files in public folders.



8. We configure media streaming by clicking on the appropriate line. Photos, music and films on this computer will become available to all users of the future network.



9. Check the boxes in the list of devices "Allowed" for the devices you need. Let's go "Further".



10. We set different access permissions for different types of files, based on our ideas about privacy. Click "Further".



11. Write down the password that is needed to add other computers to your homegroup. The code word can be changed later if desired. Close the window by clicking on the icon "Ready".



12. We set the recommended 128-bit encryption when connecting to public access.



13. For our own convenience, we disable password protection and save the configuration. In general terms, the process of creating a local network is completed. It remains to add a small but important touch to our picture.

Step 3: Share files

To logically complete the process, it is necessary to open specific partitions and folders on the PC hard drive for intranet use. Let's see together how you can quickly “share” directories. Let's again take a computer with Windows 8 on board as an example.

Setting up a local network in Windows 10 (1803 and higher)

If you are using build 1803 of the Windows 10 operating system, then the tips described above will not work for you. The fact is that starting from the specified version the function "HomeGroup" or "Home Group" was deleted. However, the ability to connect several devices to one local network remains. We will tell you in detail how to do this below.

We draw your attention to the fact that the steps described below must be performed on absolutely all PCs that will be connected to the local network.

Step 1: Change network type

First you need to change the type of network through which you connect to the Internet from "Public" on "Private". If your network type is already set as "Private", then you can skip this step and proceed to the next one. In order to find out the network type, you need to follow simple steps:

1. Click on the button "Start". Scroll to the bottom of the list of programs that opens. Find the folder "Service" and open it. Then select from the drop-down menu "Control Panel".



2. For a more comfortable perception of information, you can switch the display mode from "Category" on "Small Icons". This is done in the drop-down menu, which is called up by the button in the upper right corner.



3. In the list of utilities and applications, find "Network and Sharing Center". Open it.



4. Find the block at the top "View active networks". It will display the name of your network and its connection type.



5. If the connection is listed as "Public", then you need to run the program "Run" key combination "Win+R", enter the command secpol.msc in the window that opens, and then click the button "OK" a little lower.



6. As a result, a window will open "Local Security Policy". In the left pane, open the folder "Network List Manager Policies". The contents of the specified folder will appear on the right. Find among all the lines the one that bears the name of your network. As a rule, it is called this - "Net" or "Network 2". At the same time, the column "Description" will be empty. Open the parameters of the desired network by double-clicking LMB.



7. A new window will open in which you need to go to the tab "Network location". Change the setting here "Location type" on "Personal", and in the block "User Permissions" mark the very last line. After that, click the button "OK" for the changes to take effect.

Now you can close all open windows except "Network and Sharing Center".

Step 2: Configure sharing options

The next step is to configure sharing settings. This is done very simply:

This completes the setup phase. Let's move on.

Step 3: Enable Services

To ensure that you do not encounter errors while using the local network, you should enable special services. You will need the following:

After activating the services, all that remains is to provide access to the necessary directories.

Step 4: Opening access to folders and files

In order for specific documents to be displayed on the local network, you need to open access to them. To do this, you can use the tips from the first part of the article (Step 3: Opening file sharing). Alternatively, you can take an alternative route.

By the way, there is a command that allows you to view a list of all folders and files to which you previously shared access:

1. Open Conductor and in the address bar type \\localhost .



2. All documents and directories are stored in a folder "Users".



3. Open it and get to work. You can save the necessary files in its root so that they are available for use by other users.



Step 5: Change the computer name and workgroup

Each local equipment has its own name and is displayed with it in the corresponding window. In addition, there is a working group, which also has its own name. You can change this data yourself using a special setting.




This completes the process of how to set up a home network in Windows 10.

Conclusion

So, as we have established, to create and configure a local network you need to spend a little time and effort, but the resulting convenience and comfort fully justifies it. And don’t forget to check the firewall and anti-virus software settings on your computer so that they do not interfere with the correct and full operation of the local network.

A local home network via a WiFi router opens up a wide range of possibilities for users of mobile gadgets and personal computers with the Internet. The user can set up such a network independently, even without deep knowledge in network management.

A Wi-Fi router allows you to organize wireless Internet at home, to which you can connect from several devices at the same time.

Since computers and laptops are no longer luxury items, anyone can buy these devices; many even have several personal gadgets. For ease of use, it is recommended to combine them into a local network (LAN).

A home local network has a lot of functions and allows you to share files, distribute Internet, play online games and much more. It's quite easy to set up.

What is a local network?

Figure 1. Changing adapter settings.

A local network is a group of devices, such as personal computers, laptops, printers, televisions, etc., united through interfaces via a specific data transmission medium (cable, radio channel).

The main benefits that the user receives by installing a local network:

1. Direct file sharing. You can transfer photos, music, movies and other files between computers directly via LAN, without using external storage devices such as flash drives, disks, etc.
2. Access to shared network resources. These include, for example, a printer. If it is connected to a local network, this allows you to print the necessary information on it from any computer on it.
3. Organization of the play area. Video games often have an online mode that allows players to compete.
4. Access to the Internet. Each device located on the home network can access the Internet if it is connected to one of the computers, shared access is allowed and configured.

Figure 2. Create a homegroup.

In a classic local network, the connection between computers is provided using a cable. However, in the age of portable devices and wireless technologies, the use of this connection method is no longer relevant.

Instead, it is proposed to build a home network through a WiFi router; it will be possible to include devices that support WiFi: tablets, smartphones and others.

They will also have access to all the functionality of the local network, for example, file transfer and Internet access, possibly with some restrictions related to the specific use of mobile devices.

What do you need for a home network?

So, the task is to create a network through a router. To organize it, it is necessary to provide the following equipment configuration:

Figure 3. Network location settings.

1. Wi-Fi router with DHCP support. Must be connected to the Internet.
2. Stationary personal computer.
3. Notebook, laptop.
4. Tablet, smartphone.

Before setting up a network through a router, you need to take several steps. First, you need to make sure that the DHCP server is turned on and active on the router. This network protocol is used to automatically assign network parameters (for example, IP address) to nodes connected to the router. Then it’s worth understanding the concept of “working group”. For security reasons, all computers being joined must belong to a single workgroup. This is necessary so that extraneous devices, whose inclusion in the network structure was not intended, are not able to use its resources and penetrate network nodes.

You can configure whether the system belongs to a particular workgroup by following the following path: “Start” - “Control Panel” - “System”.

Figure 4. Opening public access.

In the subsection titled “Computer name, domain, workgroup settings” you need to click the link on the right “Change settings”, then in the window that opens click the “Change” button (Fig. 1).

This window allows you to configure parameters such as computer name, workgroup and others. The workgroup field may initially contain the standard name Workgroup; instead, you can enter your own name, for example, Homenetwork.

In the same window you can specify a unique computer name. Then you need to restart your computer. This operation must be repeated exactly on all computers on the local network. The group name should be the same for everyone, but it is advisable to make the names different.

How to create a homegroup?

It is necessary to create a local group for home network placement - home group. You should follow the path: “Start” - “Control Panel” - “Network and Access Management”. The router, with the help of which a home local network is organized, must be connected and connected in advance.

Figure 5. Enabling password protection.

In the active networks subsection on the right there is a line “Home group”, next to it you need to click on the “Ready to create” link, then on the “Create home group” button (Fig. 2).

It should be noted that if in the network viewing section the local network you are setting up does not have the home status, you can assign it to it by clicking on the “Networks” link (Network 5 in the figure). The network location settings window will open, where you can select one of three types (Fig. 3):

1. Home network. It is designed that all nodes are known and safe, the user knows about all devices and completely trusts their work. Access is practically unlimited.
2. Enterprise network. Optimized for office or corporate local systems.
3. Community network. Serves for work in public public places where it is important to maintain the anonymity and security of each node. Computers in such a network are invisible to each other, which provides high protection against unauthorized penetration.

Figure 6. Connecting to your home network.

By clicking on the “Create a home group” button, you can select directories and devices that you want to open for public use (Fig. 4).

After applying these parameters, the system will generate a password. This needs to be recorded separately (or screenshotted) as it may be required for WiFi connection.

Otherwise, setting up a local network through the router will not be possible (Fig. 5).

How to connect to your home network?

After completing all the specified actions, the home group is considered created. It is recommended to reboot the device to fully apply the configuration. Since you need to set up a network for several computers, then you should definitely check the ability to connect different computers to the created homegroup. The second computer (for example, a laptop) must be connected to the Wi-Fi point of the router. On it, go to “Network Management”, look for the “Home Group” item, click on the “Join” button (Fig. 6).

Figure 7. Network setup for multiple computers.

After entering the recorded password, we repeat the setup cycle, specify the allowed folders and reboot the device. If the connection cannot be established, you need to disable all third-party firewalls and firewalls. When the connection is made, all network devices should become visible, access to resources and directories should be open.

By default, only a few special shared folders are accessible on your computer. But this is far from the limit of possibilities; it is possible to make almost any directory in the system accessible. To do this, you need to open the folder properties, find the “Access” tab, click on “Advanced settings” and check the box that opens sharing. We apply the parameters, the folder should become visible to other computers (Fig. 7).

Now let’s figure out how to get from your tablet to your computer using WiFi.