How to set up a Wi-Fi network between computers via a router

Setting up a local area network (LAN) in a home or small office is no longer the preserve of system administrators and has become a necessity for convenient file sharing, document collaboration, or the use of shared resources like printers. When a cable connection is inconvenient or impossible, wireless technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi, which allows you to unite devices into a single ecosystem without unnecessary physical infrastructure.

Modern operating systems, in particular Windows 10 and Windows 11, have significantly simplified the setup process, but the basic principles of addressing and access rights remain the same and require careful consideration. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to transform disparate laptops and desktop PCs into a powerful computing cluster connected via your router.

Before beginning software configuration, ensure all computers are physically connected to the same access point. This means each device must be authorized to the same Wi-Fi network, whether it's a home router or a corporate access point.

It is important to understand that the data transfer rate in such a configuration will directly depend on the quality of the wireless signal and standard. IEEE 802.11, supported by your equipment. If your router is dual-band, it's recommended to use the 5 GHz frequency to achieve maximum throughput, especially when transferring large video files or backups.

Checking IP addressing and workgroup settings

The foundation of any local network is proper IP addressing. For computers to "see" each other, they must be on the same subnet, meaning their IP addresses must begin with the same three numbers, such as 192.168.1.X. Typically, a router automatically assigns addresses via the protocol. DHCP, but for stable operation of servers or printers, it is better to reserve static addresses.

The second critical parameter is the workgroup name. By default, Windows uses the name WORKGROUP, and it must be identical on all connected machines. Changing this setting on one computer will make it "invisible" to other network members, even if the physical connection is established correctly.

To check the current settings, press the key combination Win + R, enter the command cmd and press Enter. In the window that opens, enter ipconfig and find the "IPv4 Address" line. Make sure all devices' addresses are in the same range and the default gateway matches your router's address.

⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network (Guest Network) on your router, client isolation may be enabled by default. In this mode, devices won't be able to communicate with each other, even if they're on the same network.

Below is a table illustrating correct and incorrect address configuration for a three-computer network:

Setting up a network profile and discovery in Windows

By default, the Windows operating system tends to consider new connections as potentially dangerous, activating the "Public Network" profile. In this mode network discovery Disabled, which hides your computer from other devices and blocks incoming connections. The first step should always be changing the profile to "Private Network."

To do this, go to "Settings" (the gear icon in the Start menu), select "Network & Internet," then click on your Wi-Fi connection properties. In the "Network Profile" section, switch the radio button from "Public" to "Private." This will tell the firewall that the environment can be trusted.

Next, you need to enable sharing features. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, expand the "Private (current profile)" profile and enable the following options:

• 🔍 Turn on network discovery (and check the "Turn on automatic configuration of network devices" box).
• 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
• 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if applicable).

After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system may prompt you to confirm administrator privileges. Without this step, computers will ignore connection requests even with the correct IP addresses.

Opening access to folders and setting permissions

The most common mistake users make is forgetting to explicitly share specific folders after enabling discovery. Simply enabling the network isn't enough—you need to tell the system exactly which data is ready to be shared. To do this, create a new folder or select an existing one, right-click it, and select "Properties."

In the window that opens, go to the "Access" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, in the "Permissions" section, you can fine-tune permissions for the "Everyone" group or specific users. We recommend granting "Read" permissions if you only need to view files, and "Edit" permissions if you plan to edit documents from other computers.

It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. Sometimes NTFS file system permissions block access even if network permissions are enabled. Ensure that "Everyone" (or a specific user) with read and execute permissions is listed in the list of groups and users.

To quickly access shared resources in Windows Explorer, you can use UNC path syntax. In the address bar of Windows Explorer on the client computer, enter two backslashes and the IP address or computer name of the server, for example:

\\192.168.1.15

or

\\DESKTOP-OFFICE

If everything is configured correctly, you'll see a list of shared folders. For convenience, you can right-click the desired folder and select "Map network drive" to display it as a separate drive (e.g., Z:) in "My Computer."

Connecting a network printer via a Wi-Fi router

One of the most useful features of a local network is the ability to share a single printer with all group members. If your printer has a built-in Wi-Fi module, it can be connected directly to the router, making it independent of the computer it was previously connected to.

The process begins with connecting the printer to the Wi-Fi network. This is usually done through the device's menu or using the WPS method (pressing a button on both the router and the printer). Once connected, the printer receives its own IP address from the router's DHCP server. You can find this address by printing a network configuration report from the printer's control panel.

Now, on the main computer (or the one most convenient for managing the print queue), you need to add the device. Go to "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners" and click "Add a printer or scanner." If the system doesn't find the device automatically, select "The printer I want isn't listed" and use the "Add a printer using its TCP/IP address" option.

• 🖨️ Enter the printer's IP address in the "Name or IP address" field.
• 💿 The system will attempt to detect the driver; if this fails, select the model from the list or install the driver from the manufacturer's disc/website.
• 🔗 After installing the driver, the system will prompt you to share this printer. Accept this prompt.

On the other computers, the connection process is similar: by searching for new devices on the network. Since the printer is now a network device with its own IP address, it will be accessible to everyone, even if the main computer is turned off.

⚠️ Note: Router and printer web configurator interfaces may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you can't find a specific option, consult the official documentation from your equipment manufacturer.

Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors

Even if you follow all the instructions, situations may arise where computers cannot see each other. The most common cause is blocking by antivirus software or Windows Firewall. If you use a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), its built-in firewall may block local connections, deeming them suspicious.

To check, try temporarily disabling your firewall. If the network works, you'll need to add an exception to the firewall rules for "File and Printer Sharing." You should also check the service Function Discovery Resource PublicationIn Windows 10/11, it is often disabled, which hides the computer on the network. Run services.msc, find this service, set the startup type to "Automatic" and start it.

Another common issue is time desynchronization. If the time on computers differs by more than a few minutes, the Kerberos protocol, used for authentication in domain and workgroups, may block the connection. Make sure all computers are set to automatically update their time via the internet.

Use the command ping To check the physical connection, open a command prompt and enter:

ping 192.168.1.15 -t

If you see "Response from..." responses, the physical and IP layers are working, and the problem should be looked for in the access settings or firewall. If you see "Timeout exceeded," the problem is at the network or Wi-Fi signal level.

Why does my Wi-Fi speed drop?

Speed ​​may drop due to interference with neighboring networks on the 2.4 GHz band, the use of outdated WEP/TKIP encryption, or a physical obstacle (walls, mirrors) between the router and the PC. Switching to 5 GHz often solves the problem.

Local network security and general recommendations

By making files accessible, you potentially expand your attack surface. If an attacker gains access to your Wi-Fi network, they can exploit these exposed resources. Therefore, it's critical to use a strong encryption protocol. WPA2-PSK or WPA3 on the router. Older WEP and WPA protocols are easily cracked in a few minutes.

It is also recommended to use complex passwords for Windows user accounts. When attempting to connect to a shared folder, the system will prompt you for the remote computer's login and password. If the target computer has a blank password, Windows will deny the connection by default for security reasons.

For a guest network, if your router has this feature, it's best to keep client isolation enabled. Guests only need the internet, not access to your personal documents or network printers. Traffic segregation is the golden rule of network security.

In conclusion, creating a stable network via a Wi-Fi router requires attention to detail, but opens up enormous opportunities for ease of use. A properly configured network will operate for years without intervention, eliminating the need for flash drives and cables.

What to do if the router does not assign IP addresses?

Check if the DHCP pool is full (usually around 250 addresses, which is excessive for a home). Try rebooting the router. If the problem persists, the LAN segment settings in the router's admin panel may be corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect Windows and macOS computers into one network?

Yes, this is possible. On a Mac, go to System Preferences → Sharing and enable File Sharing. To connect from Windows, use the Mac's IP address. However, for seamless operation, you may need to configure the SMBv1 protocol on your Mac (which is less secure) or use more modern versions of SMB supported in macOS High Sierra and later.

Why does it ask for a password when connecting, even though I didn’t set one?

Windows requires authentication. You'll need to enter the username and password of the user account on the computer whose folder you're connecting to. If there's no password, create one or disable the password requirement in Advanced Sharing Options (not recommended for security reasons).

Does internet speed affect file copying speed on a local network?

No, it doesn't. File transfer speed between computers is limited only by the speed of your Wi-Fi router (802.11ac/n/ax standard) and signal strength. The internet connection isn't used in this process; data flows directly from one device to another through the router.

How do I find out the IP address of another computer on the network?

On the target computer, open a command prompt (cmd) and type ipconfigYou're interested in the IPv4 address line. Alternatively, look at the Wi-Fi connection properties in the network settings; the address is also listed there.