Organizing data exchange between devices within an apartment or small office is a challenge faced by every modern user. Instead of transferring files via flash drives or uploading gigabytes to the cloud, it's much more efficient to create a direct connection between computers. This allows you to watch movies from your PC's hard drive on your TV, play online games over a local network, or simply quickly transfer work documents.
Creating such an infrastructure does not require laying additional cables if your devices support the wireless communication standard. Local area network A LAN (LAN) built around a Wi-Fi router operates reliably and provides sufficient speed for multimedia and office tasks. In this article, we'll cover all the setup details, from choosing the right equipment to resolving common access issues.
The main advantage of the wireless method is its mobility and ease of scalability. You can connect a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or Smart TV anywhere within the signal coverage area without the need for unnecessary wires. However, for the entire system to function correctly, the software on each network node must be properly configured so that the devices can "see" each other.
Preparing the equipment and checking the router
The foundation of your future local network is router (router). This is what assigns IP addresses and manages traffic between connected devices. Make sure your device supports the 802.11n, ac, or ax Wi-Fi standards, as older models can become a bottleneck when transferring large amounts of data. All computers you plan to connect must be connected to the same access point.
The connection type is crucial. For maximum stability, it's best to connect desktop computers via cable, and laptops via wireless. If all devices are connected via Wi-Fi, file transfer speeds can be approximately half that of a wired connection due to the half-duplex nature of the radio channel. IP addressing In most cases, it is configured automatically thanks to the router's DHCP server.
Check that the connection indicators on the router are lit when devices are connected. If the Wi-Fi light is blinking, data packets are being exchanged. You should also access the router settings via a browser to ensure that Client Isolation is disabled. This feature is often enabled by default on public networks for security reasons, but it blocks devices from communicating within the network.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system treats new connections as public, which prevents your computer from being visible to others. To make your PC accessible, you need to change the network profile to "Private." To do this, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and click on your network name. In the menu that opens, select the "Private" network type.
After changing the profile, the system will allow the device to be discovered. However, this may not be sufficient for full functionality. You will need to enable sharing features. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. Key visibility settings are located here.
In the "Private" section of the network, enable the "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" options. It's also recommended to check the "Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections" box. Without these steps, your computer will still be connected to the network, but other users won't be able to see it in the list of available devices.
☑️ Check network settings
Creating a shared folder and setting access rights
Simply enabling discovery isn't enough—you need to define which resources will be accessible to others. Select the folder you want to share, right-click it, and go to Properties → AccessClick the "Advanced Settings" button and check the "Share this folder" box.
Now you need to configure permissions. Click the "Permissions" button. Here you can select the "Everyone" group or a specific user. For a home network, it's common to select the "Everyone" group and allow full access (read, modify, write) so that other devices can not only open but also save files to this folder. The "Security" tab should also contain the appropriate permissions for the selected user.
⚠️ Important: If you're setting up a network in an office or shared space, don't grant full permissions to the "Everyone" group. Create a separate user with a password to prevent others from deleting your data.
Once the settings are applied, the folder will be accessible over the network. Its path will look like this: \\ComputerName\FolderName or \\192.168.1.XX\FolderNameTo test the functionality, try opening this folder from another device by entering the path into the address bar of File Explorer.
What to do if the folder won't open?
If the system prompts you for a username and password when attempting to access the folder, enter the credentials (username and password) for the Windows account you use on the computer where the folder is located. If you don't have an account, create a new user with access rights to the folder.
Comparison of device connection methods
When setting up a network, it's important to understand how different connection methods affect speed and stability. A wired connection (Ethernet) always outperforms a wireless connection in terms of throughput and ping. However, Wi-Fi offers greater freedom of movement. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics.
| Parameter | Wired (Ethernet) | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. speed (theoret.) | 1000 Mbps | 866 Mbps | 1200+ Mbps |
| Stability | High | Average | High |
| Latency (Ping) | 1-2 ms | 5-15 ms | 3-10 ms |
| The influence of interference | Absent | High | Average |
As the table shows, modern Wi-Fi standards are already catching up with wired technologies, but the physics of radio waves makes its own adjustments. Walls, microwaves, and neighboring routers can cause interference. For mission-critical tasks, such as online gaming or 4K video streaming from a server, cable or 5 GHz are preferable.
If your router has dual-band functionality, be sure to use the 5 GHz band for your local area network. It's less congested and provides faster data transfer speeds within the network. The 2.4 GHz band is best reserved for smart bulbs and older gadgets that don't require high speeds.
Solving common visibility problems
A common problem is that computers are connected but can't see each other in the network environment. First, check the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find this service in the list. Make sure it is running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
The second common cause is Windows Firewall or a third-party antivirus. They may block incoming connections, deeming them suspicious. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to test. If the network works again after that, add an exception rule for the private network in the firewall settings.
Also, make sure that SMB 1.0 protocol support is enabled on all computers if you're trying to connect Windows 10/11 to very old devices (such as Windows XP or older NAS). For modern systems, this isn't necessary and may even be unsafe. You can enable support for older protocols in Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.
Access files from Android and iOS
Mobile devices can also become full members of a local network. To access Windows shared folders on a smartphone or tablet, you'll need a file manager with SMB support. On iOS, this is the built-in Files app; on Android, Solid Explorer, CX File Explorer, or ES File Explorer.
In the app, select to add a new storage device of the "Local Area Network" or "SMB" type. The app will automatically scan the network and find your computer. If the automatic search fails, enter the computer's IP address manually. To log in, use the username and password for your Windows account.
Once successfully connected, you'll be able to watch videos, listen to music, and open documents directly from your phone without copying them to the device's memory. This is especially convenient for watching large movies on a tablet or freeing up space on your smartphone by transferring photos to a PC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is internet required for a local network to function?
No, internet access is not required. The local network operates between your devices through the router, even if the ISP cable is disconnected. The router simply acts as a switch. However, for initial driver setup or downloading software, internet access may be required.
Why is file copying speed over Wi-Fi slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax), distance to the router, number of walls, and airwave congestion. Actual speed is often 50-70% of the theoretical speed. For faster speeds, switch to the 5 GHz frequency band and ensure your devices support 802.11ac or later.
Is it possible to play games over local network via Wi-Fi?
Yes, most modern shooters and strategy games support local network play via Wi-Fi. The key is to ensure stable ping (latency). If you experience lag, try moving closer to the router or using a wired connection for your desktop PC.
How do I find out my computer's IP address?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the section for your wireless adapter. It usually looks like 192.168.xx.