Organizing data exchange between devices within an apartment or office is a challenge faced by every modern user. Instead of flitting between computers with a flash drive or uploading files to the cloud and waiting for them to download, it's much more efficient to set up a direct connection. Local area network Allows you to transfer gigabytes of information at the maximum speed available to your equipment and opens access to shared resources.
Creating such an infrastructure via a wireless connection eliminates the need to run cables across the entire room, spoiling the decor. All you need is a working Wi-Fi router and devices that support this communication standard. The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right approach, it only takes a few minutes.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of creation LAN segment Over the air: from checking router settings to sharing folders in the Windows operating system. You'll learn how to manage shared access, troubleshoot common connection errors, and keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Checking the basic router settings
Before moving on to the software on the computers, you need to make sure that the network equipment itself is configured correctly. All devices must be in the same subnets, that is, having IP addresses that begin with the same thing (for example, 192.168.1.x). If one computer receives the address 192.168.0.5 and another 192.168.1.5, they won't "see" each other without complex routing.
Log into your router's web interface, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the LAN settings section, make sure that it is enabled. DHCP serverIt automatically assigns addresses to connecting devices. If DHCP is disabled, you'll have to manually assign IP addresses to each device, which is inconvenient and error-prone.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network, devices on it are often isolated from the main network. To create a local network segment, connect all computers to the main SSID, not the guest SSID.
It's also worth checking your wireless settings. Make sure the standard is 802.11n or 802.11ac Enabled to ensure high transfer speeds. Older standards can severely limit bandwidth, making file sharing a chore.
Setting up a network profile in Windows
By default, the Windows operating system treats new connections as public, blocking your computer from being visible to others. To make your local network accessible, change the network profile to "Private." Open "Settings" from the Start menu and go to "Network & Internet."
From the list of available connections, select yours Wi-Fi adapterClick on the connection properties and in the "Network Profile" section, switch the dot from "Public" to "Private." This will tell the system that you are in a trusted environment and allow discovery of other devices.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient rules for firewallThe computer will become visible for search, and you'll be able to discover other PCs in the "Network" section. If this doesn't happen, you may need to configure additional sharing settings.
Configuring sharing settings
For the network to function properly, you need to enable discovery features. Go to "Control Panel" → "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings."
Here you'll see profiles for your private and guest networks. In the "Private (Current Profile)" section, enable the following options:
- 🔍 Enable network discovery.
- 📂 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 💻 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.
At the bottom of the window ("All Networks"), we recommend enabling password-protected sharing if you want to control who exactly connects to your resources. If your network is purely private and secure, you can disable password protection for easier access without entering a username and password.
☑️ Setting up sharing
Be sure to click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page, otherwise all settings will be reset when you close the window. After doing so, the system may ask you to confirm your administrator rights.
Sharing folders
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you need to select the data you want to share. Select a folder, right-click it, and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Settings."
Check the "Share this folder" box. Below, click "Permissions" to determine what other users can do. You can grant read-only permissions or full access, including editing and deleting files.
⚠️ Caution: Granting full access (modify and delete) to all network users may result in accidental loss of important data. Use this option only for work folders.
There's also a quicker way via the "Sharing" tab in the folder's properties. Select "Everyone" (or a specific user) from the drop-down list, click "Add," and set the permission level. This is a simpler, but less flexible, method.
How to open access to the entire disk?
Open "This PC," right-click a drive (e.g., D:), and select "Properties" → "Sharing" → "Advanced." Be careful: opening the entire drive makes all files on it visible, including system files unless they're hidden.
To access the shared folder from another device, open File Explorer, go to the "Network" section, and find the server computer name. If prompted for credentials, enter the username and password of the user you're logged into Windows with on the primary PC.
Comparison of connection methods
There are several ways to establish communication between devices, and the choice depends on your needs. A direct computer-to-computer (Ad-hoc) connection is possible, but requires complex setup and doesn't provide internet access without additional steps. Using a router is the de facto standard.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of different approaches to creating a local area network:
| Parameter | Via a Wi-Fi router | Direct connection (Ad-hoc) | Cross-over cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Depends on the standard (up to 1 Gbps) | Low, unstable | Maximum (1-10 Gbps) |
| Mobility | High | Low | Absent |
| Complexity | Low | High | Average |
| Internet access | Eat | Only through the gateway | Only through the gateway |
As can be seen from the table, wireless router Provides the best balance between convenience and performance for most home use cases. A cable connection remains relevant only for transferring large amounts of data or gaming servers, where minimal latency is essential.
Solving common visibility problems
It often happens that all the settings are correct, but the computers still can't see each other. First, check the "Simple Service Discovery Protocol Discovery Resource Publishing" service. It should be running and running automatically.
To check, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the services related to SSDP and UPnP in the list. If they are stopped, start them. The problem may also be caused by antivirus software blocking local connections, considering them suspicious.
Try pinging another device. Open the command prompt (cmd) and enter ping 192.168.1.X, where X is the address of the target computer. If there's a response but no folders, the problem is in Windows settings. If there's no response, the problem is at the network or driver level.
⚠️ Note: Windows and router settings interfaces may differ depending on the software version. If you don't see the described options, search for similar names in your OS version.
In some cases, resetting your network settings can help. In Windows 10 and 11, you can do this via Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. This will return all network components to factory defaults.
Local network security
An open local network is convenient, but potentially dangerous if an intruder connects to your Wi-Fi. Be sure to use a strong encryption protocol. WPA2-PSK or WPA3 on the router. The old WEP protocol can be cracked in a few minutes.
Use strong passwords for Windows user accounts. If you've disabled password protection for shared files, ensure your Wi-Fi network is securely protected. Anyone with your Wi-Fi password will be able to access your shared folders.
Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers often patch vulnerabilities that could allow external access to the local network. Modern routers often have a "Guest Network" feature, which is ideal for using for visitors' devices, leaving the main network for your trusted PCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to create a local network without a router?
Yes, this is possible. You can use a direct Wi-Fi connection between the laptops (using Wi-Fi Direct technology or creating a virtual hotspot) or connect them with a cable. However, in this case, you will likely not be able to access the internet on both devices simultaneously without special traffic forwarding settings.
Why does my computer require a password to access a shared folder?
This happens because password protection for sharing is enabled. The system requires user authentication. You can either enter the username and password of the primary computer account or disable this feature in the sharing settings (not recommended for public networks).
How to find out the IP address of a computer on a local network?
Open command prompt, enter the command ipconfig and press Enter. Find the "IPv4 Address" line in the section for your wireless adapter. This is the address by which other devices will find your PC.
Does the local network work via guest Wi-Fi?
Usually not. The "Guest Network" feature on routers specifically isolates clients from each other for security purposes. To create a local network, all devices must be connected to the main network.