How to create a Wi-Fi network between 3 computers: 3 working methods

Connecting three computers to a local network via Wi-Fi is a task that arises when collaborating on projects, sharing files, or organizing multiplayer games. Unlike wired networks, a wireless connection requires consideration of topology, protocol limitations, and operating system settings. This article will help you understand how to properly set up such a network—both with and without a router, taking into account the nuances. Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux.

We will consider three main scenarios: creation adhoc networks (without a router), setting up via an existing Wi-Fi router and using the mode Wi-Fi Direct For direct connections. We'll pay special attention to common errors—from IP address conflicts to firewall issues—that often interfere with network stability. If you need to do more than just share the internet, but rather set up full-fledged interaction between devices (sharing folders, printers, or games), this guide will be helpful.

1. Methods for organizing a Wi-Fi network between 3 computers

The choice of method depends on your goals, available equipment, and connection speed/stability requirements. Let's consider the pros and cons of each option:

• 🔄 Ad hoc network (computer-to-computer) — the simplest method that doesn't require a router. Suitable for temporary tasks, but has limitations on the number of connected devices (usually no more than 8) and data transfer speed. Windows created through Network and Sharing Center, V macOS - through General access.
• 📡 Via a Wi-Fi router — the optimal option for a permanent network. All computers connect to a single access point, ensuring stability and the ability to access the internet simultaneously. Requires DHCP and shared resource configuration.
• 🤝 Wi-Fi Direct — a modern protocol for direct connections (like Bluetooth, but faster). It's not supported by all adapters, but it allows you to exchange files without a router. Windows available through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.

It is important to take into account that Ad-hoc networks in Windows 10/11 are limited to the WPA2-PSK (AES) protocol by default, and older devices may not support this standard.If one of the computers is running Windows 7 or an older version, you will need to manually specify a compatible security type (for example, WPA-PSK).

⚠️ Attention: When using an ad hoc network, the data transfer speed between devices will be lower than when connecting through a router, due to the peculiarities of the protocol. 802.11s (mesh networks). For transferring large files or streaming video, it's better to choose a different method.

2. Creating an ad hoc network in Windows (without a router)

This method is suitable if you do not have a Wi-Fi router, but have at least one computer with a wireless adapter that supports the mode Hosted NetworkThe instruction is valid for Windows 10/11:

1. Open command prompt as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)).

2. Enter the command to check for hosted network support:

   netsh wlan show drivers

   Look for the line Hosted Network Support: Yes. If there No, update your Wi-Fi adapter driver.

3. Create a network named MyWiFiNet and password 12345678 (replace with your own):

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyWiFiNet key=12345678

4. Start the network:

   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

After executing the commands on the first computer, other devices will be able to see the network MyWiFiNet in the list of available connections. Connect other computers to it using the specified password.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 after the update KB5028254 (May 2023) team netsh wlan start hostednetwork may not work due to changes in the service WLAN AutoConfigIn this case, use the alternative method via PowerShell or third-party utilities like Virtual Router Plus.

Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver|Check for hosted network support|Make sure your antivirus isn't blocking the network|Disable your VPN (if used)

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To allow other computers to see shared folders and printers, you must:

5. Enable on each computer file and printer sharing V Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.

6. Set the same working group (by default WORKGROUP) V System Properties → Computer Name.

7. Manually assign IP addresses within a single subnet (e.g. 192.168.137.1, 192.168.137.2, 192.168.137.3) with a mask 255.255.255.0.

3. Setting up a network via a Wi-Fi router

Using a router is the most reliable way to network three computers. Advantages: a stable connection, the ability to connect additional devices (smartphones, printers), and internet access. This guide is suitable for routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and others with support 802.11n/ac/ax.

Setup steps:

1. Connect the router to a power source and wait for it to initialize (the indicators should be steadily lit).

2. Connect one of the computers to the router via cable (via port LAN) or via Wi-Fi (the network name and password are indicated on the router sticker).

3. Open the router's web interface by entering into your browser 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the address is on the sticker). Log in (usually login/password - admin/admin).

4. Go to the section Wireless mode (Wi-Fi) and configure:

   • 📛 Network name (SSID): Come up with a unique name (eg. HomeOfficeNet).
   • 🔒 Security type: select WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK.
   • 🔑 Password: at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters.
   • 📶 Channel: select a fixed channel (eg. 6 or 11) to avoid interference.

Turn on DHCP server in the section LAN or Netso that computers automatically receive IP addresses.

After saving the settings, connect all three computers to the created Wi-Fi network. To test the connection between them, open a command prompt on each device and run:

ping 192.168.1.2

(replace 192.168.1.2 to the IP address of another computer). If the packets pass without loss, the network is configured correctly.

⚠️ Attention: If the router supports guest network, do not use it to connect computers together - in guest mode, devices are isolated from each other and will not be able to communicate.

How to find out the IP address of a computer on the network?

Open command prompt and type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux). Look for the line IPv4 address in the block Wireless LAN adapter.

4. Setting up shared access to files and folders

To enable computers to share files, you need to set up file sharing. Let's look at an example. Windows 10/11:

On the computer whose folders you want to open for the network:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Share.

2. Select a user All and press Add.

3. Set permission level: Reading (view only) or Reading and writing (editing).

4. Go to the tab Security → Change → Add → enter All → check the boxes for the required permissions.

On other computers:

5. Open Conductor → NetIf computers are not displayed, enter in the address bar \\192.168.1.2\folder_name (replace IP with the current one).

6. When connecting for the first time, enter the login and password for the computer account you are connecting to.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.

2. Turn on File sharing and add the folder to the list of shared resources.

3. On other computers, connect via Finder → Go → Connect to Server (enter smb://192.168.1.2).

5. Solving typical problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔌 Computers can't see each other on the network.:
  • Check if it is enabled File and Printer Sharing in the network settings.
  • Make sure that Function Discovery Resource Publishing Service (FDResPub) is running (check in services.msc).
  • Turn it off Windows Defender or antivirus software for 5 minutes - they can block SMB traffic.
• 🚫 Access denied when connecting to a shared folder:
  • Check the permissions in the tab Security in the folder properties.
  • Make sure that the computer you are connecting to has an account with a password enabled (a guest account will not work).
  • IN Windows 11 may need to be enabled Deprecated SMB 1.0 support V Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
• 🔄 Slow file transfer speed:
  • Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz (if supported) - it is less loaded.
  • Turn off power saving for your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
  • Try using a wired connection for one of the computers (hybrid network).

If the problem persists, check the event logs (eventvwr.msc in Windows) for errors related to Server or Workstation.

6. Alternative methods: Wi-Fi Direct and software solutions

If standard methods are not suitable, consider alternatives:

• 📲 Wi-Fi Direct:

  Allows you to connect devices directly, without a router. Windows 10/11 supported through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add Bluetooth or other device → Wireless display or dockThe speed is limited to ~250 Mbps, but this is enough for file transfer.

• 🌐 Programs for creating virtual networks:

  Utilities like Hamachi, Radmin VPN or ZeroTier Create encrypted P2P networks over the internet. Suitable for computers in different locations. The downside is the dependence on third-party software and possible limitations of the free versions.

• 🔗 Bridge between adapters:

  If one computer is connected to the Internet via cable and the others via Wi-Fi, you can create a bridged adapter: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → select both adapters → right click → Setting up the bridge.

For Linux (For example, Ubuntu) creation of an adhoc network is performed through nmcli:

nmcli dev wifi hotspot ifname wlp3s0 ssid MyLinuxNet password"12345678"

(replace wlp3s0 the name of your Wi-Fi adapter, which can be found using the command ip a).

7. Home Wi-Fi Network Security

When organizing a network between computers, do not forget about security:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords for Wi-Fi network (at least 12 characters with mixed case).
• 🛡️ Disable WPS in the router settings - this protocol is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 🌍 Hide your SSID (turn off network name broadcast) only if really necessary - this does not increase security, but reduces the number of connection attempts.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware — Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.
• 📊 Configure MAC address filtering (allow connection only for MAC addresses of your devices).

For additional folder protection:

• Create a separate account with limited rights specifically for network access.
• Use BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) to encrypt sensitive data.
• Set up Windows Firewall so as to allow connections only from the local subnet (for example, 192.168.1.0/24).

⚠️ Warning: If you use a public Wi-Fi network (for example, in a cafe) to connect computers, all transmitted data may be intercepted. In this case, be sure to use VPN or SSH tunneling to encrypt traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect computers with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) into a network?
Yes, but it requires:
• Use the same sharing protocol (eg. SMB for Windows/macOS or NFS for Linux).
• Set up the same workgroup (WORKGROUP).
• IN macOS You may need to enable support SMB1 in the terminal: sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.NetAuthSysAgent.plist EnableSMB1 -bool true.
Why is file transfer speed via Wi-Fi lower than via cable?
This is related to:
• Interference from other networks (use channels 1, 6, 11 in the range 2.4 GHz or go to 5 GHz).
• Protocol limitations 802.11 (maximum ~50% of the stated speed due to overhead).
• Wi-Fi adapter power saving settings (disable them in Device Manager).
To speed things up:
• Use the standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
• Connect one of the computers via cable (hybrid network).

How do I connect a printer to the network so that it is accessible from all computers?

Options:

1. Via a router with a USB port: Connect the printer to the router and enable the function USB server In the web interface, install the drivers on each computer, specifying the router's IP address as the printer's address.

2. Via Windows Sharing:

   • On the computer to which the printer is connected, open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
   • Select a printer → Manage → Printer Properties → Access.
   • Turn on General access and install drivers on other computers through \\computer_name\printer_name.

Can you use your smartphone as a hotspot to connect computers?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Create a hotspot on your smartphone (Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Access Point; iPhone: Settings → Tethering).
• Connect all computers to this network.
• Set up folder sharing as described above.

Restrictions:

• The speed will be lower due to mobile internet restrictions.
• Some operators block P2P connections on their networks.
• With a large volume of traffic, additional costs may apply (if mobile Internet is used).

How do I check which devices are connected to my Wi-Fi network?

Methods:

• Via a router: go to the web interface (usually 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless Mode → Client List or DHCP clients.
• Via the command line (Windows):

  arp -a

  All IP and MAC addresses of devices on the local network will be displayed.

• Using utilities: Wireless Network Watcher (Windows), nmap (Linux/macOS: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24).