How to Connect to a Local Area Network via Wi-Fi: 4 Proven Methods

Local area network via Wi-Fi It allows you to share files, play online games, or control devices without wires or additional equipment. However, many users encounter problems: computers don't "see" each other, data transfer speeds are poor, or settings are lost after a reboot. In this article, we'll look into these issues. all current connection methods — from creation ad-hoc-networks in Windows before setup Peer-to-Peer on Android And iOSYou'll learn how to get by without a router, which protocols will provide maximum speed, and why it's sometimes easier to use Hotspot mode on your smartphone instead of complex settings on your PC.

Despite their apparent complexity, most methods only take 5–10 minutes to set up. The key is to choose the right method based on your devices and goals. For example, for transferring files between two laptops, Wi-Fi Direct, and for playing on a local network it is better to create ad-hoc- fixed-line network IP-address. We'll also reveal secrets for troubleshooting common errors, such as "Network without internet access" or "Device not responding."

At the end of the article you will find FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions and a comparison table of methods based on speed, reliability, and setup complexity. And if you need to connect devices with different operating systems (for example, Windows 11 And macOS Ventura), we will explain in detail what protocols and settings are required for this.

1. What is a local area network via Wi-Fi and why is it needed?

Local Area Network (LAN) By Wi-Fi — is the connection of several devices into a single network without using wires. Unlike a traditional wired network (Ethernet), here data is transmitted via a radio frequency channel, which provides freedom of movement and simplifies the connection of mobile gadgets.

Main usage scenarios:

• 📁 File sharing between computers, smartphones or tablets without cloud services (for example, Google Drive or Yandex Disk). The transmission speed can reach 300–1000 Mbps depending on the Wi-Fi standard (802.11n/ac/ax).
• 🎮 Online games via a local network (for example, Minecraft, Counter-Strike or GTA V) with minimal delays (ping < 10 ms).
• 🖨️ Connecting peripherals: printers, Smart TV, media players or smart home systems (Mi Home, HomeKit).
• 🌐 Internet Sharing from one device to another (for example, from a smartphone to a laptop).

Advantages of a Wi-Fi network over a wired one:

• ✅ Mobility: You can move within the coverage area.
• ✅ Easy to connect: no need to lay cables.
• ✅ Versatility: supported by all modern devices.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Dependence on interference: Walls, other networks or microwave ovens may degrade the signal.
• ⚠️ Limited speed: even in standard Wi-Fi 6 the actual speed rarely exceeds 800 Mbps (against 1–10 Gbps via cable).
• ⚠️ Security: Open networks are vulnerable to data interception (solved by encryption) WPA3).

⚠️ Warning: If you are setting up a network to transfer confidential data (such as work documents), be sure to use WPA3 encryption and a complex password. Networks with WEP or open (No Security) can be easily hacked in a few minutes.

2. Method 1: Creating an ad-hoc network in Windows (without a router)

Ad-hoc (from Latin "for this") is a temporary network created directly between devices without a router. The method works in Windows 7/10/11 and allows you to connect up to 8 devicesSuitable for gaming, file transfer, or internet connection through one of the devices ("bridge").

Step by step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Setting up a new connection or network → Setting up a wireless computer-to-computer network.
3. Set network parameters:
   • 🔹 Network name (SSID): any (for example, MyAdHocNet).
   • 🔹 Security type: WPA2-Personal (recommended).
   • 🔹 Security key: the password is not shorter 8 characters.

Activate the option Save settings for this network and press Next.

After creating the network, connect the second device:

1. On the second PC/laptop, find the created network in the list Wi-Fi.
2. Enter the password and connect.
3. To share files, please enable File and Printer Sharing V Additional sharing options.

If the network does not appear or the devices do not see each other:

• 🔄 Reboot Wi-Fi adapter V Device Manager.
• 🛠️ Update your adapter driver (especially relevant for Realtek And Broadcom).
• 📡 Check if your adapter supports the mode ad-hoc (some budget models only work in the mode Infrastructure).

Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver|Disable your antivirus/firewall|Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (IP 192.168.xx)|Check ad-hoc support in your adapter settings-->

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 create option ad-hoc-the network may not be available via the graphical interface. In this case, use command line (instructions below) or third-party utilities like Connectify.

3. Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD) for Ad-hoc

If the GUI doesn't work or you prefer manual configuration, create a network via CMDThis method is universal for all versions. Windows and allows you to flexibly customize the parameters.

Open Command prompt as administrator and execute the commands in order:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyAdHocNet key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

Where:

• ssid=MyAdHocNet — network name (replace with your own).
• key=12345678 — password (minimum 8 characters).

To stop the network, use:

netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

To automatically start the network when you turn on your PC, create .bat-file with command netsh wlan start hostednetwork and add it to Autoload.

If the network does not appear after executing the commands:

• 🔧 Check if your adapter supports Hosted Network (team netsh wlan show drivers — look for the line Hosted network support: yes).
• 🔄 Reinstall the adapter driver (download the latest version from the manufacturer's website).
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus (they may block network creation).

4. Method 3: Wi-Fi Direct for Android, iOS, and Windows

Wi-Fi Direct — is a standard that allows devices to connect directly without a router. It is supported by all modern smartphones (Android 4.0+, iOS 7+), laptops (Windows 8.1+) and many Smart TVThe data transfer speed can reach 250 Mbps (in standard 802.11ac).

How to connect with Android on Windows:

1. On your smartphone, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (on some devices the option is hidden in Additionally).
2. On your PC, turn on Wi-Fi and find your smartphone in the list of available networks (may be called DIRECT-xx-{device name}).
3. Connect using PIN or confirmation on the smartphone screen.

To transfer files:

• 📱 On Android use the built-in File Manager or apps like Send Anywhere, Feem.
• 🖥️ On Windows files will be available through Network environment or Conductor (enter \\Device_IP address in the address bar).

Peculiarities Wi-Fi Direct:

• ✅ Works without a router or internet connection.
• ✅ Supports up to 8 devices simultaneously.
• ⚠️ The speed is lower than in ad-hoc (because of the protocols Miracast or DLNA, used for compatibility).
• ⚠️ On iPhone functionality is limited (for example, you can't transfer files directly to Windows without additional applications).

If the devices do not see each other:

• 🔄 Reboot Wi-Fi on both devices.
• 📱 On Android check if it is turned on Wi-Fi Direct in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times).
• 🖥️ On Windows update the driver Wi-Fi adapter (especially if he is from Realtek).

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on iPhone?

There is no classic Wi-Fi Direct on the iPhone, but similar functionality is implemented through AirDrop (for sharing files with other Apple devices) and Hotspot (for Internet sharing). To connect to other operating systems (for example, Windows), you will need third-party applications like Feem or LocalSend, which create a local network via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

5. Method 4: Access Point Mode on a Smartphone

The easiest way to connect devices via a local network is to use a smartphone as access pointThis method is suitable if you need:

• 📶 Share Internet from your phone to your laptop/PC.
• 🔗 Connect several devices to one network (for example, for gaming).
• 🖥️ Connect Smart TV or a printer to a local network.

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Wireless & networks → Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Select Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Set up:
   • 🔹 Network name (SSID).
   • 🔹 Password (minimum 8 characters).
   • 🔹 Range: 2.4 GHz (best compatibility) or 5 GHz (high speed).

Connect other devices to the created network.

Instructions for iPhone (iOS):

1. Open Settings → Tethering.
2. Turn on Allow others.
3. Set a password (the default password is Apple ID, if you haven't changed it).
4. Connect devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Setup takes time 10 seconds.
• ✅ Works on all devices (including Smart TV and game consoles).
• ✅ You can share the Internet from a mobile network (4G/5G).

Flaws:

• ⚠️ Quickly drains your smartphone battery.
• ⚠️ Limit on the number of connected devices (usually 5–10).
• ⚠️ On iPhone Cannot change network name (SSID) - it will always be iPhone ({username}).

⚠️ Attention: On some mobile operator tariffs, Internet distribution via access point may be blocked or subject to additional charges. Check your plan's terms in your personal account.

6. Setting up file and printer sharing

After creating a local network, you need to configure it public access, so that devices can share files or use shared resources (such as a printer). Let's consider the setup for Windows And macOS.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Control Panel → Network Settings → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on:
   • 🔹 Network discovery.
   • 🔹 File and Printer Sharing.
   • 🔹 Password-protected sharing (Disable if you want easier access).

Click Save changes.

To share a folder:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Select Share and specify the users (eg All).
3. Click Share.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Activate File sharing and select folders to share.
3. IN Parameters Specify which users can connect (eg. Guest or specific accounts).

If devices cannot see shared folders:

• 🔧 Check that both devices are in the same working group (WORKGROUP For Windows, LOCAL For macOS).
• 🛡️ Turn it off firewall or add an exception for File and printer sharing.
• 📡 Make sure that IP addresses devices are on the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.x).

7. Troubleshooting: Why devices can't see each other

If the local network is configured but the devices are not connecting, check the following:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Devices don't see the network	Incompatible Wi-Fi standards	Set up the network in mode 802.11n (2.4 GHz) for maximum compatibility
No access to shared folders	The firewall is blocking access	Add an exception for File and printer sharing in the firewall settings
Low transmission speed	Interference from other networks	Change the Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6 or 11 (for 2.4 GHz) or use 5 GHz
Constant connection breaks	Power Saving turns off Wi-Fi	Turn it off Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power in the adapter properties
The internet doesn't work via the bridge.	Incorrect NAT settings	Turn on Internet Connection Sharing in the properties of the main network adapter

Additional tips:

• 🔧 If you use ad-hoc, check that both devices have static IP addresses from the same subnet (for example, 192.168.0.1 And 192.168.0.2).
• 📡 For Wi-Fi Direct on Windows You may need to install additional drivers (for example, Intel Wireless Display For WiDi).
• 🛠️ If the network is unstable, try turning it off 802.11r (Fast Transition) in the router or access point settings.

How to check local network speed?

Use utilities like iPerf3 or LAN Speed TestFor testing between two PCs:

1. On the first PC, start the server: iperf3 -s.
2. On the second PC, connect to the server: iperf3 -c {IP address of the first PC}.
3. Check the output speed (it should be close to the maximum for your Wi-Fi standard).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect devices with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) via a local network?

Yes, but the protocols need to be configured correctly. To exchange files between Windows And macOS/Linux use SMB (enabled in sharing settings). Linux You may need to install a package samba (sudo apt install samba). For Android And iOS It's easier to use apps like Feem or LocalSend.

How to increase file transfer speed over Wi-Fi?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi standard and settings:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz (less interference).
• 🔧 Turn on WMM (QoS) in the router or access point settings.
• 🖥️ For Windows activate SMB 3.0 and turn it off LSO (Large Send Offload) in the properties of the network adapter.
• 📡 Reduce the distance between devices or use Wi-Fi repeater.

Why does it say "No Internet access" when connecting to an ad-hoc network?

This is fine - ad-hocThe network doesn't provide internet access by default. If you need internet:

1. On a device connected to the internet, open Connection properties.
2. In the tab Access Allow other users to use this connection.
3. Select the created one ad-hoc-network in the list Connecting a home network.

Is it possible to play over a local network via Wi-Fi without lag?

Yes, but ping will be higher than via cable. To minimize delays:

• 🎮 Use 5 GHz (less interference).
• 🔧 Set up static IP for all devices.
• 🖥️ Disable background downloads and updates on all PCs.
• 📡 Reduce the distance between devices or use Mesh system.

For competitive games (CS:GO, Valorant) it is better to use a wired connection.

How to connect Smart TV to a local network via Wi-Fi?

The methods depend on the model. TV:

• 📺 Via a router: connect TV and other devices to the same network.
• 📱 Via a hotspot on a smartphone: turn on Modem mode on your phone and connect TV to the created network.
• 🖥️ Via Wi-Fi Direct: activate Wi-Fi Direct on TV (on the menu Net) and connect from your PC/smartphone.

To transfer files to TV use DLNA (built in Windows Media Player) or applications like BubbleUPnP.