Local network via Wi-Fi router: complete instructions from connection to setting up shared access

Creating a local network via Wi-Fi router — a challenge faced by both novice users and experienced home network administrators. A local area network allows you to share files between computers, use a shared printer, play online games, or control smart devices in your home without internet access. However, many people mistakenly believe that simply connecting to a single access point is enough; in fact, proper configuration is required for full functionality. IP addresses, network profiles and security parameters.

In this article, we will go through all the steps - from choosing a connection scheme to fine-tuning sharing in Windows, macOS And LinuxWe'll pay special attention to common errors that prevent devices from "seeing" each other, and how to fix them. If you want to connect a laptop, desktop PC, smartphone, or even Smart TV into a single network - this instruction will help you do everything right the first time.

1. Choosing a connection scheme: which is better – Wi-Fi or cable?

Before you begin setup, decide how exactly your devices will connect to the router. This will determine connection stability and data transfer speed.

There are three main options:

• 📡 Wi-Fi only — all devices are connected to the router wirelessly. Convenient for laptops, smartphones, and tablets, but speed may be limited by the standard. 802.11n/ac/ax and interference from neighboring networks.
• 🔌 Only via cable — computers are connected to the router via Ethernet (LAN port). Maximum speed (up to 1–10 Gbps (depending on the standard) and minimal delays, but requires cabling.
• 🔄 Hybrid scheme Some devices are connected via cable (e.g., a desktop PC), while others are connected via Wi-Fi (a laptop or smartphone). This creates the perfect balance between speed and convenience.

For a home network with 3-5 devices, we recommend a hybrid setup: connect desktop computers and NAS- drives via cable, and mobile devices via Wi-Fi. This will reduce the load on the wireless channel and speed up data exchange between wired devices.

⚠️ Warning: If you use mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest Wi-Fi), all nodes must be connected into a single network via the main router. Setting up local interaction between devices connected to different nodes of the mesh system may require additional steps (enabling AP Isolation in the settings).

2. Preparing the router: basic settings for a local network

For devices to communicate with each other, the router must be configured correctly. Key settings to check:

• 🔧 DHCP server is enabled - it automatically assigns IP addresses devices on the network. This is usually enabled by default, but it's best to make sure.
• 🔄 IP address range - should be sufficient for all devices (e.g. 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200).
• 🔒 Client Isolation (AP Isolation) is disabled — if this option is active, devices will not "see" each other.
• 📡 Same SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz — If your router supports both frequencies, use one network name so that devices automatically switch between ranges.

How to check the settings using a router as an example ASUS RT-AX88U:

1. Open your router's control panel by entering into your browser 192.168.1.1 (or another address indicated on the device sticker).
2. Go to the section Local Area Network (LAN) → DHCP Server.
3. Make sure that Enable DHCP server set to position Yes.
4. Check the IP address range (eg. 192.168.1.2–192.168.1.254).

For routers from other manufacturers (TP-Link, Keenetic, MikroTik) the path may differ, but the essence remains the same: you need to find the section LAN or Local area network and check the settings DHCP And AP Isolation.

⚠️ Attention: If you use the router in mode Repeater (repeater) or Bridge (bridge), the local network may not function correctly. In this case, configure the main router as an access point and connect the remaining devices to it.

Check if the DHCP server is enabled

Make sure AP Isolation is disabled

Set the same SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz (if supported)

Write down the router's IP address to access the settings.

Reboot your router after making changes-->

3. Setting up IP addresses: static vs. dynamic

For stable operation of the local network, it is important that all devices have correct IP addressesThey can be assigned in two ways:

For most home networks, this is sufficient. dynamic addresses (DHCP). However, if you are setting up network printer, media server or NAS, it's better to appoint them static IPso that they are always available at one address.

How to assign a static IP on Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Click on your network name and select Configuring adapter settings.
3. Right-click on the connection → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Select Use the following IP address and enter the data:
   • IP address: 192.168.1.100 (For example)
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Main gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your router's IP)
   • DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)

On macOS or Linux The process is similar, but the paths to the settings are different. For example, in Ubuntu need to edit the file /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml.

4. Setting up shared access to files and folders

Now that the devices are connected to the same network and have the correct IP addresses, you can configure public access to files. Let's look at the process using an example. Windows, as it is the most common system for home PCs.

Steps to set up sharing in Windows 10/11:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select on the left Change advanced sharing options.
3. Enable the following options:
   • 🔹 Enable discovery network
   • 🔹 Enable file and printer sharing
   • 🔹 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if used)

Save the changes.

Now you need to open access to a specific folder:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click General access... and select a user All (or a specific network user).
3. Set the access level (Reading or Reading and writing).
4. Go to the tab Security and add a user All with the necessary rights.

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Conductor and enter in the address bar \\192.168.1.100 (IP of the computer on which the folder is opened).
2. If you are asked for a login/password, use the account details from the computer where the folder is shared.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when connecting to a shared folder 0x80070035 ("Network path not found"), please check:

• 🔹 Is it disabled? Windows Firewall (temporarily) or an exception has been added for File and Printer.
• 🔹 Is the protocol enabled? SMB 1.0 (if using older devices).
• 🔹 Do they match? working groups on all computers (by default) WORKGROUP).

How to enable SMB 1.0 in Windows 10/11 (if required for older devices)

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.

2. Find Support for SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing and mark it.

3. Restart your computer.

⚠️ Use this protocol only if absolutely necessary - it is outdated and unsafe.

5. Sharing your printer and other devices

Setting up network printer It's similar to sharing folders, but has its own nuances. Let's look at the process for a printer connected to a computer on the network.

Steps for Windows:

1. Connect the printer to your computer and make sure it works locally.
2. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
3. Select your printer → Manage → Printer Properties → Access.
4. Mark Share this printer and set a name (for example, HP_LaserJet_Pro).
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Now connect the printer from another device:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
2. Select The printer you need is not in the list.
3. Specify the path to the printer: \\192.168.1.100\HP_LaserJet_Pro (Where 192.168.1.100 — IP of the computer to which the printer is connected).
4. Install drivers if necessary.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + → tab Windows.
3. Enter the IP address of the computer with the printer and select it from the list.

If the printer is connected directly to the router (via USB port or Ethernet), its configuration depends on the router model. For example, in Keenetic need to:

1. Connect the printer to the USB port of the router.
2. Log in to the router's web interface → Devices → Print Server.
3. Turn on Sharing a USB printer.
4. On computers, add the printer as a network printer, specifying the router IP (for example, http://192.168.1.1:631/printers/USB_Printer).

6. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setting up your local network, it's important to ensure all devices can see each other. To do this, perform the following checks:

1. Ping between devices

Open Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

ping 192.168.1.101

Where 192.168.1.101 — The IP address of another device on the network. If the ping succeeds (no packet loss), the connection is working.

2. Checking the network environment

IN Windows open Net V ConductorAll devices that have shared folders or printers should be displayed here. If the list is empty:

• 🔹 Make sure it is enabled on all devices Network discovery.
• 🔹 Check that working groups match (by default) WORKGROUP).
• 🔹 Turn it off antivirus or a firewall (temporarily) - they may block access.

3. Diagnostics through ipconfig

At the command prompt, enter:

ipconfig /all

Check:

• 🔹 IP address - must be within the range of your network (for example, 192.168.1.x).
• 🔹 Main gateway — must match the router's IP.
• 🔹 DNS servers - if not assigned, use 8.8.8.8.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

7. Local network security: how to protect data

A local network is vulnerable to internal attacks if untrusted devices are connected. Key security measures:

• 🔐 Change the default router password — use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Disable WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• 🌐 Use WPA3 (or at least WPA2-AES) for Wi-Fi encryption.
• 👥 Create a guest network for visitors' devices, it will be isolated from your local network.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware — Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.

How to set up a guest network using an example TP-Link Archer C7:

1. Go to the router's web interface.
2. Go to Wireless Mode → Guest Access.
3. Enable guest network and set up a separate SSID (For example, MyGuestWiFi).
4. Set a password and check Isolate guest users.
5. Save the settings.

Critical vulnerability: If your network contains devices with outdated firmware (such as IP cameras or smart plugs), they can become an entry point for hackers. Regularly check for updates for all devices through the manufacturers' mobile apps.

For additional protection, you can:

• 🔹 Set up MAC filtering (allow connection only to certain devices).
• 🔹 Disable UPnP - This protocol simplifies setup, but can be used for attacks.
• 🔹 Use VLAN (virtual networks) for traffic separation (available on advanced routers).

8. Alternative ways to create a local network

If setting up via a router doesn't work for some reason, you can use alternative methods:

1. Direct connection (Ad-Hoc)

Create a computer-to-computer network without a router. Suitable for temporary file sharing between two devices.

How to set up on Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
2. Select Wi-Fi and press Change.
3. Set the network name and password.
4. Turn on Mobile hotspot.

2. Programs for creating virtual networks

If your router doesn't support the required functions, you can use software:

• 🔹 Hamachi — creates an encrypted network over the Internet.
• 🔹 ZeroTier — a cross-platform solution for virtual LANs.
• 🔹 Radmin VPN — a free analogue for gaming networks.

3. Powerline adapters

If laying cables is inconvenient and Wi-Fi is unstable, you can use adapters Powerline (For example, TP-Link AV1000). They transmit data via electrical wiring:

• 🔹 Speed ​​up to 1 Gbps (really - 200–500 Mbps).
• 🔹 No additional cables required.
• 🔹 Suitable for multi-room apartments.

⚠️ Caution: When using Powerline- Both devices must be connected to the same power source (the same phase) when using adapters. If the outlets are connected to different circuit breakers in the electrical panel, the connection may not work.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a local network

Can devices from different subnets (e.g. 192.168.1.x and 192.168.0.x) communicate?

No, devices must be on the same subnet for communication to work (e.g. 192.168.1.x with a mask 255.255.255.0). If the router distributes addresses from different subnets, change the DHCP range or configure routing (on advanced routers).

How to connect a Smart TV or game console to a local network?

Most modern Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony) and consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) support access to network folders via the protocol DLNA or SMBTo make them see shared folders:

1. Make sure your TV/console is connected to the same router.
2. On your PC, turn on DLNA server (for example, through Windows Media Player or Plex).
3. On TV, open the app Media player or Photo/Video and select a source from the local network.

For Xbox or PlayStation You may be required to enter your IP address and PC login/password.

Why is the file transfer speed via Wi-Fi low (1–2 MB/s)?

Slow file transfer over Wi-Fi is usually caused by:

• 🔹 Channel overload — if many devices are connected to the router, they share the bandwidth.
• 🔹 Outdated standard - if the router or adapter only supports 802.11n (Max. 150–300 Mbps).
• 🔹 Interference - neighboring networks on the same channel.

Solutions:

• 🔹 Switch to range 5 GHz (if supported).
• 🔹 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (use Wi-Fi Analyzer for workload analysis).
• 🔹 Connect devices via cable to transfer large files.

Is it possible to create a local network without a router, using only Wi-Fi adapters?

Yes, that's what it's called Ad-Hoc networkTo do this:

1. On one of the computers, create an access point via Command line:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyAdHoc key=12345678
   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

2. On the second computer, connect to the created network MyAdHoc.
3. Set up file sharing as described above.

Restrictions:

• 🔹 The speed is lower than in the infrastructure network (via a router).
• 🔹 No internet access (unless configured) ICS — Internet Connection Sharing).

How can I make files in a shared folder accessible only to certain users?

Together