How to create a local Wi-Fi network via a router: a complete guide with settings

A local Wi-Fi network allows you to connect all your home devices—computers, smartphones, TVs, and printers—into a single system for file sharing, internet sharing, and even multiplayer gaming. But many people run into problems: why don't devices see each other, how do they set up sharing correctly, or why is data transfer speeds slow?

In this article you will find Step-by-step instructions for creating a local network via a Wi-Fi router taking into account the characteristics of different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik). We'll cover not only basic setup but also solutions to common problems, from incorrect IP addresses to device name conflicts. And for those looking to optimize their network, we'll also include tips on increasing file transfer speeds and ensuring security.

Important: If you plan to connect devices with different operating systems (for example, Windows 11 And macOS Ventura), pay attention to the section on cross-platform compatibility - there are nuances there that are often overlooked.

1. What is needed to create a local Wi-Fi network?

Before you begin setting up, make sure you have everything you need:

• 📶 Wi-Fi router with standard support 802.11n/ac/ax (for stable operation it is better Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6). Models from will fit. TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55, Keenetic Extra and similar.
• 💻 Two or more devices (computers, laptops, smartphones, Smart TVs) that need to be connected to the network. Please note: for full file sharing between Windows And Android Additional applications may be required.
• 🔌 Power supply for the router and devices. If you plan to connect a printer or NAS drive, check that there are enough ports. LAN on the router.
• 📄 Login details for the router control panel (usually indicated on a sticker on the case): IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.1), login and password.

It is also worth deciding in advance type of local network:

• 🔄 Peer-to-peer network (peer-to-peer) – all devices are equal, suitable for home use. Setup is simpler, but there are fewer control options.
• 🖥️ Dedicated server network — a single device (e.g., a NAS or a powerful PC) controls access. Used in offices or for storing large amounts of data.

⚠️ Note: If your router is older than 2018, check if it supports modern security standards. WPA3Otherwise, the network will be vulnerable to attacks, especially if it is connected to devices with Android 10+ or iOS 14+.

2. Setting up a router for a local network

The first step is to properly configure the router itself. Without this, devices won't be able to "see" each other, even if they're connected to the same network.

2.1. Login to the control panel

Open a browser on any device connected to the router and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is typically:

• 192.168.1.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link)
• 192.168.0.1 (For ASUS, Netgear)
• 192.168.1.254 or my.keenetic.net (For Keenetic)

Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/blank password). If the data is not suitable, reset the router settings using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds).

2.2. Configuring DHCP and local network

In the control panel, find the section Local Area Network (LAN) or DHCPYou need:

1. Make sure that DHCP server is enabled (it automatically assigns IP addresses to devices).
2. Check IP address rangeFor example, if the router has the address 192.168.1.1, then the range for devices can be 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200.
3. Ask subnet mask - usually 255.255.255.0.

Example settings for TP-Link:

⚠️ Important: If you manually assigned a static IP address to a device (for example, a NAS or printer), make sure it's not in the DHCP range. Otherwise, conflicts may occur, and the network will periodically drop.

DHCP server enabled|IP range does not overlap with router address|Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0|Changes saved and router rebooted-->

3. Configuring devices to work on a local network

Now you need to configure each device that will participate in the local network. Let's look at the most common cases.

3.1. Setting up Windows 10/11

On Windows necessary:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet/Wi-Fi (depending on the connection type).
2. Make sure that network profile installed as Private network (not "Public"). This is required to enable network discovery.
3. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings and turn on:
   • Network discovery
   • File and Printer Sharing
   • Automatic configuration on network devices

To share files, create a shared folder:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access.
2. Click Share and select users (eg All).
3. In the section Security Add read/write permissions.

3.2. Configuring macOS (Ventura and later)

On Mac the process is simpler:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Turn on File sharing and add folders to the shared list.
3. In the section Parameters mark Sharing via SMB (for compatibility with Windows).

3.3. Setting up Android and iOS

Mobile devices don't support full file sharing over a local network out of the box, but there are workarounds:

• 📱 For Android: use apps like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer with support SMB (protocol for accessing network folders).
• 🍎 For iPhone/iPad: install Files (built-in application) and connect to the network drive via Connect to the server (enter smb://IP-address-of-PC).

4. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setup, check if the devices can see each other. To do this:

1. On Windows open Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

   ping 192.168.1.101

   (replace 192.168.1.101 to the IP of another device on the network). If the packets pass without loss, the connection is working.

2. On macOS/Linux use Terminal and the same team ping.
3. Check the visibility of devices in Network environment (Windows) or Finder → Network (macOS).

Typical problems and their solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If you use VPN or proxy If you have any devices running on your network, disable them before testing them. They may be blocking network discovery.

How to find the IP address of a device on the network?

On Windows: Open Command line and enter ipconfig — look for the line IPv4 address.

On macOS/Linux: in Terminal complete ifconfig (For Wi-Fi look for the section en0 or wlan0).

On Android: Settings → About phone → Status → IP address.

On iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network

5. Optimizing your local network: speed and security

The basic setup is complete, but the network can be improved. Here are some tips:

5.1. Increasing file transfer speed

• 🔄 Use range 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz - it is less loaded and supports higher speeds (up to 1 Gbps on Wi-Fi 5 and above).
• 📡 If the signal is weak, install repeater or use Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or ASUS ZenWiFi).
• 🔌 For stationary devices (PC, Smart TV, NAS) it is better to use LAN cable - it is more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.
• 🛠️ Enable it in your router settings Qos (Quality of Service) and set priority for local traffic.

5.2. Improving security

• 🔒 Change your default Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Turn it off WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
• 🌐 Turn on WPA3 (if supported) or WPA2-AES instead of the outdated one WPA-TKIP.
• 👤 Create guest network for devices that do not need access to local resources (e.g. guest smartphones).

Critical Information: If your network includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)-enabled devices, but your router is older than 2019, they will operate in Wi-Fi 5 compatibility mode, losing up to 40% speed. Update your router firmware or consider upgrading to a newer model.

6. Advanced local network capabilities

A local network can do more than just share files. Here are some useful scenarios:

6.1. Printer Sharing

To make the printer accessible to all devices:

1. Connect the printer to the router via USB (if there is a port) or to one of the PCs.
2. On the PC with the printer, open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
3. Select a printer → Manage → Printer Properties → Access.
4. Turn on Share this printer and install drivers on other devices.

6.2. Media Streaming (DLNA)

To stream movies and music from your PC to Smart TV or smartphone:

• 🎬 Install on PC Plex Media Server or turn on DLNA V Settings → System → Media Transfer (Windows 11).
• 📺 Open the app on your TV DLNA (For example, Smart Share on LG or AllShare on Samsung).
• 📱 Use on your smartphone VLC or BubbleUPnP.

6.3. Local game server

For multiplayer games over a local network:

• 🎮 In the game settings, select Local Area Network (LAN) instead of an internet server.
• 🔧 On your router, open ports for the game (for example, 25565 For Minecraft).
• 📡 To minimize lags, use LAN cables or Wi-Fi 6.

7. Alternative ways to create a local network

If setting up via a router is difficult, there are other options:

• 🔗 Ad-hoc network (direct connection between devices without a router). Suitable for temporary file sharing. Windows created through Command line:

  netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=MyPassword
  netsh wlan start hostednetwork

• 🌐 P2P programs (For example, Radmin, TeamViewer, ZeroTier). They allow you to create a virtual local area network even via the Internet.
• 📡 Powerline adapters (data transmission via electrical wiring). Useful when the Wi-Fi signal is weak and running cables is inconvenient.

⚠️ Caution: When using Ad-hoc network speed will be limited by the standard Wi-Fi the weakest device. For example, if one of the laptops only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), the maximum speed will be ~150 Mbps.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi local area networks

Is it possible to create a local network without a router?

Yes, with the help of Ad-hoc networks (on Windows) or functions like Wi-Fi Direct (on Android). However, such networks are less stable and do not support many devices simultaneously.

Why are devices connected to the same network but cannot see each other?

There are several reasons:

• Disabled Network discovery on Windows.
• Different working groups (by default WORKGROUP on Windows, HOME on macOS).
• Blocking firewall or antivirus.
• The devices are connected to different VLAN (if the router supports this function).

How to transfer files between Android and iPhone over local network?

Use cross-platform applications:

• Send Anywhere — transmission by code or QR.
• LocalSend - open analogue AirDrop.
• Feem — creates a local chat for file sharing.

Native means of exchange between Android And iOS not possible due to different protocols.

How do I restrict access to shared folders for specific devices?

On Windows:

1. Open Folder Options → Security → Edit.
2. Delete the group All and add specific users or IP addresses.
3. Set permissions (Reading, Recording, Full access).

You can block access on your router MAC address in the section Access control.

Why is file transfer speed via Wi-Fi lower than via cable?

Wi-Fi is always slower LAN because of:

• Interference from other networks (especially in the range 2.4 GHz).
• Limitations of the standard (for example, Wi-Fi 4 maximum ~300 Mbps, and Gigabit LAN — 1000 Mbit/s).
• Encryption overhead (WPA3 reduces speed by ~10%).

For critical tasks (such as backup to NAS), use a cable.