Home network via Wi-Fi router: creation and configuration

Introduction

Wi-Fi is rapidly breaking into our lives. The wireless module is equipped with laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even that technique, which, obviously, is not designed for it: refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, irons, washing machines, stoves, air conditioners. Suppose you do not have such an abundance of smart technology, but if there are several PCs at home, then the question may arise how to create a home network.

Home network makes it easy to exchange data between devices

Previously, this would have to lay the meters of wires, get confused in them, stumble. Now, when many people have a Wi-Fi router at home, you can organize and configure a local network through it very quickly. Consider this process closer.

Why do you need it

Working with several PCs, sometimes you need to transfer files between them, print a document on a remote printer, watch a video or listen to music from another device. So as not to run around the house with a flash drive, it is recommended to deploy a local network through a router.

Configure the router

If you already use a wireless connection at home, you can skip this step. If you are still going to configure the router, enter the settings using a browser (192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1), add a login and password (initially in most cases it is admin / admin, admin / parol).

In the Wireless Network tab, change the connection name, password, and encryption protocol. We recommend to choose WPA2-PSK, it is the safest. Save the installation, restart the router.

Change network type

In Windows 7, the network types are Home, Enterprise, and Public, and in Windows 8, 8.1, 10, Private and Guest or Public. Home group can be created only with the type of "Home" or "Private". When the OS is initially connected, it makes a request for detection, agree with it.

  • In the tray, right-click the connection icon - Network and Sharing Center.
  • In the line "View active networks" notice the name of the connection and its type.
  • To configure the required type:
  • Windows 7
  • Click on the icon of the Internet - "Home Network".
  • Windows 8, 8.1
  • Open the side menu by clicking Win + I or hovering the mouse to the right edge of the screen.
  • Change computer settings - Network - Connections - the name of the connection.
  • Activate the "Search for devices and content."
  • Windows 10
  • Start - Settings - Network and Internet - Ethernet (Wi-Fi is the name of your connection).
  • When connecting via cable, click on the connection name and activate the “Make this computer available for detection” slider.
  • When communicating via Wi-Fi under the list of connections, click "Advanced Settings" and make the computer available for detection.

From now on, it is possible to set up a local group through a router at home.

Change PC name

This item is optional, but it is better to replace the name of the PC, as it is automatically assigned in the form of an alphanumeric code, then it will be difficult for you to navigate the names. To customize the name of the laptop, do the following:

  • Click the “My Computer” icon on the desktop with the right mouse button (Windows 7) or launch the Explorer - My Computer (on Windows 8–10).
  • System Properties - Advanced System Settings - Computer Name - Change.
  • Come up with a convenient name - OK - Apply, then restart Windows.
  • Repeat the procedure on each device.
  • Creating a homegroup
  • Go to the Network Control Center.
  • In the line "Home group", select "Ready to create."
  • Create Homegroup - Next - Select files and devices to share - Next.
  • Write down the password, and click Finish.

The group with the ability to access through the router is ready. You can connect other devices.

Connect to homegroup

To add other devices to the newly created group via Wi-Fi, on the connected PC in the Network Control Center in the lower left corner click on “Home Group” - Join. Enter the password, specify the shared folders. Restart all connected devices.

To make sure that the communication between the laptops is working at home, go to Windows Explorer, in the Network tab all available devices will be presented. With a home printer, you can even print documents from any connected device.

Creating a shared folder

Initially, sharing via a router is provided to several folders. But you can easily expand almost any. To do this, right-click on the desired folder - Properties - Access - Share, after which it will appear in the explorer.

In addition, if you do not need network printing at home, you may not create a group at all. Simply share the required folders using Explorer on each laptop.

Sign in with other devices

It is possible to get into the home network from any device on Android or iOS. It is enough to use the file manager with the function of remote access. Scan the available devices, connect for acquaintance with shared folders.

Conclusion

Now you know what you need, how to deploy and configure a local network at home using a router. It is quite simple, but quite a lot of amenities. You can share files directly via Wi-Fi, without using tools, and print documents using a remote printer.

Also note that from time to time a variety of errors may occur. Try disabling anti-virus with Windows Firewall and repeat all over again.

Do you use a local group at home through a router? Did our guide help you? We are glad to receive comments from you.