• Creating a network using a wifi router. Proper connection of computers via local network

    If there are several computers or other gadgets (tablets, phones, laptops) in the house that have the ability to connect to the Internet, the question arises of how to create a home network through a router with the ability to transfer data between all devices.

    To connect all devices to each other, you need a router, which will serve as a communication point. If you don't know, you can read it in one of my blog articles. Communication between the necessary equipment can be organized either via a wired or wireless connection; modern routers can use both types of connections.

    In order to create a home network through a wifi router, it is necessary to take into account that the wireless access point must be located in the center of this network and form a so-called “star” when all devices are connected. The Wifi router connects to the Internet via a cable provided by the provider and automatically distributes it to all devices connected to it.

    It is also possible to do without a router. However, this method is more labor-intensive.

    The wireless connection point has a “WAN” (Wide area network) port, which means it is connected to a global network. And the rest of the devices connected via cable are included in the local/home one and, accordingly, are connected via wire to any connector designated “LAN” (Local area network). On most routers, there are four data ports, which allows you to connect four computers via a wired connection. If it is necessary to expand the number of “LAN” ports (there are cases when four are not enough), then it is possible to use network switches. Using a network switch model with 8 ports, you will increase the number of connected devices by 6 pieces, since one port on the router and one port on the switch will be occupied by connecting to each other.

    In addition to a wired connection, the well-known wireless network can be used to create a private network; the combination “WLAN” is usually used to designate it.

    If you have a fairly large apartment area, then when connecting devices via Wi-Fi, a disconnection may occur due to a very weak signal in remote parts of the room. In this case, I suggest using or using

    Having chosen the type of connection, based on the capabilities of your devices and personal preferences, a so-called home network is organized through a router, allowing you to organize data transfer. However, in order for everything to work harmoniously, you need to make some more settings. It will be described below , how to create a home network via a wifi router on computers and laptops. You can read about connecting tablets and Android-based mobile devices in another article.

    Create a workgroup for your home network

    First, we need to create a working group that will include all the computers on our network. To do this, follow the following path:

    Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System

    Click on “advanced system settings” in the column on the left, the “System Properties” window will open. The default name of your workgroup will be WORKGROUP, but you can change it by clicking on the “Change” button.

    We carry out the same actions on all computers that will be connected to the access point.

    Create file and printer sharing

    If you do not perform these actions, then no matter what you share, access to this data will not be available. To do this you should follow the following path:

    Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center

    Several profiles will appear on the screen. Each profile must be shared and password protection disabled.

    When you create a home network via a wifi router, be sure to make the same changes on all computers.

    Access to folders and files

    If we want to be able to work with the files of a user on another computer, we need to share the necessary folders.

    On the folder for which we want to share, right-click and select from the pop-up menu Sharing >HomeGroup

    After these simple steps, the folder will be open to all users of the workgroup.

    I would like to note one more point: if you are unable to connect to any computer, be sure to check the settings of the standard and built-in firewall. It happens that there are different connections.

    If your home network via a wifi router is created correctly, then after logging in you will see the computers located in your group and the shared folders and files accordingly.

    That’s basically all the information on how to create a home network through a Wi-Fi router, but if you couldn’t handle the setup yourself, then leave your questions in the comments and I’ll try to answer them.

    If you want to play on two PCs without using the Internet, instantly transfer files from different devices without USB drives, then you need to know how to create a local network between two computers. This technology of connecting two PCs has been used for quite a long time, and even today it has not lost its relevance.

    Local network example

    A local network is a group of interconnected devices: PCs, televisions, printers, usually located no further than one room. The devices use shared memory and servers, thus complementing each other. This connection allows you to create a gaming area for several PCs, easily and fairly quickly transfer any data, print documents if one common printer is installed, and do much more. Connecting devices today most often occurs using a router, but other connections can also be used, which you can read about below.

    Creating a connection

    Creating a connection is quite easy, and also in different ways: through a router or cable. Setting up devices for both methods is quite similar. The difference lies mainly in the connection method: via cable or via Wi-Fi.

    Communication via Wi-Fi, which is used much more often today, can be much more convenient, but connecting two PCs with a cable will cost less if you have not yet installed a router for some reason.

    Connection via cable

    The oldest type of communication between two machines. All you need to do is connect an RJ45 network cable. The cable must be a crossover cable, although regular straight cables can often work for modern computers. Still, when purchasing, it is better to check the type of cable with the seller. When you add the ends of the crossover cable, the colors of the ends of the wires will differ - this is its main difference. Also, the connection requires network cards on both devices, but today they are already installed. You just have to note that if the network card is already occupied by connecting to the Internet, then you won’t be able to use it.

    This connection was just used before to play. But it may be convenient for some today, especially if you still have Windows XP, which has difficulty supporting wireless connections.

    After connecting the cable itself, you need to know how to set up a local network between two computers:

    • Control Panel, select the item related to network connections.
    • We select what we created there, right-click on it, select “Properties”
    • Next, depending on “Windows”: for Windows XP select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), for Windows 7/8/10 - Internet Protocol version 4.

    • Manually enter the IP address: 192.168.xxx.xxx. You can enter the last six digits yourself, the main thing is that they are not repeated on different devices.

    • On Windows 7, you will also need to go to the Network Control Center, there, through the “Settings” item, select “Private” for our network.
    • Then in Control Center, enable file sharing, network discovery, and disable password access protection.

    After this, you also need to set up sharing. This is done so that PCs can exchange any files. The methods vary on different OSes. On WindowsXP:

    1. Section Network connections, go to “Tools”, select “Folder Options”.
    2. “View” tab, check the box next to “Use simple file sharing”.
    3. Next, go to the “System Properties” window: RMB on “My Computer” - select Computer Name.
    4. Click “Change”, select “Is a member” of the working group. We come up with a common group name for both PCs.
    5. My computer, right-click on the hard drives (for example, Windows (C:)), in the “Access” tab, click on the link, set the sharing permission.

    That's it, access to the files on the selected disks is completely open. With Windows 7/8/10 we proceed as follows:

    • Control Panel, then Folder Options.
    • Check the “Use Sharing Wizard” checkbox.
    • The following steps will be the same as for XP.

    Connection via router

    This is the most convenient method, since it allows you to connect not only two, but a larger number of computers or other devices that support Wi-Fi. You can play over this connection without lengthy settings.

    IP addresses for such a connection will be set automatically. To use shared files, you will only need to share the files, and then add two computers to one workgroup, as described above.

    Now, to transfer files, you just need to enter the computer name using the address bar: \\name\. You can also do this through the Network Connections section. It is also worth securing your personal or especially important files so that no one can access them from a nearby computer. To do this, it is best to specify drives that do not contain information important to you. For example, it is better not to make the disk that contains user account data open to everyone, or, using the file and folder settings menu, restrict access to them: RMB on the desired folder, then select the sharing settings there.

    Playing on a local network

    So, we managed to connect two devices to the same network without the Internet, allowing them to exchange files. How to start playing on a local network?

    To do this, as a rule, you do not need to make any additional settings. We just turn on the game and, if you can play over a local connection, select the appropriate item, and then play over the one we have already created.

    Connection to a shared server may vary for different games. You will need to enter the IP or PC name somewhere. For Minecraft, Counter Strike, for example, you will need to create a server. But as a rule, everything is done quite simply.

    Hamachi

    This happens quite rarely, but sometimes a game does not allow you to play over the Internet, but allows you to play it over a local network. Don’t despair, even if it turns out that your friend lives far from you.

    The Hamachi program allows you to emulate a local connection and thus connect a PC to it via the Internet. To do this, you just need to download the program, register, and then create a new connection, give it a name and, if necessary, a password. After this, you can easily use this network to play.

    As you can see, connecting computers into a local network is a fairly easy process. It won’t take you much time, and you can connect two PCs, and then play with your friends, both being away from them and being in the same room with them.

    The methods for creating a connection are suitable for all Windows, from XP to Ten.

    Let's figure out how to set up a local network through a router and what it is, because many people in their apartment have several computers connected via Wi-Fi, and even more so, everyone has a gadget: a tablet, a smartphone, a desktop, with which it is convenient to lie on the couch. But how inconvenient it is when you want to transfer a photo or song from one computer to another, or from a phone to a tablet, for example, or to a desktop computer, because you can’t do it so easily over Wi-Fi. In this case, you have to struggle with wiring or flash drives, look for bluetooth, but the fact is that your WiFi router is essentially a single node, a server that connects these devices into one single local home Wi-Fi network! In this article I will tell you how to create a local network connection through a router, and you will no longer need to go for a flash drive and wires from your phone, you can do this while lying on your favorite sofa, transfer files from device to device via Wi-Fi File using shared network storage without making unnecessary movements.

    Scheme of connecting various devices to the Local Network via a WiFi router.

    Let's say a few more words about the local network and why we might need it. A wireless local network is essentially a kind of networked data storage, which is formed as a result of connecting several computer devices via Wi-Fi, a wifi router in this case as a server. Its purpose is not only to transfer files, but also to communicate with each other of all devices connected to it, you can communicate using it from neighboring rooms, play online games, for example Counter-Strike, and also connect other digital devices, for example create a connection to a network printer, scanner, camera and other devices that can connect to the router via Wi-Fi.

    Settings

    And so, we’ve figured out what, what, and why, let’s start setting up the local network. This setup is carried out in the same way on any Windows operating system, including the new Windows 10. It’s easy for us to make a local network connection, the fact is that if you use a WiFi Router, then you already have it and configured it, you just didn’t know about it! We only need to create shared access to all the necessary folders on computers, and they will automatically go to the network storage via Wi-Fi.

    Open the Network and Sharing Connection Center.

    Click on the network icon in the taskbar LMB or RMB (Right or left mouse button) to open the “Local Area Network or Sharing Connection Center”.

    In the “Network and Sharing Management Connection Center”, we check that our active network is the “Home Network”, a house must be built:

    The name of our WiFi network is indicated in bold at the top.

    Another type of network may be specified: “Enterprise Network” or “Public Network”, in this case, click on the link with the name and change the network type:

    Save the Home Group password for yourself and click Finish.

    Now our home local network has been created and we can connect to it via Wi-Fi.

    Changing the LAN password

    If you don't like remembering these scribbles, you can set your own password.

    Sharing files

    Our network storage is already configured, but we need to do an important thing, the fact is that by default access to all files and folders on computers is not granted and this must be done manually. There are two options, with and without password protection. For the home, of course, it’s convenient not to bother with passwords, so we’ll consider this option.

    Disable password for files

    Open changing homegroup settings, as described above.

    Click “Change advanced sharing settings.”

    Let's expand on both groups.

    We filled out the parameters of the first group, in the “General” group, fill everything in the same way, this group is intended when you have several accounts on your PC.

    Sharing folders

    Now everything is ready, all that remains is to open public access to those folders on the disk that we want to use and will automatically be visible to all devices connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi. I'll show you using my local drive as an example; you can do this with any folder on your computer.

    We can see that there are no files available on our local network yet, to do this, open “My Computer” and select the “Network” tab on the left in the menu.

    Click on the folder and select Properties.

    In the "Properties" window, open the "Access" tab, click on the "Advanced settings..." button

    Check the “Share this folder” checkbox and click OK.

    Connecting devices to the network

    Windows

    After a local network has been created on one of the computers, on other computers in the “Network and Sharing Connection Center”, in the view of active networks, the opportunity to join it will appear “Home group: Can join”. Click the link provided. If there is not one, then in order to be able to join a home group, you must set the network location to “Home network”.

    To change the network to Home, click on the “Public Network” link and select “Home Network”, after which the network type will change.

    We mark the necessary elements that will be publicly accessible from this computer. Click the Next button.

    Enter the password for our home group. Click the Next button.

    We check whether the files that we expanded on the main computer are available on the laptop.

    Similarly, you can allow sharing of all files and folders on any computer that is connected to the homegroup.

    Smartphone

    We've figured out Windows, let's figure out how we can see our shared files over Wi-Fi, for example, from a tablet or phone for Android OS. First we need a special program. I recommend that you download the ES Explorer program.

    Software launches.

    After the scan is completed, we have our files located on other computers that we have placed in our HomeGroup.

    Also not on the computer, we will see the files that are located on the Android device in the storage. The setup is complete.

    Useful to watch

    Video

    Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

    Why are local networks needed, and what are they? How to connect several computer devices to one Internet channel at once? What equipment is required to build a home network? You will receive answers to all these and other equally important questions in this material.

    Introduction

    Before you learn how to design and configure home local networks yourself, let’s immediately answer the most important question: “Why are they needed?”

    The concept of a local network itself means the unification of several computers or computer devices into a single system for the exchange of information between them, as well as the sharing of their computing resources and peripheral equipment. Thus, local networks allow:

    Exchange data (movies, music, programs, games, etc.) between network members. At the same time, to watch movies or listen to music, it is absolutely not necessary to record them on your hard drive. The speeds of modern networks allow this to be done directly from a remote computer or multimedia device.

    Connect several devices simultaneously to the global Internet through one access channel. This is probably one of the most popular functions of local networks, because these days the list of equipment that can use a connection to the World Wide Web is very large. In addition to all kinds of computer equipment and mobile devices, TVs, DVD/Blu-Ray players, multimedia players and even all kinds of household appliances, from refrigerators to coffee makers, have now become full participants in the network.

    Share computer peripherals , such as printers, MFPs, scanners and network attached storage (NAS).

    Share the computing power of computers of network participants. When working with programs that require complex calculations, such as 3D visualization, to increase productivity and speed up data processing, you can use the free resources of other computers on the network. Thus, having several weak machines connected to a local network, you can use their combined performance to perform resource-intensive tasks.

    As you can see, creating a local network even within one apartment can bring a lot of benefits. Moreover, having several devices at home that require an Internet connection has long been not uncommon, and combining them into a common network is an urgent task for most users.

    Basic principles of building a local network

    Most often, local networks use two main types of data transfer between computers - by wire, such networks are called cable and use Ethernet technology, and also using a radio signal over wireless networks built on the basis of the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is better known to users as Wi -Fi.

    Today, wired networks still provide the highest bandwidth, allowing users to exchange information at speeds of up to 100 Mbps (12 Mbps) or up to 1 Gbps (128 Mbps) depending on the equipment used (Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet). And although modern wireless technologies, purely theoretically, can also provide data transfer up to 1.3 Gbit/s (Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard), in practice this figure looks much more modest and in most cases does not exceed 150 - 300 Mbit/s. The reason for this is the high cost of high-speed Wi-Fi equipment and the low level of its use in current mobile devices.

    As a rule, all modern home networks are arranged according to the same principle: user computers (workstations) equipped with network adapters are connected to each other through special switching devices, which can be: routers (routers), switches (hubs or switches), points access or modems. We will talk in more detail about their differences and purposes below, but for now just know that without these electronic boxes, it will not be possible to combine several computers into one system at once. The maximum that can be achieved is to create a mini-network of two PCs by connecting them to each other.

    At the very beginning, you need to determine the basic requirements for your future network and its scale. After all, the choice of the necessary equipment will directly depend on the number of devices, their physical placement and possible connection methods. Most often, a home local network is combined and can include several types of switching devices. For example, desktop computers can be connected to the network using wires, and various mobile devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) can be connected via Wi-Fi.

    For example, consider the diagram of one of the possible options for a home local network. It will involve electronic devices designed for various purposes and tasks, as well as using different types of connections.

    As can be seen from the figure, several desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, set-top boxes (IPTV), tablets and media players and other devices can be combined into a single network. Now let's figure out what equipment you will need to build your own network.

    Network card

    A network card is a device that allows computers to communicate with each other and exchange data on a network. All network adapters can be divided into two large groups by type - wired and wireless. Wired network cards allow you to connect electronic devices to a network using Ethernet technology using a cable, while wireless network adapters use Wi-Fi radio technology.

    As a rule, all modern desktop computers are already equipped with Ethernet network cards built into the motherboard, and all mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) are equipped with Wi-Fi network adapters. At the same time, laptops and ultrabooks are mostly equipped with both network interfaces at once.

    Despite the fact that in the vast majority of cases, computer devices have built-in network interfaces, sometimes it becomes necessary to purchase additional cards, for example, to equip the system unit with a Wi-Fi wireless communication module.

    Based on their design implementation, individual network cards are divided into two groups - internal and external. Internal cards are designed for installation in desktop computers using interfaces and their corresponding PCI and PCIe connectors. External cards are connected via USB connectors or legacy PCMCIA (laptops only).

    Router (Router)

    The main and most important component of a home local network is a router or router - a special box that allows you to combine several electronic devices into a single network and connect them to the Internet through one single channel provided to you by your provider.

    A router is a multifunctional device or even a minicomputer with its own built-in operating system, which has at least two network interfaces. The first one is LAN (Local Area Network ) or LAN (Local Area Network) is used to create an internal (home) network, which consists of your computer devices. The second - WAN (Wide Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) is used to connect a local network (LAN) to other networks and the World Wide Web - the Internet.

    The main purpose of devices of this type is to determine the routes (routing) of data packets that the user sends to or requests from other, larger networks. It is with the help of routers that huge networks are divided into many logical segments (subnets), one of which is the home local network. Thus, at home, the main function of a router can be called organizing the transfer of information from a local network to a global one, and vice versa.

    Another important job of a router is to limit access to your home network from the World Wide Web. Surely you are unlikely to be happy if anyone can connect to your computers and take or delete from them whatever they want. To prevent this from happening, the data flow intended for devices belonging to a specific subnet must not go beyond its boundaries. Therefore, from the general internal traffic generated by local network participants, the router selects and sends to the global network only that information that is intended for other external subnets. This ensures the security of internal data and saves overall network bandwidth.

    The main mechanism that allows the router to limit or prevent access from the public network (outside) to devices on your local network is called NAT (Network Address Translation). It also provides all users of your home network with access to the Internet by converting several internal device addresses into one public external address, which is provided to you by your Internet service provider. All this makes it possible for computers on a home network to easily exchange information with each other and receive it from other networks. At the same time, the data stored in them remains inaccessible to external users, although access to it can be provided at any time at your request.

    In general, routers can be divided into two large groups - wired and wireless. Already from the names it is clear that all devices are connected to the first ones only using cables, and to the second ones, both with the help of wires and without them using Wi-Fi technology. Therefore, at home, wireless routers are most often used to provide Internet access and network computer equipment using various communication technologies.

    To connect computer devices using cables, the router has special sockets called ports. In most cases, the router has four LAN ports for connecting your devices and one WAN port for connecting your ISP cable.

    In order not to overload the article with redundant information, we will not consider in detail the main technical characteristics of routers in this chapter; I will talk about them in a separate article, on choosing a router.

    In many cases, a router may be the only component needed to build your own local network, since there is simply no need for the rest. As we have already said, even the simplest router allows you to connect up to four computer devices using wires. Well, the number of equipment that receives simultaneous access to the network using Wi-Fi technology can be in the tens, or even hundreds.

    If, at some point, the number of LAN ports on the router is no longer enough, then to expand the cable network, you can connect one or more switches to the router (discussed below), which act as splitters.

    Modem

    In modern computer networks, a modem is a device that provides Internet access or access to other networks through regular wired telephone lines (xDSL class) or using wireless mobile technologies (3G class).

    Conventionally, modems can be divided into two groups. The first includes those that connect to a computer via a USB interface and provide network access to only one specific PC, to which the modem is directly connected. In the second group, the already familiar LAN and/or Wi-Fi interfaces are used to connect to a computer. Their presence indicates that the modem has a built-in router. Such devices are often called combined, and they should be used to build a local network.

    When choosing DSL equipment, users may encounter certain difficulties caused by confusion in its names. The fact is that often in the assortment of computer stores, two very similar classes of devices are located side by side: modems with built-in routers and routers with built-in modems. What is the difference between them?

    These two groups of devices practically do not have any key differences. Manufacturers themselves position a router with a built-in modem as a more advanced option, equipped with a large number of additional functions and improved performance. But if you are only interested in basic capabilities, for example, such as connecting all computers on your home network to the Internet, then there is not much difference between modem-routers and routers where a DSL modem is used as an external network interface.

    So, to summarize, a modern modem with which you can build a local network is, in fact, a router with an xDSL or 3G modem as an external network interface.

    A switch or switch is used to connect various nodes of a computer network and exchange data between them via cables. The role of these nodes can be either individual devices, for example a desktop PC, or entire groups of devices united into an independent network segment. Unlike a router, a switch has only one network interface - LAN and is used at home as an auxiliary device primarily for scaling local networks.

    To connect computers using wires, like routers, switches also have special socket ports. In models aimed at home use, their number is usually five or eight. If at some point the number of switch ports is no longer enough to connect all devices, you can connect another switch to it. Thus, you can expand your home network as much as you like.

    Switches are divided into two groups: managed and unmanaged. The first, as the name suggests, can be controlled from the network using special software. Although they have advanced functionality, they are expensive and not used at home. Unmanaged switches distribute traffic and regulate the speed of data exchange between all network clients automatically. These devices are ideal solutions for building small and medium-sized local networks, where the number of participants in the exchange of information is small.

    Depending on the model, switches can provide a maximum data transfer speed of either 100 Mbit/s (Fast Ethernet) or 1000 Mbit/s (Gigabit Ethernet). Gigabit switches are best used for building home networks where you plan to frequently transfer large files between local devices.

    Wireless access point

    To provide wireless access to the Internet or local network resources, in addition to a wireless router, you can use another device called a wireless access point. Unlike a router, this station does not have an external WAN network interface and is equipped in most cases with only one LAN port for connecting to a router or switch. Thus, you will need an access point if your local network uses a regular router or modem without Wi-Fi support.

    The use of additional access points in a network with a wireless router may be justified in cases where a large Wi-Fi coverage area is required. For example, the signal strength of a wireless router alone may not be enough to completely cover the entire area in a large office or multi-story country house.

    Access points can also be used to organize wireless bridges, allowing you to connect individual devices, network segments or entire networks with each other using a radio signal in places where laying cables is undesirable or difficult.

    Network cable, connectors, sockets

    Despite the rapid development of wireless technologies, many local networks are still built using wires. Such systems have high reliability, excellent throughput and minimize the possibility of unauthorized connection to your network from the outside.

    To create a wired local network in home and office environments, Ethernet technology is used, where the signal is transmitted over the so-called “twisted pair” (TP-Twisted Pair) - a cable consisting of four copper pairs of wires twisted together (to reduce interference).

    When building computer networks, predominantly unshielded cable of the CAT5 category is used, and more often its improved version CAT5e. Cables of this category allow you to transmit a signal at a speed of 100 Mbit/s when using only two pairs (half) of wires, and 1000 Mbit/s when using all four pairs.

    To connect to devices (routers, switches, network cards, etc.), 8-pin modular connectors, commonly called RJ-45 (although their correct name is 8P8C), are used at the ends of the twisted pair cable.

    Depending on your desire, you can either buy ready-made (with crimped connectors) network cables of a certain length, called “patch cords”, at any computer store, or purchase twisted pair cables and connectors separately, and then make your own cables of the required size in the right quantity. You will learn how this is done in a separate material.

    Using cables to connect computers into a network, of course, you can connect them directly from switches or routers to the connectors on the PC’s network cards, but there is another option - using network sockets. In this case, one end of the cable is connected to the switch port, and the other to the internal contacts of the socket, into the external connector of which you can subsequently connect computer or network devices.

    Network sockets can be either built into the wall or mounted externally. Using sockets instead of protruding cable ends will give a more aesthetically pleasing look to your workspace. It is also convenient to use sockets as reference points for various network segments. For example, you can install a switch or router in the hallway of an apartment, and then thoroughly route cables from it to sockets located in all the necessary rooms. Thus, you will receive several points located in different parts of the apartment, to which you can at any time connect not only computers, but also any network devices, for example, additional switches to expand your home or office network.

    Another little thing that you may need when building a cable network is an extension cord that can be used to connect two twisted pairs with already crimped RJ-45 connectors.

    In addition to their intended purpose, extension cords are convenient to use in cases where the end of the cable ends not with one connector, but with two. This option is possible when building networks with a capacity of 100 Mbit/s, where it is enough to use only two pairs of wires to transmit a signal.

    You can also use a network splitter to connect two computers to one cable at once without using a switch. But again, it is worth remembering that in this case the maximum data exchange speed will be limited to 100 Mbit/s.

    For more information about crimping twisted pair cables, connecting sockets and the characteristics of network cables, read the special material.

    Now that we've become familiar with the basic components of a local area network, it's time to talk about topology. In simple terms, a network topology is a diagram that describes the locations and methods of connecting network devices.

    There are three main types of network topologies: Bus, Ring and Star. With a bus topology, all computers on the network are connected to one common cable. To unite PCs into a single network using the “Ring” topology, they are connected in series, with the last computer connecting to the first. In a star topology, each device is connected to the network through a special hub using a separate cable.

    Probably, the attentive reader has already guessed that to build a home or small office network, the “Star” topology is predominantly used, where routers and switches are used as hub devices.

    Creating a network using the Star topology does not require deep technical knowledge and large financial investments. For example, using a switch that costs 250 rubles, you can connect 5 computers into a network in a few minutes, and using a router for a couple of thousand rubles, you can even build a home network, providing several dozen devices with access to the Internet and local resources.

    Another undoubted advantage of this topology is good expandability and ease of upgrading. Thus, network branching and scaling is achieved by simply adding additional hubs with the necessary functionality. You can also change the physical location of network devices or swap them at any time in order to achieve more practical use of the equipment and reduce the number and length of connecting wires.

    Despite the fact that the Star topology allows you to quickly change the network structure, the location of the router, switches and other necessary elements must be thought out in advance, in accordance with the layout of the room, the number of devices being connected and how they are connected to the network. This will minimize the risks associated with purchasing unsuitable or redundant equipment and optimize the amount of your financial costs.

    Conclusion

    In this material, we examined the general principles of building local networks, the main equipment that is used and its purpose. Now you know that the main element of almost any home network is a router, which allows you to network many devices using both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) technologies, while providing them all with an Internet connection through one single channel.

    Switches, which are essentially splitters, are used as auxiliary equipment for expanding connection points to a local network using cables. To organize wireless connections, access points are used, which allow using Wi-Fi technology not only to connect all kinds of devices wirelessly to the network, but also to connect entire segments of the local network together in a “bridge” mode.

    To understand exactly how much and what kind of equipment you will need to purchase to create a future home network, be sure to first draw up its topology. Draw a diagram of the location of all devices participating in the network that will require a cable connection. Depending on this, select the optimal location for the router and, if necessary, additional switches. There are no uniform rules here, since the physical location of the router and switches depends on many factors: the number and type of devices, as well as the tasks that will be assigned to them; layout and size of the room; requirements for the aesthetic appearance of switching nodes; possibilities for laying cables and others.

    So, as soon as you have a detailed plan for your future network, you can begin to select and purchase the necessary equipment, install it and configure it. But we will talk about these topics in our next materials.

    Wi-Fi is a ubiquitous technology; in apartments with Internet access, a wireless Wi-Fi network is a must-have. Some advantages: inexpensive - one, wireless - two, reliable - three. It’s also easy to manage the network with your own hands, even to the point of independently solving the problem “why doesn’t the Internet work via Wi-Fi?”

    There are many misconceptions about Wi-Fi. Especially for those who have not had much experience with wireless Internet. And so the questions arise: how to connect Wi-Fi? Which provider should I contact?

    Correct answers: connect exclusively with your own hands - it’s easier and more reliable; Any provider will do - preferably one that already services your apartment. Details below, in simple language.

    Quick educational program: Wi-Fi for beginners

    Wi-Fi is an ordinary computer network. An ordinary wired “grid” - only without wires. In the Caucasus and Central Asia, it is customary to call a wireless network cheerfully, but lovingly, “wai-wai,” or even “wah-wah.”

    Strictly speaking, Wi-Fi is just a wireless data transmission technology. But in everyday life, by this word we usually understand the presence of the Internet - there is “Wai-Wai”, which means there is the Internet. And the Internet is a network, and any network must have some kind of connecting link that connects everything together. In a Wi-Fi network, this link is the router.

    A router can be compared to a radio station and a receiver, only it combines both: it transmits data and receives it. Devices, such as a laptop, connect to it over the air (Wi-Fi) and communicate with it. In this case, the router becomes an intermediary “translator” between the laptop and the Internet provider - it establishes a dialogue between them. Other devices, such as a desktop computer, can also be added to this connection. And now the router connects the provider (Internet), the laptop and the computer, and they all communicate with each other.

    Diagram - how a router connects the Internet and computers...

    Wireless router is the heart of a Wi-Fi network

    A Wi-Fi network has a center - a router (also known as a router). A nice box the thickness of a cigarette pack, with antennas and LED “lights”.

    What are the tasks of a Wi-Fi router?

    • receive Internet from a provider;
    • distribute the received Internet to smartphones and laptops, tablets and desktops - in general, to all devices with Wi-Fi support. Within a radius of up to 30-50 meters. No more - in the conditions of urban concrete-brick buildings and several walls;
    • connect several devices with Wi-Fi to each other - create a network between them.

    The heart of Wi-Fi is a wireless router

    Router price– 15-60 dollars. The desired range is 20-40. More expensive models, priced from $50-60, are needed for specific needs: connecting a printer or external hard drive, installing a torrent client on it, or other tech-geeky goodies.

    Any device can connect to the router: tablets, smartphones. Modern TVs, video surveillance systems, and even refrigerators with vacuum cleaners are also connected to the Wi-Fi network. With every Wi-Fi-enabled device, the router finds its own language automatically and no drivers are needed for this.

    How to choose a router for Wi-Fi: criteria and parameters

    Home router price

    Preferably from 20 to 50 dollars for a modern model. Cheap devices are famous for “sores,” say, from overheating. More expensive models are needed only when their owner knows what non-standard functions he really needs (like a torrent client, broadcasting the Internet from 2-3 sources at once instead of one).

    Router make/brand

    TP-Link devices have proven themselves to be excellent: attractive, reliable, technologically advanced - for every taste. They, like representatives of D-Link products, belong to the “plug and forget” class for several years. In principle, finding a very low-quality router on sale requires effort. The device is quite simple, and therefore only very cheap “Chinese” people have outright farts.

    How many antennas do you need?

    The more the better? Not at all. The speed and range will not be better (unless an equally three-antenna mobile phone or other device is paired with a three-antenna router). In other cases, it's just marketing.

    Routers by connection type

    Where does the Internet come from at home? That's right, from the provider, but what type of connection does it have? Among the options:

    • fiber optic(in fact - a network LAN cable), also known as Ethernet. Typical speeds range from 5-10 Mbit/sec to theoretical gigabit. The fiber optic line itself is not led to the apartment/computer, but to the entrance, to the provider “box”. From this “box” the usual copper LAN cable snakes into the apartment. Its connector is very similar to a standard telephone connector, only larger;

    At the top is the LAN network connection port, at the bottom is the ADSL “telephone” connector. It is through them that the Internet “comes” to the router and is “distributed” via Wi-Fi.

    It is very important to choose modem routers according to your connection type. The ADSL router will not work with mobile providers. The LAN router will also be a saboteur if you try to make it work with dedicated/4G.

    So, you need to know the type of your Internet connection - and accordingly choose a wireless router according to this parameter. There are also universal routers with two or more connection types: for example, a 3/4G router gets along quite well with both ADSL and a LAN cable. You can use only one provider, and keep the second connection as a backup (in case of emergency, when moving, or when changing Internet provider). However, usually the second type of connection in a router remains idle for years, and costs an additional 5-15 dollars upon purchase.

    Finally, there are wireless Wi-Fi routers that do not provide connections to external networks or the Internet at all. Home/office devices work perfectly with each other and with such an “isolated” router, but are not able to access the Internet through it.

    Routers by type of ports and connectors

    A router for Wi-Fi networks is a real mini-computer. Its functionality goes far beyond a simple connector. The more connectors and ports it has, the more functional it is.

    Among the standard router connectors:

    From left to right: antenna connector, power supply, factory reset button, USB port, WAN port, antenna connector, LAN network ports - and again the antenna connector.

    • power connector: This is usually a round plug. He is always present, but it’s not really about him;
    • LAN network ports: as a rule, there are from 1 to 4 of them (not counting the WAN port for connecting to the provider). The most convenient thing when you have only a desktop computer at home without a Wi-Fi adapter. We connect this computer to the network by wire and save on purchasing a wireless adapter. It’s great when LAN ports support modern high-speed connections of 1 Gbit/sec – and bad (even if cheap) when they are limited to the rapidly becoming obsolete speed of 100 Mbit/sec. This speed is not “external”, but intranet: it is at this maximum speed that your wired computers will communicate with each other and with the wireless segment;
    • USB ports: 1, less often 2 or 3. An excellent solution for connecting a network printer, or a flash drive, or an external hard drive. Is it convenient to download torrent files without turning on your main PC? Or print documents on a printer that is always connected to the local wireless network. Sometimes USB ports support the connection of 3G (4G) modems from mobile operators: it’s great to have a backup communication channel at hand;
    • SIM card slot– usually present in routers designed to connect to the mobile Internet.

    Selecting a Wi-Fi network standard

    There are these:

    • 801.11ac: the most modern and fastest Wi-Fi standard. A router of this class can be recommended for purchase, as well as the next n-standard. Such a model costs a little more - it is an investment with an eye to a faster device. Yes - it’s not a fact that your current devices will be able to operate at standard speeds ac. In theory, this is up to a gigabit, or even one and a half - but only in theory: under ideal conditions, short distances, a bunch of antennas (on the router and on the receivers).
    • 801.11n: This standard is quite modern. Works great with ancient networks b And g(and therefore often denoted by the letters b/g/n). Data transfer rates are more difficult than they were in the g-class era, but in practice you can count on a 2-4 times increase in practical speed for the same range. Devices (receivers) supporting 801.11n are the most common on the market even in 2017.
    • 801.11g: includes legacy support b, supports speeds up to 54 Mbit/s. Routers in this category were common until about 2010, then they began to die out...
    • 801.11b: they say that someone even saw this dinosaur from the deep past “alive”...

    So, according to the Wi-Fi network standard, you should choose either a completely modern router 801.11 n, or ultra-modern 801.11 ac. And ignore:

    1. legacy 801.11g.
    2. marketing lures such as Gigabit WAN, 1000 Mbit and other WiGig. Although there is an interesting standard 801.11ad: the highest speed, but at minimum distances (5-8 meters) within line of sight. A specific device for special needs, there are enough such standards.

    Setting up Wi-Fi the first time you turn it on

    The router has been selected, purchased and unpacked; The provider has been supplying Internet to homes for several years now. How to connect Wi-Fi with your own hands?

    1. Power supply (included in the kit) - into the outlet and into the router itself.
    2. LAN cable (must also be included in the kit, up to a meter long) - one end into the computer/laptop, the other into the router.
    3. The router power button is in the “on” position. That's it, the process of turning on and setting up has begun!

    Router indicators - useful information for setup and use

    Router indicators, from left to right: turning on (Power), connecting to the Internet, Wi-Fi distribution, connections via network cables (1-4). Other models may have different indicators (or none), and the location of the indicators varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

    The “light bulbs” of the device are very useful. The user needs them like a driver needs a speedometer. Indicators are responsible for displaying the following information:

    • Power: the presence of current in the wires and microcircuits of the device. Normal indication is constant, even light;
    • ADSL/3G/WAN: the presence of at least some signal from the provider: this is not yet the Internet, but... Normal indication: either steady light or “blinking”;
    • Internet: a switched on (or blinking) indicator indicates the presence of the Internet already in the router “box”. When first turned on and before setting, this LED is usually turned off;
    • LAN (1-4): the presence of “communication” between the router and the computer to which the router is connected by a network cable. The normal indication is frequent flickering of the port to which the cable (and, accordingly, the computer) is connected.
    • WiFi: LED blinking means Wi-Fi is running. It often works the first time it is turned on, even before setting up the network.

    You can configure and manage a Wi-Fi network exclusively through a browser. All access to the “control panel” and router chips is carried out exactly this way - through the web interface. No more difficult than accessing an e-mail mailbox.

    Why do you need to set up a Wi-Fi router: password and other goodies

    Three things need to be done with the future Wi-Fi network (in principle, it has already appeared within the walls of the house):

    • protect connections with a password so that only you and your loved ones can connect to this network;
    • set a convenient name and other parameters for the network (optional);
    • “connect” the Internet from the provider with your own wireless network.

    How to log into the router

    You need to open your browser and go to the router’s address on the newly created local network (it was “born” when you connected the router to your computer via a LAN cable). This address is always written either on the case itself or in the connection instructions. There are usually two options: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.0 (there are dots between the numbers, no dots at the end). It is not necessary to enter “www” and “http://” - the browser itself will substitute the necessary characters.

    Did you type it into the address bar? Press Enter on the keyboard and find yourself in the “security zone” of the router. Here you need to enter your login and password to access. This data is also present either on the device body or in the “manual” instructions. The most popular “pair” for authorization among all manufacturers:

    • login: admin
    • password: admin

    And here we are “inside” the router. Although the settings interfaces differ from model to model, there are general principles. Having understood the setup of one router, the user can easily work with completely different models, and even the language barrier will not be a problem. By the way, oddly enough, it is preferable to work with the English interface: even famous manufacturers have such “jambs” in translation that you are amazed. In English, everything is standard, and the words are familiar.

    The main settings window for the TP-Link ADSL router. We are interested in the menu on the left. Namely, the Wireless section.

    The settings section required for working with Wi-Fi is located on the left in the menu - this is Wireless(wireless). For other models, a similar section may be called WiFi or WLAN- synonyms, what can you do?

    Basic Wi-Fi network settings

    Basic Wi-Fi network settings

    The three checkmarks at the top indicate:

    • Turn on (enable) wireless network. By default, Wi-Fi is already turned on;
    • Hide (hide) Broadcasting the wireless network name. Paranoid mode: other people's devices will not “see” your wireless network without special preparation. The problem is that you won’t have to connect your new devices in the easiest way. We don’t recommend this mode for home use: what’s wrong with neighbors knowing the name of the Wi-Fi network?
    • Isolating devices from each other (Clientsisolation): an infrequent function, when enabled, each device will only be able to work with the router (receive Internet from it), but will not be available to other devices. The husband's laptop will not be visible from the wife's smartphone, and vice versa. Convenient for organizing public access points, but looks a bit strange for a home.

    Below is a field for setting the name of your network (SSID/Wireless network name) - convenient so as not to get confused among the numerous neighboring “Connection_28153”, “TP-Link_2343434”, “Dlink-124”. The home network of the author of the article is called Home. Boring and unoriginal, but clear.

    Create another network with the unpronounceable name TP-Link_CA8458 among dozens of neighboring ones? No, it’s better to have something more personal. Home (“house”) in our case.

    Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi routers

    1. Do I need to turn off my router at night?

    No, that doesn't make much sense. And energy consumption is minimal.

    2. Buy Wi-Fi routers from a local store.

    Ordering from overseas or from the capitals is a thankless task. The reason is that local sellers offer products that are adapted specifically to local conditions. What is the use of an expensive router brought from America that cannot work with the Omsk frequency ranges of a mobile provider (a real and frequent case from practice). Local sellers are usually able to guarantee smooth operation of their product with local Internet providers.

    3. What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to a Wi-Fi router?

    Briefly: maximum 10-15 devices.

    Theoretically, the restrictions are very small. Because everything is limited by the number of devices with a unique IP in the current network. Each new device receives its own unique IP and the entire range of such IPs is: 192.168.1.1 , 192.168.1.2 … 192.168.1.253, 192.168.1.254 . That is, theoretically, you can connect more than 200 devices. But in practice, no router can withstand so many operations. A router is a small computer with narrow tasks, and in order to connect devices it has to encode and decode signals. If there are a lot of such signals, then the router’s processor simply cannot cope with the task, and it will freeze. Of course, routers are different: strong and weak, expensive and cheap. Therefore, it’s difficult to say for sure, but from experience I can say this: you can connect up to 10-15 devices. If more, then even with insignificant activity, the router will not withstand...

    3. What can you say about branded Wi-Fi routers from Apple or Google?

    Funny devices with stupid limitations. About how to make a separate electrical outlet from the same Apple for connecting MacBooks. And fasten it with kosher screws with an apple brand (yes, this is banter). There are few benefits, to put it mildly. However, there are “bitten fans”, such routers are made just for them...

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