• Create a local network between three computers. How to set up a local network via a Wi-Fi router? Detailed instructions using the example of TP-Link TL-WR841N

    The number of office equipment and other gadgets in ordinary apartments and houses is already growing exponentially. In this regard, novice users are often interested in the question - how to make a home local network and set up a connection between two computers or laptops.
    Despite the fact that from the outside it all seems complicated, in fact everything is very easy and simple to do. and now I will tell you how. First, let's break it down possible options creating a small home network. There are two main methods - cable and using wireless equipment.

    Wired network connection

    This is the classic way to connect a computer to a computer in single network, which has been in use for several decades. It is simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive.

    Today, a network card of the FastEthernet (10/100 Mbps) or GigabitEthernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) standard is found in any modern system unit or laptop, which means in the simplest case you only need network cable(patch cord). Like this:

    To create a network, a special 2 or 4 pair cable is used" twisted pair" standard cat.5e. At both ends it must be tucked into a special connector - RJ45. Moreover, the wiring should be tucked into it not anyhow, but in a special order, which is called a “layout diagram”. Today there are two such schemes - 568A And 568B:

    Usually the lace is crimped at both ends either according to one or the other pattern. This patch cord is called “straight”.
    If you want to connect two computers or laptops together, then in this case you need to use a “return” cable, the so-called Cross-Over. It is crimped at one end according to pattern 568A, and at the other end according to pattern 568B.

    Crimped Ethernet cable using a special tool - a crimper. They can remove the insulation, trim the ends and clamp them into the connector. A professional networker will do this within a minute. U regular user it will take a little more time, but it is still quite feasible and accessible.

    Now let's look at the main options for how to connect a network between two computers or laptops.

    1. Direct cable connection

    This option is the simplest and cheapest. It implies that you will only connect two PCs.

    It requires a reverse network patch cord (cross-over), which I mentioned above. We connect one end of it to the first computer, and the other end to the second computer. The main disadvantage of this method is that it allows you to create a network between two PCs and that’s it. There is no way to add a third one here.

    2. Connection via a switch (hub)

    This option is used by most local networks in various institutions, companies, schools, and universities. To connect workstations, a special network device is used - a switch, which is popularly called a “Switch”:

    By the way, many people, out of old habit, call the switch a “hub”. This is not entirely correct. A hub is a simpler and “dumb” device that has not been on sale for more than 10 years, since they have not been produced for a long time. This circuit, like the next one, uses regular straight patch cords.

    3. Home router

    This option is the most correct from the point of view of construction small networks. The main device in this scheme is the router:

    It controls the home local network - it issues dynamic IP addresses via DHCP for computers, connects to the Internet and distributes it to clients. In terms of cost, it is the most expensive, since a normal home router will cost you 2,000 rubles and more.

    WiFi network

    This method is much younger than the good old cable network, but it is simpler and more convenient, provided that you have a WiFi adapter on both PCs.

    No need additional cables or tool. Moreover, you can create not just a computer-to-computer network, but an entire hotspot, to which you can also connect tablets, phones or Smart TVs, and also distribute the Internet to them if it is connected to the main device.

    The wireless network is organized as follows. We select one computer to be the main one. On it we will create virtual point access. To do this we launch command line with administrator rights. You need to write two commands in it. The first command specifies the parameters of the Wi-Fi being created, namely the name (ssid) and password. Example:

    netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="moi-wifi" key="wifipassword" keyUsage=persistent

    Here the parameter "SSID" is the name of the grid that other devices will see in the list of available ones, and KEY is the password for connection. After entering, press the "Enter" button.

    The second command is:

    netsh wlan start hostednetwork

    It launches the created virtual WiFi hotspot into operation:

    After that, you can try connecting other gadgets to this Wi-Fi. If you suddenly need to turn off the virtual access point, type the command:

    netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

    Perhaps the only inconvenient point is that you will have to start WiFi distribution every time you turn on this computer.

    Setting up a local network between computers in Windows 10

    Attention: If you have everything organized through a router, then you can safely skip this paragraph.

    Connecting computers with a cable is only half the battle. You also need to properly configure the network between the two computers. To do this, you need to open the list of network Windows connections by pressing the Win+R key combination and entering the command ncpa.cpl.

    A list of connections will appear, from which you must select “Local Area Connection” or “Ethernet” in the case of a cable connection and “Wireless Network” in the case of WiFi:

    Right-click on it to make a menu appear and select “Properties”. The following window will open:

    Double-click on the line “Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IPv4” to open another window:

    Here you need to put a dot checkbox on the value “Use the following IP address”. We register the IP address of the first computer 192.168.1.1 with mask 255.255.255.0 .

    On the second computer you need to take the following IP address in order - 192.168.1.2 with mask 255.255.255.0 :

    Click the "OK" button to apply the settings. Now, in principle, computers should see each other.

    You can check this via the command line using the test utility ping. Let's ping the second computer from the first one. To do this, run the command line Windows string 10 and enter the command ping 192.168.1.2. If everything is fine, the result will be like this:

    That is, packets are being exchanged, there are no losses - everything is fine. If the IP address does not respond, check the TCP/IP protocol parameters on it, as well as the firewall or firewall settings. The fact is that by default they can block the ICMP protocol on which the Ping utility runs.

    In the same way, we ping the first from the second computer using the command :

    So, you and I were able to create a local network between two computers or laptops. And then you need to open access to each computer over the network, that is, so that you can go from one to another via a Network connection and download or upload files. To do this, open the Network and Sharing Center and go to Additional options public access:

    Here you need to check the following boxes for your current network profile:
    - Enable network discovery
    - Enable file and printer sharing
    - Allow Windows to manage local group connections.
    Click on the "Save changes" button.

    Now you can try to log in from the first PC to the second PC using the usual data transfer protocol for Windows - Samba. To do this, go to it either through the network environment, or by entering its IP directly into address bar conductor. Like this:

    Please note that the address must be preceded by two backslashes - "\\". If you put two ordinary slashes - “//”, then smart Windows 10 would consider this as a use http protocol://, which means it will try to open a site with that address and, of course, will generate an error.

    If suddenly, when you try to log in to neighboring computer over the network, a request for login and password pops up, this means that your system has disabled account"Guest". To activate it, you need to launch the command line with Administrator rights and enter the command:

    net user guest /active:yes

    This is what successful execution looks like:

    After this, when you log into your computer over the network, you should see a list of available folders and files. If a printer is connected to it, then it can also be made network and used together.

    The development of electronics has led to cheaper computer equipment, and, as a result, second computers began to appear in users’ apartments, and after this the question arose “How to set up a local network between two computers?”

    Connecting computers

    The simplest way to connect two computers is to connect with a cable. Let's figure out how to set up a network cable between two computers.

    Please note that the cable must be special. Essentially, this is the same eight-core twisted pair, but the only difference is that the ends of this cable are crimped differently. The cable is also called a crossover cable. If you look at the crossover cable connectors, you will notice that the green and orange pairs of wires switch places. This cable is inserted into the network card slot of one and the second computer.

    Now let's see how to set up a network between two computers. After you have connected the computers to each other, we will necessary settings so that the computers can see each other. First you need to give the computers different names and place them in the same workgroup.

    Did you know that the first test of network data transmission technology took place on October 29, 1969 in the USA?

    Setting up a network in Windows XP

    Setting up a network between two Windows xp computers is done as follows: right-click on the “My Computer” icon, open the context menu and click “Properties”, select the “Computer name” tab, click the “Change” button. You can also give your computer a new name through “Start” (see image). In the "Computer name" field, write, for example, "Comp1", and for the second computer - "Comp2". Name the workgroup, for example, “OFFICE” (this name will be the same for both computers). Click OK and restart your computer.

    Now let's see how to set up communication between two computers. To do this, you need to set IP addresses for each computer. Click the "Start" button, select "Settings" and "Network Connections". Here, right-click on the connection icon and open the “Properties” item.

    On the "General" tab, select "Internet Protocol (TCP\IP)" and click the "Properties" button. Select the "Use the following IP address" setting and fill in the fields with the address and mask for the first (for example, 192.268.100.240 and 255.255.255.0, respectively) and for the second computer (for example, 192.268.100.245 and 255.255.255.0, respectively). Save the settings by clicking OK. The local network between two Windows XP computers is ready.

    We make sure that everything works by launching the command line (Start, Run, typing cmd) and sending the command ping 192.268.100.245 from the first computer. If everything is correct, then a message will appear as a response stating that 4 packets were sent and 4 packets were received.

    Provided that one of the PCs is connected to the Internet (for example, via a USB modem), you can set up a network between two Windows XP computers, through which the Internet will be distributed to the second computer. To do this you need in the properties network connection switch to the "Advanced" tab and check the box that allows other users to access the Internet. Now you know how to create a network between Windows xp computers.

    Once you've set up your local network, you may need to configure your printer to print from computers on that network. Recommendations on this topic are given. About setup Skype programs on Windows laptop 7 read.

    Setting up a network in Windows 7/8

    Let's see how to configure a local network of two windows computers 7. Click the "Start" button, right-click on the "Computer" line and click "Properties". In the "System" window that opens, click the "Change settings" button. In the “Computer name” tab, also click the “Change” button and set the names of the computers and the name of the workgroup. Reboot your computer.

    How to connect several computers to each other and to the Internet, distributing the same speed to the Internet? Through such connections, you can not only use files located on another PC, the Internet, but also printers that are connected to any link of this network. Let's try to consider all the options for setting up a local network, from the simplest to the complex.

    Let us divide the sequence of actions into two stages.

    First, let’s analyze and discard the option when you only need to divide the Internet.

    Connecting 2 or more computers to the Internet in one apartment without creating a local network

    There are several ways to solve this issue:

    1. Installing a router (router)- allows each computer to have access to the Internet without connecting the second one to the network. Since the IP address (identification details of a computer on the network) is assigned directly to the router, you will have one tariff for the provision of Internet services, and the Internet can be used by two computers at once.
    2. Wi-fi technology - wireless connection to the network. It is possible when using a special set of equipment and its configuration.

    1st stage. Setting up a local network

    How to connect two computers to a network (Network Bridge)

    One of the computers connects to the Internet, the second computer connects to the first. The main disadvantage in this case is that in order for the second computer to connect to the network, the first computer must also be on the network. And also, if your connection to the Internet is via a network card, then you need an additional network card to connect the second computer to the first, because the built-in network card is already occupied (it receives the Internet).

    To connect two computers to each other and to the Internet via a Network Bridge, you will need:

    1. Special cable (twisted pair) and possibly an additional network card.

    Twisted pair cables can be obtained at radio markets or in specialized stores. It is made independently, using a special tool called a “crimp” and based on the required length of the cable itself. The pinout can be found on the Internet. Or you can ask to crimp the “vita” directly on the radio market (tell the seller that you need to crimp it for the connection type “via network cards” or “comp-to-comp”, there is also a “comp-switch”) or buy a ready-made cable (if available), but it may be short. There is no factory-assembled cable like this, there is only a “comp switch” on sale, you can buy it, but then one end is cut off and crimped.

    A twisted pair is an 8-core cable (eg UTP-5) with RJ-45 connectors. The ends of the cables are specially crimped. tool (special pliers) into the connectors in accordance with the colors of the ends. The order of crimping the network cable is as follows: BO-O-BZ-S-BS-Z-BK-K at both ends to connect to the hub. To connect a computer to a computer, one of the sides must have: BZ-Z-BO-S-BS-O-BK-K, where O-orange, Z-green, S-blue, K-brown, BO-white-orange, etc. etc. (don’t go into too much detail, but give the cable to knowledgeable people for crimping).

    Twisted pair ($2-2.5 - 3 m)


    Crimping tool

    So, using “twisted pair” we connect computers card-to-card (computer-to-computer connection type)!

    Network card ($3-6)

    2. After connecting 2 computers via cable, you need to configure them programmatically.

    It is necessary that the computers be in the same working group, in the same address range and with different network names. The settings for these parameters are shown in the graphic diagram:


    In this case, it is also advisable to set the IP addresses and subnet mask manually (the subnet mask is formed automatically when the IP address is specified). IP addresses can be selected in the range 192.168.0.xxx. In this case, on all computers on the local network, the IP address must begin with “192.168.0.xxx”, and the last three digits (xxx) must be different (otherwise there will be a conflict, since this is equivalent to two different houses having the same same address), and be in the range 0 - 255. The IP address setting is shown in the graphic diagram:


    2.2. Setup using the wizard

    To do this, go to “Control Panel” -> “Network Setup Wizard” and follow the wizard’s instructions.

    Can also be combined manual setting network and configuration using the wizard, for example, after setting up the network using the wizard, specify the IP address.

    After all this, you can give access (share) to some folders in the folder properties, in the “Access” tab. You can see shared folders by going to “My Computer” and selecting “Network Neighborhood” in the “List of Common Tasks”. Or through Total Commander go to “Network and plugins” (disk button on the far right) -> “Entire network” -> “ Microsoft Windows Network".

    3. Setting up the printer.

    3.1. Share a printer over a local network
    To do this, go to Start - Control Panel - Printers and Faxes. Find the printer connected to this PC, right-click on it and context menu select "Sharing...". After this, this printer will automatically be detected on other PCs connected to this local network.

    3.2. Using a printer that is located in public access, in the local network
    On other PCs, go to Start - Control Panel - Printers and Faxes. Click on “Install a printer”, and then follow the instructions of the printer installation wizard.


    I. Select “Network printer or printer connected to another computer”
    Let's move on to the next stage.

    II. We put a choice on “Browse printers”
    We review printers on the local network.


    III. If you plan to use this printer frequently or constantly, set it to “Use this printer as default?” - “Yes.”

    This completes the setup.

    We connect 3 PCs via network cards using the Network Bridge type

    It is not necessary to have a router or switch to connect 3 PCs; it is enough to buy another network card.
    This option is cheaper than a switch, because A switch is 3 times more expensive than a network card. To connect 3 computers, you need to select one of them and make it the master, the other two slaves. You need to install 2 on the host computer network cards. Then connect it to 2 other twisted pair cables and create a Network Bridge. Then share the Internet and local folders, while the slave computer must be constantly turned on and connected to the Internet.

    We connect 3 or more computers (up to 20 PCs) via an external hub (switch or network hub)

    How to connect 3 or more computers to each other and to the Internet, provided that you need to distribute the same speed to each?

    The simplest solution is to buy a switch (Hab), with 5 or more ports, N cables (taking into account the distance of each from the expected location of the switch to each computer) with a computer-switch crimp (this has already been discussed above), where N is the number computers. After purchasing what you need, you need to connect the computers to the switch. After this, we configure the computers in the same way as with a connection between two computers.

    We connect 3 or more computers (up to 6 PCs) via an internal hub (Hub)

    We create a local network using an internal 5-port 100 Mbit hub

    This option is perfect for organizing a network for home and small office (up to 6 computers), using a hub (or, as they also say, hub), for example, Genius GF4050C. The advantage of this PCI hub is that it is installed inside the computer like a regular expansion card. And for very little money ($45) you will get a 100 Megabit high-speed network in your office. But you should take into account that when you turn off the server (the PC where the hub is installed), the network will not work. However, the hub does not require an extra power outlet and does not take up space on the desk.


    Internal hub

    We connect 5-20 or more PCs through the Central PC Server

    We create a network with a central server computer that serves as a switch.
    This option is intended for large offices and corporate organizations. More than 20 PCs can be connected to each other. The central server computer with some server OS installed on it, for example, FreeBSD + switch, serves as a hub.

    After the number of computers in the local area exceeds 20, you need to abandon the switch (hub) and install a central server, because With so many PCs, data transfer will slow down the computer. This happens due to extra load on the processor when transmitting/receiving data, since a lot of processing has to be done, for example, when a movie is downloaded (resources are spent on creating packets where the data is read, and parsing packets where the data is received). All this leads to a slowdown in the performance of both computers: the one who reads and, most of all, the one where the data is read. If it costs central. server, then it is he who is engaged in this matter, and not the client computers. That is why they install a central server. The switch takes over some of the processing, but this is not enough for large quantities PCs connected to the network.

    But it is better, of course, to use a server with fewer computers, and there will be no slowdown, but in this case, you need to spend extra money on a server, i.e. to another PC. In addition, the server must be serviced by someone, for this there is such a position as " System administrator". In general, if there is no money for additional computer, you can connect up to 20 computers through the switch.

    IN modern world local networks have become not only necessary - they are actually necessary to achieve good level labor productivity. However, before you start using such a network, you must create and configure it. Both of these processes are quite difficult and require maximum concentration, especially the first one. An incorrectly designed and configured LAN will not work at all or will function completely differently from what is needed, so creating a local network should become the focus of the person doing this.

    What is a local network

    Typically, the creation similar systems communication is caused by the need for collective use of data by users who work remotely computers. A LAN not only allows for almost instantaneous exchange of information and simultaneous work with files, but also allows you to use network printers and other devices remotely.

    A local network is a complete set of software and hardware resources aimed at creating a single information space. In fact, this is a number of computers located at a distance from each other and connected by a communication line - a cable. The main difference between a LAN and other types of networks is short distance, where the workstations are located.

    Pre-project preparation and design

    Before you create a local network, you must first design it, that is, plan the process of its creation. This stage is one of the most significant, since the LAN includes a huge number of components and nodes.

    Initially compiled terms of reference based on primary data, identifying several points:

    • Functions and tasks of LAN.
    • Selected topology.
    • List of available equipment.

    Only after deciding on these points can you start designing. The project itself must contain LAN schemes, placement points network equipment, a list of required software and hardware.

    A local network is a complex mechanism, but if it is designed correctly and the equipment is selected in accordance with the requirements, then the likelihood of problems arising in the operation of the communication mechanism becomes minimal.

    Required Hardware

    There is a list of equipment without which no LAN can function. It includes:

    • Data lines. Most often used coaxial cable and fiber optics. In this case, the coaxial length cannot exceed several hundred meters, however, if it is necessary to extend the network over long distances They use special repeaters - signal repeaters that prevent it from fading.
    • Communication equipment: network cards (devices that perform duplex information exchange between the computer and the data transmission medium), hubs (break the network into separate segments, physically structuring the network), routers (take on the choice of the packet transmission route), switches (logically divide the LAN into segments, combining several physical circuits), repeaters (provide signal restoration, allowing you to increase the length of the transmission medium), transceivers (amplify the signal and convert it into other types, allowing you to use different environments data transfer).

    List of software tools

    No LAN can do without software. Required programs for local network include:

    • Operating systems of worker nodes. The most commonly used OS remains Windows 7, although Windows XP is also not losing ground.
    • Network operating systems installed on servers represent the basis of a LAN, since it is impossible to set up a local network without them. These are the ones software take control of all data flows between the main nodes and secondary nodes, providing the possibility of collective access to network resources. Typically, Microsoft operating systems are used: Windows Server 2003 or 2008.

    • Network services and applications that allow users to access deleted files, printouts of documents on network printer, viewing worker nodes on the network, and sending emails. The implementation of such services is carried out using software.

    Creation and installation of LAN

    Installation and adjustment work takes the most time, since creating a local network has to be done in several stages:

    • Before you begin installing communication lines and switching devices, you must first prepare the room.
    • Next, you can lay the cable, as well as install the necessary equipment.
    • TO cable line Communications should be connected to server devices and workstations.
    • After this, the software is installed and configured.

    Installation of cable and equipment has a number of features, so if you have difficulties with how to connect a local network, better solution leave this issue to specialists.

    Connecting two computers to a LAN

    In some cases, it may be necessary to combine two computers into one network, for example, to create a common information space. This is not very difficult to do if you follow a certain algorithm of actions:

    • If necessary, install network adapters in both computers, not forgetting the drivers.

    • Purchase a crimped network cable for connection. Subject to availability necessary knowledge and skills, crimping can be done independently - a local network of two computers will not become of worse quality.
    • Connect both workstations with a communication line.
    • Configure the LAN in a specific order.

    Algorithm for setting up a local network between two computers for Windows 7

    • Select the “Start” menu, then right-click on the “Computer” icon and enter the “Properties” submenu.
    • You need to find “Computer name and domain name” in the list, and then select the option to change parameters.
    • The working name of the computer must be changed by clicking on the corresponding icons.
    • The group name should remain unchanged - “Workgroup”, however, the computer names are changed to “pc1” and “pc2” for the first and second subscriber, respectively.
    • You can now click OK and restart your computer.

    In most cases, you may need to assign each node a unique IP address:

    • From the Start menu, select Settings and then Network Connections.
    • Right-click to open the “Properties” submenu next to the “Local Area Connection” icon.
    • In the “General” tab, select “Properties” of the “Internet Protocol” item.
    • Make active the line “Use the following IP address” and enter the value 192.168.0.100. After this, save the changes made.

    Local network and Internet

    Work nodes united in a LAN can be connected to the Internet. A local network, to which the Internet can be connected in two ways, will work at a speed divided in two.

    The first way to connect is to use a router, which is assigned an identification IP address. And in the second case, you can use a wireless connection.

    IN in this case a local network is the interaction of two computers, a master and a slave, therefore the IP address is registered in the gateway of the main one, which is previously connected to the worldwide network.

    If the LAN is based on the use of a server, each workstation must have an individual IP address, and the browser settings indicate the proxy server through which you access the Internet.

    Wireless LAN

    A wireless local area network is a subtype of LAN that uses high-frequency radio waves to transmit information. WLAN is an excellent alternative to conventional cable system communications, having a number of advantages:

    • Improved labor productivity. WLAN makes it possible to use the Internet without being tied to one room. You can freely change your location without losing your internet connection.
    • Easy installation and configuration, financial savings and reliability - all these factors are due to the absence of a cable communication line.
    • Flexibility. Installing a wireless network is possible where it is not possible to lay a cable.
    • Possibility of expansion. Network scalability is greatly simplified thanks to wireless network adapters, which can be installed on any worker node.

    WLAN has a certain range, which depends on the characteristics network devices and noise immunity of the building. As a rule, the range of radio waves reaches 160 m.

    Necessary equipment to create a wireless local network

    An access point is used to connect other workstations to the network. This device is equipped with a special antenna that controls duplex transmission data (sending and transmission) using radio signals. Such a point can transmit a signal at a distance of up to 100 m indoors and up to 50 km in an open area.

    Access points significantly expand computing power the entire communication system, allowing users to move freely between each of them without losing connection to the LAN or the Internet. In fact, these radio points act as hubs, providing connection to the network.

    Using access points allows you to scale up your entire wireless LAN by simply adding new devices. The number of subscribers that one radio point can support generally depends on the network load, since the traffic is divided equally between each user.

    Wireless LAN: Windows 7. Setting algorithm

    First you need to prepare an ADSL modem with WiFi technology, as well as client points with connected to them wireless adapters. After this, you can start building a wireless LAN:

    • Connect the modem to the electrical network.
    • Run the WLAN Setup Wizard on the client device.
    • Select the SSID from the list of found wireless networks.

    Access point setup:

    • The first step is to configure the properties of the TCP/IP protocol by specifying the IP address and subnet mask.
    • After this, specify the value DNS server, since it is not possible to fully configure a local network without this parameter. In most cases, it is enough to enable the option to automatically assign a DNS address.
    • It is also mandatory to configure the parameters of the wireless network itself, in which security is important.
    • At this stage, you need to configure the Internet connection and filtering for the Windows 7 firewall.
    • And lastly, the wires are connected and the functionality is checked. WLAN networks.

    To create an optimal information space, you can combine types of networks - cable and wireless, allowing you to use the advantages of each of them for the benefit of the enterprise. However, it is important to remember that in our time, wireless WLAN networks are increasingly being used, which have all the advantages of cable networks and are devoid of their disadvantages.

    After completing the creation and configuration of the local network, it is important to provide for its administration and the possibility of maintenance. Even if the installation of a LAN is carried out perfectly, during its operation various malfunctions in the operation of hardware or software almost inevitably occur, which is why maintenance must be carried out regularly.

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