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Local network 7. How to set up a local network - local network connection

Hello.

Even 10-15 years ago, having a computer was almost a luxury, but now even the presence of two (or more) computers in the house does not surprise anyone... Naturally, all the advantages of a PC appear when you connect it to local network and the Internet, for example: network games, sharing disk space, fast file transfer from one PC to another, etc.

Not long ago I was “lucky” to create a home local network between two computers + “share” the Internet from one computer to another. I’ll tell you how to do this (from fresh memory) in this post.

1. How to connect computers to each other

The first thing you need to do when creating a local network is to decide how it will be built. A home local network usually consists of small number computers/laptops (2-3 pcs.). Therefore, 2 options are most often used: either the computers are connected directly using special cable; or use a special device - a router. Let's look at the features of each option.

Connecting computers “directly”

This option is the simplest and cheapest (in terms of equipment costs). In this way you can connect 2-3 computers (laptops) to each other. At the same time, if at least one PC is connected to the Internet, you can allow access to all other PCs on such a network.

What is needed to create such a connection?

1. Cable (also called twisted pair), slightly longer than the distance between the connected PCs. It’s even better if you immediately buy a crimped cable in the store - i.e. already with connectors for connecting to the computer’s network card (if you crimp it yourself, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with it:).

By the way, you need to pay attention to the fact that the cable is needed specifically to connect a computer to a computer (cross connection). If you take a cable to connect a computer to a router - and use it to connect 2 PCs - such a network will not work!

2. Every computer must have a network card (all modern PCs/laptops have one).

3. Actually, that’s all. Costs are minimal, for example, a cable in a store to connect 2 PCs can be bought for 200-300 rubles; network cards It's in every PC.

All that remains is to connect cable 2 system units and turn on both computers for further settings. By the way, if one of the PCs is connected to the Internet via a network card, then you will need a second network card - to be used to connect the PC to the local network.

The advantages of this option:

Fast creation;

Easy setup;

The reliability of such a network;

High speed when exchanging files.

Minuses:

Extra wires around the apartment;

To have access to the Internet, the main PC that is connected to the Internet must always be turned on;

Inability to gain access to the network for mobile devices*.

Creating a home local network using a router

A router is a small box that greatly simplifies the creation of a local network and Internet connection for all devices in the house.

It is enough to configure the router once - and all devices will be able to immediately connect to the local network and access the Internet. Now you can find it in stores huge number routers, I recommend reading the article:

Desktop computers connect to the router via a cable (usually 1 cable is always included with the router), laptops and mobile devices- connect to the router via Wi-Fi. You can see how to connect a PC to a router (using the example of a D-Link router).

The organization of such a network is described in more detail in this article:

Pros:

Set up the router once, and Internet access will be available on all devices;

No extra wires;

Flexible Internet access settings for different devices.

Minuses:

Additional costs for purchasing a router;

Not all routers (especially those from a low price category) can provide high speed on the local network;

Not experienced users It's not always that easy to set up such a device.

2. Setting up a local network in Windows 7 (8)

After the computers are connected to each other by any of the options (whether they are connected to a router or directly to each other), you need to configure the Windows OS for full operation of the local network. Let's show the example of Windows 7 OS (the most popular OS today; in Windows 8 OS the setting is similar + you can familiarize yourself with it).

2.1 When connecting via a router

When connecting via a router, the local network, in most cases, is configured automatically. The main task comes down to setting up the router itself. Popular models have already been discussed on the blog pages earlier, I will provide several links below.

After setting up the router, you can start setting up the OS. So…

1. Setting up a workgroup and PC name

The first thing you need to do is set a unique name for each computer on the local network and set the same workgroup name.

For example:

1) Computer No. 1

Working group: WORKGROUP

Name: Comp1

2) Computer No. 2

Working group: WORKGROUP

Name: Comp2

To change the PC name and workgroup, go to the control panel at the following address: Control Panel\System and Security\System.

Windows 7 System Properties

2. File and Printer Sharing

If you do not take this step, then no matter what folders and files you provide for public access- no one will be able to access them.

To enable the option to share printers and folders, go to the control panel and open the “Network and Internet” section.

Now click in the left column on the item “ change Extra options public access«.

Several profiles 2-3 will appear in front of you (in the screenshot below there are 2 profiles: “ Home or work" and "General "). In both profiles you need to allow file and printer sharing + disable password protection. See below.

Setting up sharing.

More sharing options

After making the settings, click " save changes" and restart your computer.

3. Sharing shared folders

Now, in order to use files on another computer, the user needs to share folders on it (give general access to them).

This is very easy to do - in 2-3 mouse clicks. Open File Explorer and click right click mouse over the folder we want to open. In the context menu select " Sharing - HomeGroup (Reading)«.

Next, you just have to wait about 10-15 seconds and the folder will appear in public access. By the way, to see all the computers on your home network, click on the “Network” button in the left column of Explorer (Windows 7, 8).

2.2 When connecting directly + sharing Internet access on a second PC

In principle, most of the steps for setting up a local network will be very similar to the previous option (when connecting through a router). To avoid repetition, I will mark steps that are repeated in parentheses.

1. Setting up the computer name and workgroup (similarly, see above).

2. Setting up file and printer sharing (similarly, see above).

3. Configuring IP addresses and gateways

The setup will need to be done on two computers.

Computer No. 1.

The principle of creating a local network in any Windows versions(XP, 7, 8, 10) practically nothing is not different. Exceptions are complex multi-level corporate networks, where several subnets, proxy servers and VPN are used.

But in this article we will look at how to create home network without resorting to purchasing expensive equipment, but using a regular switch or router with Wi-Fi support.

What is needed to create a network

First of all, to create a local network of a certain number of computers, we need equipment:

note: If a direct connection will be used (i.e. twisted pair insert into both devices without using a router), then you will need not a standard cable, but cross— over, except when modern ones are installed network cards with MDI-X support. In this case you can use standard method crimping.

How to create a local network

Now let's proceed directly to creation. First we need to prepare:

  • Install all equipment in its place - computers, routers, etc.
  • We crimp cable, if necessary.
  • Let's do wiring, i.e. we extend the twisted pair to the equipment.
  • Connecting twisted pair equipment.

Costs note, that when the connection is made and all devices are started, the connection connectors on the computers should shine. The same applies to routers with routers, only they have light bulbs located on front panel. If any light is off, it means the connection has been made. wrong.

When the connection is made, you need to configure the network in the operating system.

To start checking working group, for which we go to properties " My computer" You don’t have to open the properties, but use the combination Win+ R and enter in the window sysdm. cpl.

On all devices working group must be is the same, otherwise the computers will not see each other.

To change the group, just click on the button change and enter the group name. Name must be entered Latin alphabet, and match on all devices.

Then we look for network icon in the notification area and with its help we get to Network and Sharing Center.

Here we are interested in the link change additional parameters, it's third from the left and will allow you to edit sharing settings. In each profile we select: Enable network discovery, auto-tuning And general access to files and printers.

Scrolling page and below turn off shared with password protection. All other settings can be left. Click Save changes and exit.

This completes the setup. The network should work, but only if your router distributes dynamic addresses.

If you used a router, or the devices were connected directly with a cable, then you need to make a few more settings.

Network settings

When direct connection or using a router, we need change IP addresses of computers. For this necessary:


We will not describe what each setting is responsible for, because... This is quite a large topic. It is enough to enter the addresses described above on all computers.

After making all the above settings, the network should work. However, do not forget that a firewall or antivirus software can completely block the network. Therefore, if nothing works, check their settings or temporarily disable them altogether.

Local network via WiFi router

Setting up a network through a router is absolutely nothing is not different from what we described above.

If the device is configured to distribute dynamic addresses, then there is no need to change the addresses. Well, what if IP users static, then you will have to use the previous section.

Also, there will be no difference between whether the device is connected by cable or via Wi-Fi; in most routers, the settings for distributing addresses are configured simultaneously and wireless and on wired connection.

How to make shared folders

After everything is configured, you need to create shared folders for information exchange.

Settings Windows network 7 becomes an increasingly popular question every year, as the number of users of both the Internet and this operating system grows. Therefore, sooner or later, everyone faces a dilemma about how to set up a Windows 7 network. As a rule, this question becomes especially acute when another computer (laptop) appears at home. To properly configure the network, you will have to become a system administrator.

In Windows 7 OS everything network settings can be set and changed in the “Network and Sharing Center” (hereinafter referred to as NUSiOD). Setting up a Windows 7 local network is done here. Even at the stage of installing the operating system, the computer was assigned a name. This important parameter, since the local network should not contain computers with same names. Let's see where the network settings are in windows 7.

Network and its types

TsUSiOD can be opened in several ways.

  1. At the bottom of the screen, right-click on the computer icon to open context menu, in which we find TsUSiOD;
  2. Click “Start”, go to “Control Panel” (View: “Small Icons”) and again find TsUSiOD.

The first thing you see is a map of your network, the number of active network connections and their type: " home network", "Enterprise Network" and "Community Network".

Setting up home, office and domain networks

If you network computers and other devices at home, you can use shared folders very conveniently. A home network can be created on only one computer, and others can join it. Setting up a home network in Windows 7 is done like this: click “Start”, go to “Control Panel”, look for the “Home Group” parameter, click “Create” home group", select which resources will be shared, set a password for access to the home network. In the same way, you can connect to your home network and change the necessary parameters.

Let's see how to set up a network in office windows 7. To do this, you need to select the “Work network” type of network environment. This can be done in TsUSiOD. Under the active network name, click the network type and select Enterprise Network. This type allows computers on the network to see each other and allows shared access to files and folders, but you cannot create a group like “Home Network”, since it provides more high level security. To secure your data, the following network settings in the Windows 7 office will be useful. In the Data Management Center on the left, click on the link “Change additional sharing settings”. In the window that opens, you can enable or disable network discovery and access to shared folders and printers.

Windows 7 domain network is used in enterprises. It is configured by the administrator. You cannot make any changes to the network settings on your computer.

Knowing the type and location of the network in Windows 7, as well as how to install and configure it, you can easily combine all home devices into one.

Organizing and configuring a Windows 7 work network should still be done by professionals. Gaps in network security may lead to theft confidential information and cause irreparable damage to the company.

It’s hard to even imagine what features an operating room has Windows system 7. Network setup is one of the features it provides for home and business users. It is worth considering the features of this process for different types networks and connections so that you have a complete understanding of the operating principles and use of the network capabilities of this system. Next we will talk about how to create Windows 7 workgroups. Setting up a network and methods of interaction between machines will also be described. In addition, it is worth considering a place from which you can conveniently control the shared resources of each computer.

Setting up a Windows 7 network for a homegroup

Computers will work properly on the network only if the time between them is synchronized. All machines must be set to current time, it is imperative to make sure that it does not go astray. Next, you will need to give everyone IP addresses that will be on the same network. This function traditionally belongs to the router or router. It is he who gives each computer an address from a certain range. When there is no router, you need to manually set addresses in Windows 7. Setting up a network in in this case It will get a little more complicated, but that's not a problem. It's done like this. You need to open the Network Control Center, and then the window that appears in front of you will display the PC’s network connections. You should select the one through which it will be paired with your home network. It can be wired or wireless connection, or something else. Select this item, and then call it. Next you need to open “Properties”. If there are no checkboxes next to each item, you need to check them. after that, select version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and call its properties. In the window that opens, you need to set your IP address and on other computers you must do similar actions, only indicate the next address in the selected range. And here it is important to understand that this parameter must be completely unique for each machine.

Peculiarities

If you connect to the Internet, it is best to install a router where you will configure automatic distribution addresses. Next, the same workgroup must be created for all computers on the network. This parameter is configured by calling the context menu of the “Computer” item, where you want to display its properties. It is best to set the name of the workgroup to WORKGROUP; if this is not the case, then it should be changed. When everything meets the specified requirements, it’s time to create and configure a Windows 7 workgroup. Setting up a network in this case is not particularly difficult.

Working with a home group

Before you start working on these settings, you need to know something about the location of the network. The first time you connect to a network, you are prompted to set it up. For each location, use different settings connection and firewall.

Locations

Windows 7 has four locations:

- Public network. This parameter is used when connecting in a public place. For example, at the station, in a cafe or at the airport. In this case, the firewall security settings are used at the strictest level; the ability to form home groups and network discovery are disabled. It turns out that the computer does not see the other participants, but at the same time it itself is not visible to them. Wherein maximum settings security are not a guarantee of absolute protection. You shouldn't use any important resources, where you need to log in.

- Enterprise network. Network discovery is enabled here, but there is no way to form home groups.

- Home network. This includes the ability to form home groups and network discovery. If you know all the computers belonging to a given network, then you should choose this option.

- Domain network. Typically, for this location, it is assumed that all settings will be set by the enterprise network administrators.

Process of creation

Creating a home group is possible when choosing the third type of location. It's done like this. In Network Sharing Center you need to select " Public network". In the window open in front of you, you need to select the "Home network" item. Now you can create a group or join an existing one.

On next computer, which you want to connect, you need to find the corresponding element, then click “Join”, set public access for libraries, and then click “Next”. Now you need to enter the password that you previously wrote down and continue. This will connect the computer to the homegroup. Similar manipulations should be performed on other machines.

Setting up sharing

Setting up a working network in Windows 7 assumes that you can easily perform other manipulations. To allow HomeGroup users to share, you need to do the following: Open File Explorer, find and highlight the folder you want to share. In the toolbar, you need to click “Sharing”, and then select the options that suit you best.

You can share access with group users like this: In Explorer you need to find the desired folder, select it, and then select the appropriate item in the toolbar, namely “Sharing”. In the menu you can choose one of two options: either read only or read and write. The second option assumes that users can make changes and delete files in this directory. There is also the option to completely deny access, which is what the “No user” item is intended for. The folder icon will be marked with a padlock.

What does this look like for the user?

When you create or join an existing homegroup, a section with the appropriate name appears in the navigation area in Explorer. From here it’s quite simple and convenient to move to the shared folders of other computers on your network. After a while, it is quite possible to forget about which folders are shared. You can remember this if you log into your computer via the network. This is quite conveniently done through Explorer, where the “Network” item is used in the transition menu.

Working with the Computer Management utility

Having opened the utility window, you can see the “Shared Folders” item located in the console tree, there are “Shared Resources” there. In the center there is a table in which all shared folders are placed, and right there you can quite easily stop accessing any of them. You can open access from this section by opening the “Action” menu, in which you select “New shared resource”. After working with the "Wizard" you will have a new shared folder.

Library sharing is read-only by default. And from Explorer you can give write access. First, you need to select the desired folder in the navigation area, call up the context menu, and then select “Sharing”, then “Homegroup” (read and write). This way you can not only open and close access, but also reset Windows 7 network settings.

Conclusion

Thanks to all these operations, you can not only make network settings. It is worth saying that setting up a Windows 7 enterprise network is carried out in a similar way, you only need to indicate which type of connection is selected, and all parameters are usually configured network administrator. You already know how to create a homegroup and share and disable resources. All this will allow you not only to create the environment you need, but also to reset the Windows 7 network settings. You can give a few more recommendations about ensuring security while working.

Be sure to install all updates for the OS, especially important ones. This will make it possible to close system gaps discovered by specialists. A firewall should be used to control the perimeter. Not only should an antivirus be installed on your computer, you should constantly update it in order to destroy everything that could “break through” the firewall. Windows 7 is done through the "Management" item wireless networks". The assistant will guide you along the way. The principle of operation in an already created network is similar to that described earlier.

The problem often arises, how to transfer files from one computer to another? You can use various flash drives, disks, etc., but the most convenient and in a fast way is the creation of a network. Let's look at how to quickly create a network between two computers. Windows example XP and Windows Vista/7. There is no difference in setup between a computer and a laptop.

To organize file sharing, you must first create a network between devices, and then set up sharing. Let's begin...

To transfer files, the most convenient and fastest way is to connect using a network cable. Network cables RJ45 for creating a network can be direct or Crossover. We need a crossover cable. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself. Distinguish required cable easy, if you put the ends of one cable together, then the color marking inside the connector crossover cable should not match.

It is worth noting that modern network cards are able to automatically detect the type of cable and adapt to it. In other words, if you don't have a crossover cable, you can use a straight cable. With a high degree of probability the network will work.
If for some reason the use wired network impossible, then you can create wireless Wi-Fi. The procedure for setting up access is similar.

When we have taken out the RJ45 cable, connect it to the network connectors. If everything is in order, the green lights near the connector should light up.

If your lights do not light up, then proceed as follows:

  1. We check whether there are any lights at all and whether the devices are turned on
  2. Checking whether the interfaces are enabled in Network Connections

    3. Checking the cable. We pay attention to the order in which the wiring in the connector goes and whether the RJ45 cable itself is damaged.

Setting up a network between two computers.

Setting up a network in Windows XP

Go to Control Panel -> Network Connections

Click on Connect to local network. Notice that the connection says Connected. Right-click and click on Properties

Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties

Click OK. Network setup on one device (PC or laptop) is complete.
Let's look at how the network will be configured in Windows Vista/7.

Setting up a network in Windows Vista/7

Go to Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Manage network connections

Right-click on the local network connection and go to Properties:

We indicate the IP address. You can specify any of the range 192.168.xxx.xxx. The main thing is that they do not repeat on two computers. That is, if on one it is 192.168.1.1, then on the other it is 192.168.1.2. If on one it is 192.168.100.10, then on the second it is 192.168.100.20.

It should look something like this:

Now let's go to the Network and Sharing Center and look at our network. It must be private. If it is not, then click on Settings

Click Close:

That's all. We are done with setting up the network on Vista/7. Now let's move on to setting up Sharing.

Setting up sharing in Windows XP

First, go to Tools -> Folder Options:

On the View tab, enable simple file sharing:

Click the Change button on the Computer name tab and enter the name of the workgroup.

Two computers on the network must have the same Workgroup name.

On the same tab you can specify the name of the computer on the network.

Now go to My Computer and click on the folder that you want to provide access to from the network, and select Sharing and Security from the menu.... In my example, I open general access to the entire D:\ partition, that is, on another computer there will be display the entire D:\ partition of the first one (on which access was opened)

Click on the warning:

We indicate the name of the shared resource and allow (or not allow) modification of files over the network:

That's all...

Setting up sharing in Windows 7

First of all, go to Control Panel -> Folder Options and check the box:

Click on Change:

Enter the name of the computer and workgroup. Name Working Group must be the same on all computers on the network:

Now go to Computer and click on the folder that you want to provide access to from the network, and select Sharing from the menu.... In my example, I share the entire D:\ partition, that is, the entire partition will be displayed on another computer D:\ first (where access was opened)

Click on Advanced access settings:

Specify the name of the share and click on Permissions

On this tab we can specify which users will be able to open and change files on this computer from the network:

This is what it should look like:

We are done with sharing on Windows Vista/7.

How to access shared resources on another computer

Once you have set up the network and file sharing, you can already transfer files from one computer to another.

To do this, open Computer and enter \\computer_name\ in the address bar. For example: \\ASPIRE\ or \\Athlon\. It is also possible through network or Network. If this does not work, then you can enter the IP address of another computer on the network:

If you need to constantly work with shared files, which are located on another computer, then click on shared folder right click and select Connect network drive. In this case, the folder with files on another computer will appear as a partition (disk)

Connection via router

We organized the simplest network between two computers. If you need to connect more than two PCs to the network, you should buy a router from the store. A router connects several PCs to a network and allows you to use one Internet connection for all computers.

To connect the router we use a straight RJ45 cable, not a cross cable.

The router connects to the Internet via a WAN connector. The remaining connectors on the rear wall are LAN, we connect each PC1-2-3-PC4 to them separately with a straight RJ45 cable:

Setting up routers is described in detail in the model manufacturer's manual.

The general steps are as follows:
1. In the WAN parameters we indicate the data from the InterZet provider agreement - static IP type.
2. B LAN parameters- select the dynamic IP type, that is, each connected PC will automatically be assigned an address.

3. Set up Windows XP/Vista/7, as already described above.

Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IP) and click on Properties:

select Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK.

We repeat the remaining sharing settings for the selected Windows.

Solving possible problems

If you are unable to access files on another computer, then you need to do the following:

1) See if it works network connection Are the lights on?
2) Launch Command line and enter ping command IP address of another computer on the network. For example, ping 192.168.1.1:

If you have pings (0% loss), then you need to check the sharing settings, otherwise check the network connection and firewall settings.