How to Connect and configure the local network on Windows 7

 Almost every home now has a computer or laptop, often several devices at the same time. You can connect them using the local network. In this article, we will review the process of integrating and configuring it in detail.

Contact methods for creating local networks

Connecting devices to a local network allows you to create shared services, a network printer, live file sharing, and create game zones. There are several different ways to connect a computer to the same network:

We recommend that you first familiarize yourself with all the available connection options so that you can make the most appropriate choice. After that, you can proceed to configuration.

Method 1: Network Cable

Connecting two devices using a network cable is the easiest, but there is one major minus - only two computers or laptops are available. It is enough for the user to have a network cable, insert it into the relevant contacts with both future network partners and establish an initial connection.

Method 2: Wi-Fi

This procedure will require two or more devices with Wi-Fi connectivity. Networking in this way increases workplace mobility, loosens wires and allows you to connect more than two devices. Before that, during configuration, the user will need to manually enter the IP addresses of all network participants.

Method 3: Switch

The variables using the switch require multiple network cables. Their number must match the number of devices connected to the network and a switch. A laptop, computer or printer is connected to each port of the switch. The number of shared devices depends only on the number of ports on the switch. The disadvantage of this method is the purchase of additional equipment and the need to manually enter the IP address of each network member.

Method 4: Router

Using the router, a local network is also created. The advantage of this method is that in addition to wired devices, Wi-Fi is also connected, unless, of course, the router does not support it. This option is the easiest, as it allows you to combine smartphones, computers and printers, configure the Internet in your home network and does not require individual network settings on each device. There is a problem. The user needs to buy a router and configure it.

How to configure local network on Windows 7

Now that you have decided on the connection and completed it, everything needs to be manipulated to work properly. All devices except the fourth need to edit the IP address on each device. If you are connected using a router, you can skip the first step and move on to the next steps.

Step 1: Recommended network settings

These steps should be performed on all computers or laptops connected to the same local network. The user does not need any additional knowledge or skills, just follow the instructions:

1. Go to Start and select "Control Panel" .

2. Go to the Network and Sharing Center .

3. Select the item "Change adapter settings" .

4. In this window, depending on the method you choose, select a wireless or LAN connection, right-click on its icon and go to "Properties".

5. In the Network tab, you need to activate the line "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/ IPv4)" and go to "Properties".

6. In the window that opens, look at the three lines with IP address, subnet mask and main gateway. The first line must be written 192.168.90.1. On the second computer, the last digit will change to "2" on the third - "3" , and so on in the second line, the value should be 255.255.255.0. And the value "Central Gateway" should not match the value of the first line, if necessary, change the last number to another.

7. During the first connection, a new window with network placement options will appear. Here you need to select the appropriate type of network, this will ensure proper security, and some Windows Firewall settings will be applied automatically.

Step 2: Confirm network and computer names

Connected devices must be part of the same workgroup, but have different names so that everything works properly. Verification is very easy, you just need to take a few steps.

1. Go back to Start , "Control Panel" and select "System".

2. Here you need to pay attention to the lines "Computer" and "Working Group" . The first name must be different for each participant, and the second must match.

If the names match, then change them by clicking "Change settings" . This check should be performed on each connected device.

Step 3: Confirm Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall must be enabled, so check it out first. You will need:

1. Go to Start and select "Control Panel".

2. Login "Administration".

3. Select the item "Computer Management".

4. Go to the Services and Applications parameter in the Windows Firewall section.

5. Enter the start type here. "Automatic" and save your settings.

Step 4: Confirm network operation

The last step is to test the network for functionality. To do this, use the command line. The analysis can be performed as follows.

1. Press the key combination Win + R and type in line: ping 192.168.90.2

2. Enter the command ping 192.168.90.2 and the IP address of the other connected computer. Click Insert and wait for processing to finish.

3. If the configuration is successful, the number of lost packets shown in the statistics should be zero.

This completes the process of connecting and configuring the local network. Again, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that for every method other than connecting through a router, the IP addresses of each computer have to be manually configured. When using a router, this step is easily skipped. We hope this article was helpful, and you can easily set up a home or public area network.