How to make a Wi-Fi hotspot from a Windows computer. Installing and setting up home wi-fi Connecting and setting up a router
Since I will show my personal experience, we will figure out how to set up wifi using the example of two routers I had and several provider options.
How to connect a wifi router?
In order to organize a wifi network at home, I used at different times three special devices - routers: Zyxel Keenetic, TrendNet TEW-632BRP and ASUS WL-520GC. Perhaps I didn’t say it very clearly - these are the same thing, just from different companies, that is, you don’t need to buy both at once if you want to repeat the same thing.
I’ll say right away that I wouldn’t want even my enemy to use Trendnet, so never buy this brand - you’re guaranteed constant headaches, getting disconnected from the network, freezing and rebooting! But since I’ve already used it, why not tell me how it works... And one more note - you need to buy a wifi router, since there are a lot of similar devices for various purposes that are similar in appearance and functionality. For example, out of ignorance it is easy to confuse it with a wired router, which distributes the Internet signal to devices, but using cables.
The point of connecting a router is that it is now it, and not your PC, that will connect to the Internet via cable. For this purpose, we will write down all the necessary parameters in the settings. And all other devices will already receive Internet via wifi from the router. For clarity, look at the diagram:
How to connect the Internet via wifi at home: setting up DHCP
The first wi fi setup that we will look at is turning our newly purchased and installed router into some kind of server.
Procedure:
1. First of all, you need to connect the router to your computer. To do this, insert the Internet cable into the WAN slot on the device. And we connect the other cable, with two plugs, which most likely came with the device, with one end to the computer’s network card (where the Internet cable used to be), and the other to any of the LAN1, LAN2, LAN3 or LAN4 slots of the router.
I also want to note that it is better to connect the router to the network through an uninterruptible power supply, since I had an unpleasant experience when a good device from Netgear faltered due to a power surge in the network and began broadcasting wifi not at 100, but at 2 meters. Of course, I had to buy a new one.
3. After that, go to the address http://192.168.1.1- usually the settings take place here if they did not have to be done at the software installation stage. But look in the instructions for the device to see which path to go to the router’s control panel, since the default preset IP on different routers may differ.
Also, another popular place for placing brief instructions is the sticker on the bottom of the router - look there. If there are no instructions in the instructions, or it is lost, then go to the menu (*): for Windows XP " Start > Control Panel > Switch to Classic View > Network Connections" On Windows 7: " Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connections > Change adapter settings. Next, double-click on the shortcut “ Local network connection" and in the window that appears, click the button " Intelligence" In the window that opens, look for IPv4 Default Gateway - this is the router.
Now, finally, go to the address specified there through a browser (http://IP ADDRESS OF YOUR ROUTER) and find the DHCP Server item in the menu (in Trendnet it is combined with WAN) and set the range of values for the possible IP addresses of devices connecting to your local network. For me it was like this: Start IP - 192.168.10.101, End IP 192.168.10.200. And of course, opposite the DHCP Server item there should be an Enabled parameter. Domain Name or Host Name is the name of the future home wifi network. I’ll immediately make a reservation that the screenshots below were taken from my devices, which are already working or have been working for several years and their interface is in English, so it would be difficult for a domestic beginner to figure out what’s what without help - I hope these pictures will help you. Most modern firmware and software are already in Russified form, so it will be even easier to understand.
This is what it looked like on Trendnet (highlighted in red):
And here it is in ASUS:
How to make wifi at home: LAN setup
Now we will set the parameters for our wifi network at home - IP and router mask. For Trendnet this is the same item (see Figure 1, highlighted in green), for Asus - the WAN & LAN section - at the very bottom of the settings page. In the first case I set IP 192.168.10.1, in the second - 192.168.1.1. default mask 255.255.255.0
How to enable WiFi: WAN setup
These were all the flowers, now the most interesting part is setting up the external connection of the router to the Internet.
There are several types of connections depending on the provider settings. This happens in the WAN menu.
In Online, which I used at the time, the IP was issued automatically, that is, there was no need to configure anything special - you just plug in the cord, set up the local area and that’s it, wifi is off. Accordingly, for this type we set Automatic IP in the “WAN Connection Type” field.
In Starnet and others like it, there is another type - called PPPoE. Here you are given a login and password, and in order to connect to the network, you need to enter them each time. In order to configure, select the PPPoE type and make the settings: User Name, Server Name (Service Name), Password, Primary DNS, Secondary DNS. All values for these parameters are provided by the provider when signing the contract - look at it, everything should be there - perhaps some parameters do not need to be filled out. For me it looked like this:
On Trendnet (WAN menu item)
To Asus (WAN & LAN point)
Another method that I tried was static IP. Kverti gave him away. Everything is simple here - set the “Get IP automatically?” option, if there is one, to “No”, then enter the IP, Mask and Gateway values issued by the provider. Don't forget to also click the "Clone MAC Address" button - it will copy the so-called MAC address of your PC, applying it to the router.
And the last one for today is L2TP, Beeline uses it in its connections. Also, you just need to enter the data provided in the contract in the appropriate fields.
There are several other connection options, but I didn’t come across them, so I won’t talk about them.
After you have written down the settings data that you had on your computer and entered them into the control panel of the router, you need to set the IP, gateway and DNS to automatic in the settings for connecting to the new wireless network on your computer (you can find the window for entering this data same as described above and marked with an asterisk (*)).
Wifi network - encrypt connection
If you did everything correctly and saved all the settings, then all devices that support wifi should now see the new network with the name you specified. However, the question of How to connect wifi at home is not yet closed. The home wifi network turned out to be open, that is, anyone can use your Internet access for free. In order to ruin everyone and make the wifi network at home accessible only to its owner, you need to protect the connection to the router. There are several methods, I have used two in my practice: WPE (or Shared Key) and WPA. The latter is more reliable, so I'll consider it. Go to security settings. In Trendnet this is the “Security” menu item, in Asus it is “Wireless > Interface”.
Select WPE or WPA Personal (PSK, TKIP) from the menu and set a password for connection - from 7 to 64 characters. And we save. I show you how it was for me:
Well, now to access the Internet through your router, you need to enter a password. As you can see, connecting wifi through a router and making a wifi network at home is quite easy. I hope everything works out for you too.
Wi-Fi is rapidly bursting into our lives. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even equipment that is obviously not designed for this are equipped with a wireless communication module: refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, irons, washing machines, stoves, air conditioners. You may not have such an abundance of smart technology, but if you have several PCs at home, the question may arise of how to create a home network.
A home network will allow you to easily exchange data between devices
Previously, this would have required laying meters of wires, getting confused in them, and stumbling. Now that many people have a Wi-Fi router at home, you can organize and configure a local network using it very quickly. Let's take a closer look at this process.
Why is this necessary?
When working with several PCs, sometimes you will need to transfer files between them, print a document on a remote printer, watch a video or listen to music from another device. In order not to run around the house with a flash drive, it is recommended to deploy a local network through a router.
Setting up the router
If you already use a wireless connection at home, you can skip this step. If you are still going to configure the router, enter the settings using a browser (192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1), add a login and password (initially in most cases it is admin/admin, admin/parol).
In the “Wireless Network” tab, change the connection name, password, and encryption protocol. We recommend choosing WPA2-PSK, it is the most secure. Save the settings, reboot the router.
Changing the network type
In Windows 7, the network types are “Home”, “Enterprise network” and “Public”, and in Windows 8, 8.1, 10 - “Private” and “Guest or public”. It is possible to create a home group only if the type is “Home” or “Private”. When you connect for the first time, the OS makes a discovery request, agree to it.
- In the tray, right-click the connection icon - Network and Sharing Center.
- In the line “View active networks” you will notice the name of the connection and its type.
- To configure the required type:
- Windows 7
- Click on the Internet icon - “Home Network”.
- Windows 8, 8.1
- Open the side menu by pressing Win+I or moving the mouse cursor to the right edge of the screen.
- Changing computer settings - Network - Connections - name of the connection.
- Activate "Search for devices and content."
- Windows 10
- Start - Settings - Network and Internet - Ethernet (Wi-Fi is the name of your connection).
- If connecting via cable, click on the name of the connection and activate the “Make this computer discoverable” slider.
- When communicating via Wi-Fi, under the list of connections, click “Advanced settings” and make the computer discoverable.
From now on, it is possible to set up a local group through a router at home.
Changing the PC name
This item is optional, but it is better to replace the PC name, since it is automatically assigned in the form of an alphanumeric code, then it will be difficult for you to navigate the names. To configure the laptop name, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the “My Computer” icon on the desktop (Windows 7) or launch Explorer - My Computer (on Windows 8–10).
- System properties - Additional system settings - Computer name - Edit.
- Come up with a convenient name - OK - Apply, and then restart Windows.
- Repeat the procedure on each device.
- Create a HomeGroup
- Go to Network Sharing Center.
- In the “Home Group” line, select “Ready to Create”.
- Create a homegroup - Next - Select files and devices to share - Next.
- Write down the password and click "Done".
The group with access via the router is ready. You can connect other devices.
Connecting to a home group
To add other devices to the newly created group via Wi-Fi, on the connected PC in the Network Control Center in the lower left corner, click on “Home Group” - Join. Enter the password and specify the shared folders. Restart all connected devices.
To make sure that the connection between laptops at home is working, go to Explorer and all available devices will be presented in the “Network” tab. If you have a printer at home, you can even print documents from any connected device.
Create a shared folder
In addition, if you do not need network printing at home, you don’t have to create a group at all. Simply use File Explorer to share the required folders on each laptop.
Login from other devices
You can access your home network from any Android or iOS device. It is enough to use a file manager with a remote access function. Scan available devices, connect to familiarize yourself with shared folders.
Conclusion
Please also note that various errors may occur from time to time. Try turning off your antivirus with Windows Firewall and try again.
Do you use a local group through a router at home? Did our guide help you? We are glad to receive your comments.
Wi-Fi is the most popular way to connect to the Internet today. This was made possible due to the good characteristics of this protocol, ease of connection and the availability of a wide range of inexpensive equipment.
However, this interface also has disadvantages. Many users experience strange connection interruptions, errors, or low data transfer speeds. In this case, do not rush to immediately call the support service or call a repair team. You can deal with many troubles in the operation of your home Wi-Fi network yourself.
1. Reboot your router
Yes, yes, this is exactly what they advise you to do first when contacting support. And absolutely right.
A modern router is a complex device, the software of which may develop errors over time. The easiest and fastest way to get rid of them is to reboot the equipment. Some routers allow you to do this automatically according to a schedule; you just need to look for the appropriate option in the settings.
2. Install alternative firmware
Alternative firmware is written by enthusiasts to eliminate the shortcomings of proprietary software. The most famous project of this kind is DD-WRT. This firmware supports a wide range of equipment and is distributed completely free of charge.
Installing third-party firmware allows you not only to improve network performance, but also, in some cases, to activate previously unavailable device functions. However, it is worth considering that the process of flashing and subsequent configuration of the equipment will require time and special knowledge from you.
3. Use a Wi-Fi repeater
If devices in any part of the house constantly lose connection to the Internet, then the router signal there is too weak. The problem can be solved using a special repeater, which is also called repeaters, or repeaters.
The main task of the repeater is to strengthen the signal of the existing Wi-Fi network. These compact and inexpensive devices are produced by almost all popular network equipment manufacturers, as well as dozens of unknown Chinese companies.
4. Design a signal amplifier
Using a Wi-Fi repeater may not help in all cases. Sometimes, to strengthen the router signal, you have to resort to other, more artisanal methods. For example, you can design a special reflector from or for CDs.
But if you need something truly powerful, then try assembling an antenna from scrap materials to expand your “home zone” of wireless Internet, which we wrote about in this article.
5. Control application access to the Internet
If someone in your house is constantly watching streaming videos, playing online games, or downloading large files, this can significantly slow down the network. Particular attention should be paid to torrent clients. Some of them are configured in such a way that they automatically start when the system starts and continue downloading and distributing data in the background. A separate pain is computer games that quietly download multi-gigabyte updates and additions.
6. Block access to strangers
By default, the manufacturer sets the same well-known logins and passwords on all its routers. Each user must change them independently to protect their network from unauthorized access. However, unfortunately, not everyone does this.
If you do not want your neighbors to use your wireless network, thereby interfering with you, then you need to configure the router in detail. You can read how to do this in our guide “”.
7. Get rid of clutter
The quality of the signal transmitted over a Wi-Fi network can be affected by many different factors, including interference from phones, microwave ovens, and so on. You can get rid of them only by placing the router and the source of interference at the maximum distance. The special WiFi Analyzer application, which can display signal strength in real time, will help you cope with this task.
8. Tune to an available channel
In modern apartment buildings, many wireless access points operate simultaneously, occupying all available channels. As a result, some of them have to share the same channel, which leads to a mutual decrease in the speed and stability of communication.
9. Find a new location for your router
Poor location of the router in the apartment can also affect the quality of the connection. If your workplace is separated from the connection point by several concrete walls, then you shouldn’t be surprised that the Internet is constantly slowing down.
You can only choose the optimal location for the router through experience, moving it around the apartment and measuring the signal quality. The NetSpot diagnostic utility and our instructions, called ““, will help you do this.
10. Use modern technology
One of the best ways to make your wireless network as fast, stable, and secure as possible is to use modern equipment.
Communication standards are constantly evolving and improving. New implementations of this protocol provide faster connection speeds, reduce errors and susceptibility to interference.
However, to use them you need the appropriate equipment. Therefore, the most radical and expensive method of improving the quality of your home network is to purchase a modern dual-band router from a well-known manufacturer.
When planning to install Wi-Fi at home, every user should know how to choose the right connection type and the necessary equipment. The data transfer speed and quality of the received signal will depend on the right choice.
Wi-Fi networks are very convenient for home use. They allow you to get rid of endless wires and connect many different devices that support Wi-Fi to the Internet.
Installing wireless Internet at home is a top priority for those who want to comfortably use the Internet not only indoors, but also in the surrounding area.
You can install Wi-Fi at home in several ways: using one router or organizing a home Wi-Fi network.
If a family actively uses laptops, mobile phones, tablets and other devices that have Internet access, it would be wise to connect them to one data source. A home wireless wi-fi network created using a router will help with this.
All modern routers have a built-in wireless module and support high speed data transfer.
Selecting a network connection type
A home wireless wi-fi network always begins with determining the possible type of connection to the Internet. Let's take a closer look at what options providers can offer for accessing the World Wide Web.
This option requires the installation of a satellite dish. You can connect such an Internet in any remote location. The connection has a very high speed, but only works in one direction - to receive traffic. You will not be able to transfer information.
Installation of satellite Internet
The principle of operation of satellite Internet
Provided by mobile operators. To connect, a modem the size of a regular flash drive is used. This connection is very mobile and can be used anywhere. The speed is not always high.
Setting up mobile internet
Modem for mobile Internet access
Fiber optic connection. The most convenient and popular option for accessing the Internet. Traffic speed and payment depend only on the selected tariff plan.
Using fiber optics at home
ADSL line. Wired connection using an ADSL telephone line. In this embodiment, the channel through which the signal passes is a telephone wire and a modem connected to a telephone socket.
Operating principle of an ADSL modem
Providers, offering a connection service using ADSL, require that a landline telephone be installed. What should those who don’t have it at home, who don’t need it and don’t want to pay for the service, do? How to install Wi-Fi at home without a phone? Very simple. The other considered connection options should be used.
Equipment
Specialized stores offer a wide range of routers of all types. When choosing, you should pay attention to the information transfer rate (channel and real), the supported standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) and the number of antennas.
A larger number of antennas will provide better quality Wi-Fi network. It is better to choose models with removable antennas. If they break, they will be easy to replace.
You should not consider an option with many functions that you will never need. Each function additionally loads the router, significantly reducing its speed.
In addition, you need to find out what is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to the router. The more there are, the better. You always need to take perspective into account.
Don't forget about the built-in firewall and USB port. These additional features can be very useful. Having purchased a router, you should worry about how to install a wifi network at home.
Home wi-fi network
A local home wireless network is very simple to organize. After spending 15 minutes, the user will install Wi-Fi Internet at home, to which several devices can be connected simultaneously in different rooms and even on the street.
Organizing a home network
Let's take a closer look at the algorithm for installing a Wi-Fi network at home:
- unpack the wi-fi router and plug the device into the network;
- Connect your device to the Internet using your provider's network cable. Connect the router to a computer or laptop via the LAN connector with the cable supplied with the device;
- open any browser on the connected device and enter the router’s IP address in the search bar. The data can be taken from the instructions or looked at the sticker located on the bottom of the device. Log in to the admin panel of the router, enter your username and password and go to the settings;
- By going to the wi-fi menu, set the parameter values in accordance with the operating mode of the adapters. Change the original password to a more complex one;
- go to advanced settings. Activate NAT and Firewall, restart the router to save all settings;
- run a search for wireless networks on your laptop. Having found the created access point, connect to it and check your Internet connection.
If you are too lazy to manipulate the browser and settings or you are not very well versed in these issues, do it easier. Use the installation disk that came with the router. Insert the disc and launch the program. The router will be configured automatically in the optimal way for your network.
With the advent of laptops, and later other mobile devices, the wires that traditionally connected PCs to networks began to get in the way. can be moved from place to place, but this is not very convenient to do when it is attached to it. The idea of combining computers using radio waves in the manner of a radiotelephone has become quite natural. The first developments in wireless Wi-Fi standards have appeared.
Now this technology has become firmly established in our lives, since anyone can make WiFi at home. It’s so convenient to be able to quickly connect to the Internet from anywhere in your apartment, office, park or cafe. Modern Wi-Fi standards allow you to surf the network at a speed sufficient to listen to music and watch movies online. We can say that Wi-Fi wireless technologies give a person information freedom.
Making a Wi-Fi network
To create a network, you will need two types of equipment: a Wi-Fi access point and clients that will connect to the network. Clients can be laptops, PDAs, mobile devices that support Wi-Fi, as well as desktop computers that have an external or internal Wi-Fi adapter. An access point is typically a router that supports wireless networks, such as the D-Link DIR 300.
First you need to configure the router itself, since it will not be possible to make WiFi at home with distribution to several clients without it. The device must be connected to a computer using a web interface, which can be opened in a browser, to control this device. If the setup is being done for the first time, then you can find the login and password in the documentation for the router, but if not, then the owner of the device should know it.
When authorization is passed, the router management page will open, where you need to find the section dedicated to Wi-Fi. Here you can enable or disable the wireless connection, set the network SSID, which will help protect it from outside interference, and also select the traffic encryption method and security key.
Once on the router, you can start setting up the client. As a rule, there is nothing complicated here: if the wireless adapter is working normally and the software is installed for it, then the list of available networks will be visible in the Network Sharing Center or in a special window on Windows XP. You can usually find out about the discovery of a new network from the Windows tray. After selecting a network from the list, you can connect to it by entering the network's SSID and, depending on your encryption settings, the security key.
The question may arise about how to make WiFi at home without a router. There is such a method, but it can only be used to connect two computers, not all adapters support it, and the speed will be lower than using a router.
How does this work?
How to make WiFi at home is practically clear, but how does this system work? The entire technology is built on access points to which clients connect. Each such point creates its own network and has its own data transmission parameters, such as network identifier, encryption method (if used), and encryption key. Each network has a coverage area, that is, an area around the access point in which the signal from clients can be recognized by it, and, conversely, the signal from the access point can be recognized by clients. has a range of up to 300 meters. But this value is “ideal”; in practice it decreases due to various obstacles.
As you can see, it has a fairly short range. But progress does not stand still, and wireless networks of the WiMAX standard are gradually being introduced. A WiMAX access point has a range measured in kilometers and, perhaps, in the future this technology will provide Internet access to the most remote corners of the planet.