How to create a LAN network using Wifi

This article explains the methods and components you need to setup a LAN network using Wifi. We understand in detail, the components, TCP/IP addressing and the steps by which you can create the network.

This article assumes that there is no internet connection on the LAN. Two scenarios are explained where there are only wireless users and a combination of wired and wireless users.

How to create a LAN network using Wifi for wireless users

To create a LAN network for only wireless users, you need a Wireless access point. To know more about wireless access points you can check out our article – What does a wireless access point do.

The wireless access point can be purchased based on your specific requirement like number of users which need to be connected, wifi range etc.

For example, NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214v2) is a good choice for a wireless access point. You can check out for more details on the Access point on Amazon here – NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214v2)

Step 1

The first step is to configure the IP address of the access point. This can be done using the Web interface or using the mobile app if available.

Step 2

The second step is to configure the wireless configuration of the access point. This would include your SSID and security parameters like WPA etc and the associated password.

Step 3

The third step is to configure the DHCP server on the access point. The DHCP server is used to allocate IP address to the wireless clients connecting to the access point. Whenver a client connects, an IP address from the DHCP pool on the access point is assigned.

Step 4

The fourth step is to configure the clients which connect to the access point. The clients can be mobile devices, laptops, tablets or desktops with Wifi cards.

The wifi parameters like SSID, security protocol used like WPA has to be configured. It should also be ensured that the IP address should be setup to recieve a DHCP address instead of static, since the IP address will be provided by the wireless access point once connected to it.

Once the above stated 4 steps are completed, you have created a LAN network using Wifi for wireless users.

Check out for Wireless access point deals on Amazon

How to create a LAN network using Wifi for wired and wireless users

A combination of wired and wireless users is when you have desktops which need wired connectivity along with wireless users. In this setup, you need an additional device, which is an ethernet switch.

Switches can be purchased based on the number of the users which need wired connectivity. For example, if the number of wired users are less than 24, then a 24 port switch would suffice.

If the number of wired users is greater than 24, then a 48 port switch would suffice.

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a good choice for a 24 port switch. More details of the switch can be found on Amazon.

Step 1

The first step is to connect the wireless access point to the switch. The network port on the access point is connected to the switch using an ethernet cable.

Any Ethernet cable would suffice. You can check out for ethernet cable deals on Amazon here – Ethernet cable

Step 2

All the other steps which are mentioned above has to be replicated. The wired users are connected to the ports of the switch using Ethernet cables

Once the above two steps are completed, you have setup a LAN network using Wifi for wired and wireless users.

——————————————————————————————————————-
Check out our Home Networking Book on Amazon. Learn how to setup home networks. Case studies and FAQ’s included.

——————————————————————————————————————-

Product Recommendation

Setup a mesh network at home with a mesh router Mesh router for 5000 sqft home – NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK852)