Question : How to share files in a wireless network?

I have a Linksys ADSL gateway model no. WAG54GX2 which works well in connecting my wireless network to the Internet. I fitted my desktop computer with a Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter for this purpose, but I also want it to be able to share its files with my Acer notebooks which have wireless LAN. My desktop runs WinXP Pro SP1 while my notebooks run Win XP Home SP2. I have already configured some folders as 'shared' in my desktop.

Answer : How to share files in a wireless network?

Anton,

A DHCP capable wireless router can be used as a wireless media 'server'. Each PC can see each other's sharable folders. Music, video and pictures can be streamed from the main PC via the router to any authorised PC/laptop etc in the house.

For a fullblown file sharing network  with easy access straight from bootup, the following four steps are required: (1)WORKGROUPS, (2)SHARING FOLDERS, (3)CONFIGURING FIREWALLS, (4)MAPPING NETWORK DRIVES, (5)Customised O/S

(1) WORKGROUPS:
Configure all PC's to belong to the same workgroup. This streamlines access issues.
(1) Under {Control Panel / System / Computer Name / Change} set the workgroup to a useful name like HOME_NETWORK.

(2) SHARE FOLDERS:
To share folders you need to access the folder properties and do two things.
(1) Under the Sharing tab click {SHARE THIS FOLDER}
(2) Under the Sharing tab also click {PERMISSIONS} and choose the permissions level. This is only necessary if you want remote admin priveleges.
 
You do not need to edit the properties of sub-folders, the root-folder is sufficient.
For  security, only share a limited number of folders and definitely no system ones.

(3) CONFIGURE FIREWALLS:
Each respective firewall must allow the other PC access to the shared folders. There are two ways:
(1) Ensure that the Router DHCP setting is {AUTO}. Configure each firewall {TRUSTED NETWORKS}, or equivalent, to the private range issuable eg 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.254
(2) Ensure that the Router DHCP setting is {MANUAL}. AT each PC, under properties for {Wireless Network Connections}, click the properties for {INTERNET PROTOCOL TCP/IP}. Enter a unique IP eg 192.168.1.X where X= 2 to 254
Configure each firewall {TRUSTED NETWORKS}, or equivalent, to allow access inbound/outbound to the other PC unique IP address. This is slightly more secure from casual poking especially if X is midrange.  

Important: For security reasons, ensure that you are using maximum WPA encryption on your router.


(4) MAPPING NETWORK DRIVES:
It is always handy to map a drive letter to the shared folder on another PC.
(A) Open Windows Explorer
(B) Under {MY NETWORK PLACES / ENTIRE NETWORK / MICROSOFT WINDOWS NETWORK } click the workgroup eg HOME_NETWORK and select the PC of interest and click the shared folder required.
(C)Map that folder to a drive letter via TOOLS / MAP NETWORK DRIVE
(D) If you wish you may tick the choice for {Reconnect on Logon}


(5) CUSTOMISED O/S
If you have {FILE & PRINTER SERVICES} adn {CLIENT FOR MICROSOFT NETWORKS} installed, then ignore the following:
Rarely, the advanced user may have deliberately installed a custom streamlined version of windows, without some services that would have merely bloated the OS.
Under {MY NETWORK PLACES} click the properties for {Wireless Network Connections}. Select {FILE AND PRINTER SHARING FOR MICROSOFT NETWORKS} and click {INSTALL}.
Under {MY NETWORK PLACES} click the properties for {Wireless Network Connections}. Tick the box for {FILE AND PRINTER SHARING FOR MICROSOFT NETWORKS} and click {INSTALL}.

Do similarly with {CLIENT FOR MICROSOFT NETWORKS}



Hope that helps
Happy Days
Regards,
John T