Configure basic network settings in Windows for peer-to-peer networking

BY SIR LAU

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, students must be able to:

1. access the Network and Sharing Center in Windows 10,

2. enable Network Discovery,

3. enable File and Printer Sharing,

4. understand the role of these settings in peer-to-peer (P2P) networking; and

5. apply the configuration to allow computers to share files and printers

​

“Have you ever shared a file or used a printer from another computer? How did you do it?”

🖧 Networking Concepts in Windows 10

1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

• A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is a type of network where computers communicate directly with each other without needing a central server. Each computer can act as both a client and a server—this means they can request and provide resources (such as files, printers, or internet access).

🧑‍💻 Key Characteristics:

• No central server required
• Easy to set up (common in home and small office networks)
• Ideal for sharing files and printers
• Limited scalability for large organizations

📌 Example: You share a folder on your PC, and your classmate can open or copy files from it directly through the local network.

​

🖧 Networking Concepts in Windows 10

2. Network Discovery

• Network Discovery is a setting in Windows that allows your computer to detect other computers and devices on the same local network, and vice versa. It’s necessary for any kind of resource sharing.

​

🔍 What It Does:

• Lets your PC show up in the Network section of File Explorer
• Allows you to see other computers, printers, and shared folders
• Must be enabled for P2P sharing to work

​

📌 Note: If Network Discovery is turned off, you won’t see or connect to other devices—even if they are properly configured.

🖧 Networking Concepts in Windows 10

3. File and Printer Sharing

• This feature allows your PC to share files and printers over the local network with other users.

​

🗂️ File Sharing:

• You can share specific folders or use the default Public folder
• Other network users can view, copy, or modify files based on the permissions you set

🖨️ Printer Sharing:

• A printer connected to one computer can be made available to others
• Great for classrooms or offices with limited printers

📌 Note: You must enable this feature under Advanced Sharing Settings for it to work.

🖧 Networking Concepts in Windows 10

4. Public Folder Sharing & Password Protected Sharing

These are optional settings in Windows that give you more control over how your resources are shared.

​

📁 Public Folder Sharing:

• A built-in folder in Windows that is easy to share
• Located at: C:\Users\Public
• Anything placed in this folder can be accessed by anyone on the same network
• Useful for quick and temporary file sharing

​

🔐 Password Protected Sharing:

• When enabled, only users who know a valid username and password on your PC can access shared files and printers
• Helps prevent unauthorized access, especially on open or public networks

​

📌 Tip: Keep Password Protected Sharing on in public networks, but optional in trusted environments like school labs.

🖧 Networking Concepts in Windows 10

🖥️ Demonstration (10 mins)

Steps to access and configure:

1. Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click Change advanced sharing settings
3. Expand Private network profile
4. Turn ON:
• Network Discovery
• File and Printer Sharing
5. Do the same under Guest or Public (optional if used)
6. Save changes

​

• Optional: Show how to share a specific folder or printer.

ACTIVITY I�Guided Hands-On Setup

Task:�Follow step-by-step instructions to:

• Enable network discovery
• Enable file and printer sharing
• Check visibility on the network (e.g., via File Explorer > Network tab)

​

✅ Output:

• Checklist with screenshots or signed confirmation of steps completed

​

ACTIVITY II�P2P Testing with a Classmate�

Task:�Pair up and perform:

• Share a folder from PC A
• Access the shared folder from PC B
• Share a printer (if available) from one device
• Record if the test was successful

​

✅ Output:

• Peer-to-peer connection and file/printer access confirmation sheet

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• Instruction:�Write a step-by-step guide (in your own words) on how to enable file sharing and access a shared folder on another computer. Include at least 5 steps and draw icons or buttons if applicable.