Program management via wi-fi. Control devices via Wi-Fi. Front panel of the router

The age of progress and high technology is already persistently knocking on every home. Already today, every home has a computer, as well as a bunch of mobile devices: tablets, smartphones, netbooks, transformers (netbooks with a removable touch screen or tablets with docking stations) and other devices. It is not surprising that many people already have the opportunity to control various devices through. From lighting to other household electrical appliances. Such installations are called « Smart House» and were already known in the early 2000s, but became widespread among ordinary users only these days when wireless technology made available to a wide range of users.

Some general information

It is immediately worth noting that to control the light, TV, refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave oven or any other electrical appliance, we need a special station or relay. They come in different types, with different capabilities and functions. For example, the cheapest devices are made in the form of a socket with a remote control. remote control. That is, you insert the "Wireless socket" into a regular socket (to connect to the power supply). In a wireless device, turn on the pond compressor (for example, sunsun aco review, etc.), and using the remote control, you can turn it off or on. Everything is very easy and very simple!

But there are more expensive and advanced devices that allow you to control household appliances through special applications on tablets and smartphones. In this case, the connection can take place, as in local network and remotely over the internet.

As you understand, it is simply impossible to describe everything in one article, so we will analyze only two types of Smart Home devices. Manage computer functions via Android via Bluetooth.

"Wireless" socket

The word "wireless" here means that you can connect to it via Wi-Fi and control its operation. Consider how such gadgets work, using the example of a device from Edup. This is a Chinese company, but it produces quite high quality products.

How to use this outlet?

1. We connect the device to the power supply network (into a regular socket).
2. There is a button on top of the device. Press and hold it until the Wi-Fi indicator starts flashing (if you hold the button, but another icon is constantly flashing, then release the button and press again briefly). Thus, we switched the device to the mode of searching for Wi-Fi networks in order to bind to the router.

Now let's move on to a tablet or smartphone (which will be used to remote control). In our case, the app is called Edup Wi-Fi. After installing the application on your tablet, you will have to register.

After that, go to the application under your login. But now there will not be a single device in it: the fact is that you need to add equipment manually, so we exit the application.

Now open the settings of the smartphone (tablet) and go to the "Wi-Fi" section. Turn on the adapter. When the system offers a list of devices available for connection, find your "wireless" outlet and connect to it. The connection we need is called "Wifino1". After we have connected to the device, we return to the Edup WiFi application.

Here you need to click the "Settings" button, which is located at the very bottom of the screen on the right. Next, click "Initialize Device". Information about the connected device will be displayed at the top: and the name.

Below you will need to enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the field. You need to enter exactly as indicated in the router, with all characters, uppercase or lowercase letters, and so on. The name must match exactly. And, accordingly, enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.

After that, press the "Start" button. The phone will start sending necessary commands on Wi-Fi socket. You just have to wait for the pairing to be completed. When this happens, the indicator on the outlet itself, which was blinking before, will stop blinking and will be constantly on.

Now, when you log back into the Edup WiFi app, the "Devices" section will contain your wireless socket connected to the router. Opposite the name there will be a button, when pressed, the device will turn on or off. As you can see, controlling your household appliances via Wi-Fi is a fairly simple and quick process.

"Wireless" relay

The second gadget that will allow you to control the light in the house via Wi-Fi is a relay. This equipment is more powerful, which can withstand higher loads. At the same time, everything works directly. That is, the relay itself distributes Wi-Fi, to which you need to connect and then launch the corresponding application and already in the program control the operation of the relay.

None special settings do not need to. The relay comes with a setup manual and a disk with necessary software. In fact, the relay is practically no different from the outlet. But if you can control the outlet via the Internet, then the relay requires a direct connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

There are other Smart Home options with which you can set up control of all household electrical appliances at once. But the cost of such equipment will be appropriate and accessible to few.

Using the Wi-Fi menu, you can quickly connect to the nearest wireless network.

If your network is not listed, make sure the router is close enough that others can connect to this access point. Also it can be. To connect to a hidden network, select Connect to another network.

The signal strength of each of the nearby networks is displayed next to its name. The more dark bars, the stronger the network signal.

enter password

Networks that display a padlock next to their names are password-protected. After selecting a network, enter its password in the login window that appears. If you do not know the password, ask the owner of the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network using a mobile device

Depending on the data plan you're using, an iPhone or iPad with a cellular connection may provide Internet connectivity for your Mac. When an iOS device is near a Mac, it appears in the Wi-Fi menu as an available connection.

1. From the Apple menu, select " System settings».
2. In the System Preferences window, click Network.
3. Select Wi-Fi from the list of available network connections.
4. Check the box next to "Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar".

Network creation

If you want to create a temporary Wi-Fi connection between Mac computer and another device, you can create your own network using the Wi-Fi menu.

1. Click the Wi-Fi menu and select "Create Network".
2. Enter network details such as network name and channel.

When you create a computer-to-computer network, the menu icon changes to a computer icon (). When finished, click the Wi-Fi menu again and select Disable.

Original: How to manage a WiFi connection from the command line
Author: Adrien Brochard
Publication date: August 14, 2014
Translation: A. Krivoshey
Transfer date: December 2014

When you install a new Linux distribution on your computer, it is always a good idea to first connect it to the internet using a wired network. There are two good reasons for this: firstly, there may not be a suitable driver for your wireless adapter in the distribution kit, and secondly, if you install a system without a graphical interface, configuring Wi-Fi on the command line scares many people. I always try to avoid talking to Wi-Fi on the command line. However, there is no place for fear in the Linux world. If you don't know something, this is a great reason to study the subject. Therefore, I overcame myself and decided to master Wi-Fi management on the Linux command line.

Of course, there are several ways to connect via Wi-Fi on the command line. However, for the purposes of this post, I'll try to apply the basic way: one that uses only the programs and utilities included in any distribution's "default packages" set. Obviously, the advantage of this method is that it can be played potentially on any computer with any Linux. Its disadvantage is that it is rather complicated.

So, firstly, it is assumed that you have the correct drivers loaded for your wireless network card. Nothing will work without this.
You can then check which network interfaces support wireless connections with the command:

Typically, the wireless interface is called wlan0. Of course, there are exceptions, but for the purposes of this guide, I will use the conventional notation.
Just in case, check that the interface is enabled:

$ sudo ip link set wlan0 up

Once you know your interface is working, you can search for available wireless networks with the command:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 scan | less

From the output, you can find out the network name (SSID), signal strength, and the type of security used (ie WEP, WPA/WPA2). There may be two options here. The simplest and easiest if the network is not secure. In this case, you can connect to it right away:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 connect

If the network uses WEP encryption, everything is also quite simple:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 connect key 0:

But if the network uses the WPA or WPA2 protocols, things get more complicated. In this case, you need to use the wpa_supplicant utility, which is not always preinstalled on the system. You need to open the /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf file and add the following lines to it:

Network=( ssid="" psk="" priority=1 )

I recommend adding them to the end of the file and making sure other configurations are commented out. Be careful as both ssid and password are case sensitive. You can enter the name of the access point instead of ssid, and wpa_supplicant will replace it with the corresponding ssid.

Once the configuration is complete, run this command in the background:

$ sudo wpa_supplicant -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Now you need to get the IP address using the command:

$ sudo dhcpcd wlan0

If done correctly, you should get a new IP address via DHCP and the process will run in the background. You can always check for a connection with the command:

In conclusion, I think that mastering this method is worth the effort. You can never be sure that you will always have a GUI or a wired connection available, so it's important to be prepared for these situations. As mentioned earlier, there are many ways (Network Manager, wicd, netcfg, wifi) to manage a wireless connection. I chose the most general way, although in certain cases the utilities I used may not be available and you will need to download them first. On the other hand, there are much more advanced programs that are definitely not included in the default set of packages, but greatly simplify the setup process. Either way, it's good to learn the basics.

Yes, operating system will allow you to find and connect to nearby networks, but how about add-ons? What if you need to have detailed information on all the Wi-Fi networks around you, need to fix problems with your network, turn your laptop into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or stay safe in public hotspots? Windows won't help you with all of this.

That's why we've found six apps for you. They do everything Windows can't and more. Five of the six apps are free, while the sixth is not expensive at all.

From MetaGeek is an excellent tool for searching and collecting information on Wi-Fi networks in the area where your computer is located. The program is also useful in solving problems with your own Wi-Fi network.

For all found Wi-Fi networks, InSSIDer shows the MAC address of the router, the manufacturer of the router (if the program can determine it - usually it can), the channel in use, the SSID or public name of the network, security type, network speed, and the like. In addition, the program shows the current signal strength of the network.

How would you use the program to solve problems with your wireless network? If you see that a nearby network with a strong signal is on the same channel as you, you would change the channel of your network (most routers allow this) to avoid potential conflicts.

The program also allows you to identify "dead zones" in your area, where there is no sufficiently reliable Wi-Fi signal. To do this, just walk around your home or office with InSSIDer turned on. In the future, you can either avoid these places or try to rearrange your router.

Whether you're looking to fix problems with your network or find Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to, InSSIDer is the program you'll want to download and try out.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Download InSSIDer

Here's another great program for finding Wi-Fi networks and providing information about them, like how far away they are from you. The radar-like screen shows all nearby hot spots. A separate panel offers detailed information on all found hotspots, including signal strength, network type (for example, 802.11n), router manufacturer, transmission channel, etc.

Next to the radar, the panel provides even more detailed information about the network you are currently connected to, including your personal IP address, external IP address, DNS, gateway information, etc.

Why use Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector over MetaGeek InSSIDer? For example, because the simpler and more understandable layout of Wi-Fi Inspector simplifies the presentation of information on hot spots. The program also shows the relative physical distance of you from the hot spot. And, probably, no one will deny the usefulness of the radar itself.

However, InSSIDer is better than Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector in terms of getting more detailed information about surrounding Wi-Fi networks.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP SP2+, Vista and 7
Download Xirrus WiFi Inspector

- it's beautiful free program, which allows you to turn a Windows 7 computer (the program only works with Windows 7) into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which can then be used by nearby devices - like a smartphone, or colleagues' tablets.

Of course, the computer itself, which you would like to turn into a Wi-Fi hotspot, must be connected to the Internet and support Wi-Fi. At the same time, the Internet connection does not have to be wired at all (although it does not hurt), because the computer's Wi-Fi card can perform a dual function - on the one hand, act as a Wi-Fi receiver, and on the other, as a transmitter.

Setting up a hotspot is simple: once connected to the Internet, launch Connectify, give your hotspot a name, and set a password. After that, your computer's Wi-Fi card will start broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can connect to. It is worth noting that your computer will work on the Wi-Fi protocol under which it was created. In addition, it will also support older protocols. So, for example, the 802.11n signal will allow you to connect devices with 802.11b/g/n.

Setting a password will restrict access to the Internet by strangers. The hotspot signal itself is protected by WPA2-PSK encryption.

Connectify you can even use to set up a LAN without external connection to the Internet. Run the program as a hotspot and nearby devices will be able to connect to its network, even if you don't have Internet access. This can be used, for example, to transfer files within working group or for multiplayer games.

It's worth noting that connecting my Mac to a hotspot based on a Windows 7 computer and Connectify caused me problems. However, other computers and devices connected without problems.

Router management involves setting up the device. The router is a rather complex network equipment with huge functionality, and depending on the operating conditions, one or another control is required.

Configuring the router requires certain knowledge, moreover, before starting the configuration, you need to connect it to a computer and go into the same settings.

If you do not take into account "exotic" methods (for example, via a telnet terminal), then there are only two main configuration methods:

1. Or through a special assistant program;
2. Or through the built-in web interface of the router.

The first method is more convenient for inexperienced users, as it is designed for practical automatic tuning with minimal human involvement, while the second method provides more fine-tuning.

Let's start by connecting to a computer.

Connecting the router to a computer

Any router is equipped with a LAN interface (port) designed for wired connection to a computer. Also, any computer has an Ethernet port for the same purposes. We take a network cable patch court, which usually come with a router, and combine the router with a computer through these ports.

Preparing the router for settings

You can also connect via wireless wifi network, but not all routers and computers have Wi-Fi modules, besides, the wireless network is less reliable and communication breaks are possible at the most inopportune moment.

Front panel of the router

After turning on the router, you need to pay attention to its indicator lights, usually located on the front panel. Firstly, to make sure that the router is working (suddenly the power supply is burned out), and secondly, to make sure that the firmware is fully loaded into it RAM and the router is ready to go.

Front panel of the router

Further actions depend on how you intend to configure the router - using the assistant software, or on your own through the web interface.

Let's look at the first option first.

Setting up specialized software

Assistant programs are located on CDs that come with the router. Also, if you have Internet access, you can download it from the official website of the manufacturer.

It should be noted right away that not all manufacturers develop such programs!

After installing the program, launch it using the shortcut that appears on the desktop. As a rule, the welcome window with the manufacturer's logo opens first, in which you need to start the router settings.

The initial window of the setup program

Further steps depend on the manufacturer, but it all comes down to choosing a provider, entering the necessary passwords and logins specified in the agreement with the provider. In the remaining steps, simply read the messages displayed and agree with them by clicking "Next" or "OK".

Configuration via web interface

But much more preferable, and more professional, is the configuration through the web interface of the router. But to enter the settings menu in this way, you first need to authorize the user, since the router will simply not let uninvited guests into its settings.

The label under the bottom of the router

The IP address of the router is also found there.

User authorization

So, we connected the router to the computer with a patch cord, and turned it on. Next, on the computer, open Internet Explorer, in which we register the network address of the router.

Entering the router settings

Settings Menu Structure

With very rare exceptions, the menu structure is of the same type - either on the left or on top there is a tree of settings items. Many manufacturers also provide help and tips on the selected menu item on the right side of the window. In the center of the window, direct settings are made, that is, managing the router.

Settings menu

It is very good if the menu is in Russian. If it is originally in English, then we are looking for a string like "Language", since the menu can be multilingual, and English is simply set by default. We change it to Russian.

WiFi setup

Everything, then it remains only to carefully read the names of menu items and make settings. For example, we need to set wireless network Wi-Fi. We look at the menu names, we need "Wi-Fi", "Wireless", "Wireless Network" or something like that.

Consider an example of setting up on a router from Netgear

Wi-Fi setup

Go to the "Settings" menu, then select the "Wireless Network Settings" submenu. A settings window will open, in which we indicate the name of our wireless network, select the channel, mode, transmission speed. If you wish, you can set a password to connect to the network, or leave the entrance free.

The rest of the router is configured according to the same scheme, some of which can be found in the video tutorial:

Management and WiFi setup in his house Kashkarov Andrey Petrovich

1.11. Wi-Fi signal distribution via laptop

All possible options implementation WiFi sharing from a laptop or PC, including how to set up standard means Windows 10 as well as using specialized programs, it is impossible to consider within one book, so let's turn to the most popular options that have stood the test of time.

Option number 1. Wi-Fi sharing can be done using command line and the built-in netsh command in Windows 7.

Requirements: computer 1 – Internet connection (LAN, WiFi, 3G…), Wi-Fi module, installed Windows 7 and above, and a second computer with built-in Wi-Fi module. In this case, relatively simple network(ad-hoc mode) in point-to-point mode is not suitable for connecting with devices that do not support ad-hoc networks (for example, a tablet or phone based on Android OS). The use of this network is necessary mainly for data exchange between PCs in the absence of the ability to use an access point. The essence of the method consists in several practical steps.

1. Open Start? Control Panel? Network and Sharing Center? Set up a shared connection or network.

2. Choose: Setting up a computer-to-computer wireless network, press Further. Set the network name and security key in Latin, click Further.

3. Open Start? Control Panel? Network and Sharing Center? Change adapter settings.

Select a network with Internet access and go to Properties. Then go to the tab Access and enable command to public access. On another computer, we look for the network we created and connect.

Option number 2. Distributing a Wi-Fi signal using the command line and the Windows 7 built-in netsh command to connect a computer-device network with Wi-Fi.

Requirements: Computer 1 – Internet connection (LAN, WiFi, 3G…), Wi-Fi module, which drivers support Virtual Wi-Fi, installed Windows 7 maximum or Windows 8 R2, second PC or (other devices) with the presence of the module.

Allows you to connect devices through an access point (Access Point-AP) based on Virtual Wi-Fi software technology. This technology is based on a software access point (Software Access Point - SoftAP), to which you can connect a laptop, phone (supported by OS Android), camera, printer and other devices.

1. Click Start? enter in the search bar cmd ? open command prompt as administrator.

2. Enter the following line into the command line:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid="HomeWi-Fi" key="123qwe123456" keyUsage=persistent, Where ssid="Home Wi-Fi" SSID– network identifier (network name), in our example: home wifi; key="123qwe123456"– security key (password), in our example: 1 23qwe123456". Next click Enter.

3. Then we start the network with the command (also enter into the command line) netsh wlan start hostednetwork, then in the list network connections the newly created HomeWi-Fi network is visible.

In order to provide Internet access to other devices connected to our created network, it is necessary to follow the procedure of step 3 described in the “alternative” option (No. 2).

IN this option there is a feature that when you turn off the distributing laptop or go to sleep, you will need to start the network from the command line again. In order not to do this every time, just download given file start WiFi. bat and drag it to .

Thus, we set up the distribution of Wi-Fi from a laptop to other devices.

Option number 3. Using a program for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop. Requirements: according to method number 2.

This option implements the possibility of creating an access point based on the described method No. 2, using only graphical program shells. IN free access there are a huge number of programs for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop or PC, so it makes no sense to describe the settings for each.

Attention important!

It would be useful to purchase an autonomous Wi-Fi access point, which will save the user from many connection problems. various devices. If the signal strength is insufficient, use an external Wi-Fi antenna with a high gain.

Wi-Fi routers: differences and features

Today, the router is one of the most popular devices among Internet users. The market offers a wide range of routers for every taste. Which router is better to choose for home use? It is rather difficult to give an unambiguous answer to this question. Different types of routers, the main factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing a home Wi-Fi modem - all these are important aspects without which the right choice is difficult.