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What is Network Sharing?
Network sharing is a feature that allows computer resources, such as files, documents, folders, media, etc., to be shared over a network and made accessible to other users and devices.
Sometimes referred to as shared resources, network sharing enables access to information by more than one person through more than one device at the same or at different times. By connecting a device to a network, other users in the network can share and exchange information.
Key Takeaways
- Network sharing allows files and folders on one machine to be used by multiple people and devices.
- There are two common types of network sharing: Individual-system level and multi-system level.
- It enables shared access to resources like files, Internet connections, and devices like printers within a network.
- Benefits include more efficient communication, better collaboration within teams, and centralized management of network resources.
- Network sharing reduces an organization’s operational costs and contributes to better overall business performance.
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How Network Sharing Works
Network sharing can happen at different levels. The two most common are the individual-system and multi-system levels.
An example of individual-system level network sharing is the public folder on a PC or Mac. By default, all users of a private computer have access to the public folder and the information stored in it. Access to the folder is limited to users of that individual system, though it can be extended and shared with other computers over a Wi-Fi or local area network (LAN).
An example of multi-system level network sharing is extending network access to other folders on the PC or Mac. By turning on network sharing and allowing certain or restricted rights, multiple folders can be viewed by other users and devices on the same network.
Examples of Network Sharing
Several types of files and resources can be accessed using network sharing.
These include:
- Individual files such as documents, design files, images, webinar recordings
- Folders and directories containing subfolders and individual files
- Printers and other peripherals like scanners
- Internet connections and network security measures
- Dedicated devices or servers for data storage and backups
- Shared enterprise applications (EAs) like voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
Network sharing is a fundamental requirement of shared corporate systems like VoIP, where an organization’s LAN connects VoIP-capable devices to an external telecom carrier.
On-premises VoIP servers manage the system’s call routing, user authentication, and other functions within the organization’s shared network environment.
Network Sharing Protocols
Turning on Network Sharing in Windows
If your device is connected to a home or company LAN, Windows automatically sets the File and Printer Sharing option to ‘on’.
However, in a corporate setting, network administrators may require you to switch it on manually.
In that case, follow these basic steps:
- Open settings.
- Click Network and Internet.
- Select ‘Wi-Fi‘ or ‘Ethernet‘.
- Click ‘Change Advanced Sharing Settings‘.
- Click on the ‘Current profile‘.
- Under ‘File and Printer Sharing‘, choose ‘Turn On File and Printer Sharing‘.
- Save changes.
Network Sharing Legal Considerations
Sometimes, network sharing is opened up to people and organizations outside the company or organization that owns the network. This typically includes contractors, vendors or business partners, but could also refer to a cafe that provides public Wi-Fi access to customers.
In these cases, it is vital to have end-user license agreements (EULA) in place that govern how shared networks can be used, which resources can be shared, and who owns and has the rights to any shared files or data.
Network Sharing Pros and Cons
- Enables efficient communication
- Improves collaboration
- Enables centralized management of resources
- Can improve productivity
- Minimizes network downtime
- Network sharing can expose security vulnerabilities
- In a company setting it requires added cybersecurity measures like network-grade firewalls, additional access controls, and strong passwords
- Agreements, rules, and processes must be developed to govern how shared networks and resources can be used
The Bottom Line
By definition, network sharing allows a variety of digital resources to be shared over a network.
In a corporate setting, it paves the way for improved productivity, efficient collaboration, and cost savings by allowing a single resource to be available to multiple users.
In a home setting, it conveniently allows family access to the Internet connection, video and music files, and shared applications like games.
In all cases, it allows for easy sharing of files, documents, and data across computers, giving devices access to Internet connections, storage devices, and peripherals. Network sharing is vital to modern computing, allowing multiple users or devices to access, exchange, and manage resources and data instantly through a single platform.
