Configuring a Local Server for Secure, Multi-User Collaborative Access within a LAN

Abstract

This research aims to identify, understand, and analyse the technical and organizational aspects related to accessing a local server from other computers over a local network using wireless connectivity. It explores key concepts of local servers, data transfer protocols, secure connection mechanisms, and essential security considerations. The study discusses how to utilize services hosted on the server and evaluates performance optimization methods within a local network compared to remote access through the internet. The central problem addresses how a second computer can access the local server securely and functionally within the same network to enable website testing and benefit from server services. The research provides a methodology involving collecting network data, setting up the local server, configuring the firewall, ensuring devices are on the same network, linking the IP to the Apache server, and performing connection checks. Key findings include simulating the production environment, enhancing availability and speed, enabling cross-device compatibility testing, supporting task separation, and facilitating collaboration and peer review. The study concludes that correctly configuring the firewall, assigning a static IP address, and linking it to the Apache server ensures a stable connection and improves software quality and testing efficiency. The recommendations focus on regularly inspecting network devices, providing necessary security and antivirus software, and keeping software updated.