LAN Sharing

LAN sharing is an optional switch in the desktop edition: once on, the question bank on your computer is opened to colleagues on the same local network, and everyone shares the same data. It suits lightweight collaboration in small teams on the same network, such as teaching groups and computer labs.

Off by default · Trusted intranets only

LAN sharing is off by default. Only turn it on within an intranet you trust (such as an office / computer lab), and do not expose it directly to the internet. If you need a long-running, team-oriented online service, use the server edition.

How It Works

• When off: the built-in service binds to 127.0.0.1 and is accessible only from this computer.
• When on: the built-in service binds to 0.0.0.0 instead, and a Windows Firewall allow rule is added, so devices on the same subnet can reach it at http://<your IP>:<port>.

Data always stays in the SQLite database on your computer; others access your service over the network. Therefore: your computer must be on and running the app for others to access it.

Turning It On

1. Right-click the tray icon and check LAN sharing.
2. Windows shows a UAC elevation prompt (needed to add the firewall rule); click Yes.
3. The service restarts automatically and binds to the LAN.

macOS

There is no UAC prompt on macOS. The first time you turn it on, macOS may ask whether QuestionBank may "find devices on your local network" or "accept incoming network connections"; choose Allow. If you declined earlier, re-enable it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network and Network → Firewall → Options.

Getting the Access Address

Once it is on, colleagues access it using your computer's LAN IP.

Option 1: View It in the App (Recommended)

With LAN sharing on, a Share Access Address item (Wi-Fi icon) appears at the bottom of the app's sidebar. Click it to see an address like http://192.168.x.x:<port>/, which you can copy with one click and send to colleagues — no need to look up your IP manually.

Option 2: Look Up Your IP Manually

To check manually, open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig

In the output, find the IPv4 Address of your current network adapter (usually something like 192.168.x.x).

Colleagues then open in their browser:

http://192.168.x.x:<port>

Mobile access

Phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi as the host computer. Open the address above in a browser and sign in with your own account.

Notes for Multiple Users

• Accounts: everyone signs in with their own account. Administrators can create accounts for colleagues in Users.
• Concurrency: SQLite suits small-scale concurrency; with more users or frequent writes, consider migrating to the server edition.
• Keep the host on: sharing depends on your "host" computer; once it shuts down or quits the app, others lose access.
• IP changes: if the host gets its IP via DHCP, the address may change after a restart; ask your network administrator to assign the host a fixed IP.

Turning Sharing Off

Right-click the tray icon and uncheck LAN sharing. The service restarts and binds back to 127.0.0.1; the firewall rule is removed on uninstall.

Security Recommendations

• Only turn it on within a trusted intranet; never map it to the internet.
• Give each colleague their own account rather than sharing one.
• Use strong passwords and regularly review activity in Activity Logs.
• For internet access / stronger security, deploy the server edition.