Work folders without support for synching over the Internet - LAN use only

Hi all,

i'm currently evaluating Server Essentials 2012 R2 as OS for my home server. I want to use the home server for client/data backup and media streaming. I don't want to access files on the server from the internet (at least not right now).

I have 3 Win 8.1 clients in my local network and want to sync files between the clients and my home server via the work folder feature.

Is there any supported way to use the work folder feature for LAN only usage?

I've came accross a technet work folder deployment guide on technet (sorry, I'm not yet allowed to post links).

The tip at the top of the page suggests it is possible to use the work folders as described above. I've added the necessary roles and created the sync shares. But when I try to connect to the work folders on my client, the only path accepted starts with https. But I don't have a SSL certificate...

Is there any way to connect a client to a work folder without using SSL encryption? Or do I have to create a self-signed certificate? If so, are there any security issues as long as my server is not accessible from the Internet?

Thanks in advance,

best regards,

Oskar13