This wikiHow teaches you how to control computers, tablets, cell phones, and other devices that can connect to the internet over a wireless network. How to do this will vary depending on the router manufacturer (router). However, you can use these Linksys and Netgear router instructions as a guide for doing this on most other router interfaces.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Linksys Router
Step 1. Connect to the Wi-Fi router in a web browser
You can do this by visiting the router's IP address as you would a normal website. How to find the router's IP address on Windows and Mac computers:
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Windows:
- Go to Start and click Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Click View your network properties at the bottom of the main panel. Its IP address is listed under "Default gateway".
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Macs:
- Open the Apple menu, then select System Preferences.
- Click Network.
- Click Advanced located at the bottom of the right pane. You may have to click on the connection in the left pane for this option to appear.
- Click tab TCP/IP. The IP address is listed next to Router.
Step 2. Log in with admin username and password
Enter admin as username and password, unless you have changed this login information.
Step 3. Find the MAC address for the device you want to restrict access to
Do this by connecting the device to the router, then looking for its entry in the DHCP table. Connect the device, and perform the steps below:
- Click tab Status located at the top of the page.
- Click the subtab Local Network.
- Click DHCP Client Table. You will see a list of all connected devices on the router. IP and Mac addresses are listed next to each device.
- Copy and paste the MAC address for the device you want to control access to into the text editing program.
Step 4. Click Access Restrictions
This tab is at the top of the page.
Step 5. Click OK
Step 6. Create a new Access Policy
This is a list that controls the devices on the network that are allowed to access the internet (or certain sites/ports) through your router.
- Select a number in the Access Blocking Policy drop-down menu.
- Name the list next to Enter Policy Name. For example, you could name the list Block this device″ or Allow this device.
- Click Edit List.
Step 7. Enter the MAC address of the device you want to restrict access to
Add each device to its own channel.
Step 8. Click Save Settings
Step 9. Click Close
Now you can choose to block or allow the devices on the list.
Step 10. Select Allow or Deny.
Step 11. Choose when you want to block or allow the device
If you want to block the device all the time, select Every Day and 24 Hours. Otherwise, select the days and times you want to restrict access.
Step 12. Restrict access to certain sites (optional)
If you only want to block a specific site on this list, type the URL of the site (eg www.facebook.com) into the empty URL field.
Step 13. Restrict access to certain apps (optional)
To prevent the device from using certain applications or ports, select a service in the Applications menu, then click the arrow to add it to the Blocked List column.
Step 14. Click Save Settings
Now your settings will be updated and the selected restrictions (or permissions) will be applied.
If you want to add a new list, select a different number in the Access Blocking Policy menu, create a new list name, then click Edit List to add an entry.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Netgear Router
Step 1. Connect to the Wi-Fi router in a web browser
You can do this on a Netgear router by starting a web browser and visiting Routerlogin.net.
Step 2. Log in as administrator
Use admin as the login name and password for the password if you have not changed the password.
Step 3. Click Advanced
This tab is usually in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Different models of Netgear routers will have different admin sites as well
Step 4. Click Security in the left column
Step 5. Click Access Control
This is one of the options under Security.
Step 6. Check the box next to Turn on Access Control
This will display a list of all devices currently connected to the network, as well as links to view devices that were previously connected, but have gone offline.
Step 7. Select an access rule
Choose one of the options below:
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Allow all new devices to connect:
This option allows all devices to connect to the network as long as they know the Wi-Fi password. Use this option if you don't want to block all devices, but only certain devices.
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Block all new devices from connecting:
This option doesn't allow any devices to connect to the Wi-Fi network (even if they know the password), unless you've added their MAC address to the exclusion list.
Step 8. Locate the device you want to block (or allow)
If the device is currently offline, click View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network to look for it.
Step 9. Check the box next to each device that you want to block (or allow)
Step 10. Click Block or Allow.
Step 11. Click Apply
Depending on your choice, the selected device will be blocked or allowed to access your network.