How do I limit devices connected to my Wi-Fi?

Curbing the Crowd: How to Limit Devices Connected to Your Wi-Fi

Ever feel like your Wi-Fi is slower than a dial-up modem? You’re not alone. One common culprit is too many devices vying for bandwidth. Luckily, you can take control and limit access to your Wi-Fi network.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Access Your Router’s Web Interface:

• Find your router’s IP address. This is usually found on the sticker on the bottom of the router itself or in your router’s documentation.
• Open a web browser and type the IP address in the address bar.
• You’ll be prompted to enter your router’s username and password. These are usually printed on the router or in the documentation.

2. Navigate to Access Control Settings:

• Once you’re logged into your router’s interface, look for an option called “Access Control,” “Firewall,” or “Advanced Security.”
• This section allows you to control which devices can connect to your network.

3. Enable Access Control and Choose Your Method:

• Enable the Access Control feature.
• You’ll then have the option to either block or permit specific devices.
  • Blocking means only devices on your whitelist can connect. This is ideal if you want to restrict access to specific devices.
  • Permitting means only devices on your blacklist are blocked. This is helpful for temporarily blocking a device while troubleshooting.

4. Configure Your Device List:

• The router will likely display a list of currently connected devices.
• You can add or remove devices from your whitelist or blacklist using their MAC addresses.
• The MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to each device. You can find your device’s MAC address in its network settings.

5. Apply Changes and Enjoy the Benefits:

• Save your settings and your router will start enforcing the access control rules.
• Enjoy a faster, more stable network with only authorized devices connecting!

Important Notes:

• The specific interface and settings may vary depending on your router model. Consult your router’s manual for specific instructions.
• For added security, consider changing your router’s default password and enabling other security features, such as WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.

By taking control of your Wi-Fi access, you can ensure your network is secure, efficient, and running smoothly.