Device featuring simple parental settings for easy management
Device featuring simple parental settings for easy management
I recently switched from using a rental modem/router to managing my own device with a modem and router. My ISP offered all the settings in one place, including parental controls, time limits, and blocking internet access altogether when needed. It was straightforward and hassle-free. I purchased a Netgear R6120 and found their parental controls easy to use. However, setting up time restrictions or blocking internet completely proved difficult on the Netgear OpenDNS site. My partner tends to stay up late streaming Netflix, so I’m looking for guidance on which router brand offers the simplest app for parental controls, time settings, and a clean interface. I’m tech-savvy but my wife prefers something simple without complex configurations. Thanks for the advice!
I’m not aware of any router that offers this feature directly. However, you could restrict access by blocking devices based on their MAC addresses. It’s unclear if a timed system is possible. The simplest approach might involve using both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with separate passwords—switching between them at night or changing the 2.4GHz password for children and using a different one for the 5GHz band. Like years ago, I used an app to block or allow connections to any Wi-Fi network, possibly even the whole network. I don’t recall its name, but it seems to have been updated. If you search your router’s settings, you might find a program that can manage this functionality as long as it connects to your network. I’ll check for options that could assist you. If your router lacks these capabilities, you probably won’t need to purchase a new one.
With my small research, I couldn't locate detailed details about a router beyond SonicWALL, which offers a strong firewall capable of handling specific MAC addresses and scheduling internet blocks. The most affordable option I found is a router priced around $200, which seems reasonable. Alternatively, the NetCut program available for download appears to function somewhat, though it only blocked certain activities on my phone and tablet. I managed to access most websites but couldn't use apps needing internet, making it somewhat inconvenient. If you can afford it, the SonicWall router and its firewall seem like a solid choice for better internet control.
You might want to examine FingBox. It previously restricted internet access by instructing the device that the FingBox acts as the router and preventing it from connecting to the internet.