Looking for a fresh router with these specifications?
Looking for a fresh router with these specifications?
For the client, consider a device that lets you disable internet access on the router during work hours (8 AM to 5 PM). Wireless connectivity should be available, and MAC address filtering is an option. Suggest purchasing from a store like BestBuy or buying online via Newegg if needed.
In essence, any router that supports OpenWRT can handle this task. OpenWRT is a lightweight Linux distribution focused on routers, making it easy to create automated scripts using languages like Python, Rust, or Bash.
All features except the built-in shutdown function work as expected. Most affordable home routers offer Wi-Fi and MAC filtering. Many include Wi-Fi timed scheduling, though I haven’t seen a model that uses the WAN connection for similar control.
My ISP router includes that feature, which pauses the connection for X minutes to X hours. I haven’t used it even though it wasn’t branded. The setup changed to display the ISP’s logo instead of the original brand, possibly in Chinese. B wireless and 10Mb Ethernet are there, but it’s really frustrating.
It's been about a year since I've looked at all-in-one routers. The Netgear AC1900 I swapped out had scheduling features and MAC address support for QoS, but I wouldn't suggest it for business use—or any budget consumer model. If you're not into making routers, consider checking out Ubiquiti products.
This should work well for the client. I’ll keep it simple and avoid custom tools so they don’t have to come over whenever the router updates.
Cheap consumer routers often lack quality and reliability. Manufacturers usually don’t provide timely firmware updates, making them prone to issues. Their design prioritizes low cost over long-term performance.
If Wi-Fi time scheduling is an option, any good mid-range or high-end router should work. I favor the TP-Link C series—specifically the C9 and C7 models. Unless you're in a business setting, just look at user reviews for consumer routers and choose one that fits your needs.