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Jedi Knight
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I need your help guys. I have a 2Wire wireless router and DSL modem from AT&T. I does a good job and I have had no trouble from it, but there are no parental controls for it. I would like to find a wireless router that I can control better. I want to shut the signal off to certain computers at certain times and maybe have a little control over content (not that I don't trust my kids, but kids are kids). This is for my home and money is the overriding factor in that I have very little to use. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
grin.gif
 
You shouldn't need another router - just software or programming the router you have. there is much to be found if you google it:
Router safety for children
 
AT&T has turned off any parental software in their routers and I really don't want to download software for each computer plus we have several game systems, Iphones ,TV's, etc... that wouldn't be controlled with just computer software.
 
Actually not a huge problem.

Use your own computer, open the browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.).

In the address box, type:

https://192.168.1.254/

That *should* connect you directly to the router. If not - read the instructions that came with the router. Or take a look at:

https://support.2wire.com/?page=view&article=60

When you're connected, you'll have access to all the internal router settings, including which computers (IP or MAC addresses) it will connect to.

I've found that just putting "control" software on the children's computers works for about five minutes, 'til they figure out how to go around it.

Or ... heaven forbid ... you could move the computers out of the children's rooms, and put them "out in public" where you are. That's what I do.

Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
Actually not a huge problem.

Use your own computer, open the browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.).

In the address box, type:

https://192.168.1.254/

That *should* connect you directly to the router.
Click to expand...
The last two routers I've used had 192.168.1.1 to access the router setup page. There is a user name and password to change settings. If you can't get your router set the way you want, Netgear has routers that will. I have their WNDR3400. Hear is a grab of the Block services screen, then you set the time frame for the blocking in "schedule".
 
Hi Greg. That 1.1 address works for my Linksys WRT54G wireless router, but I know other router makers use other addresses for their routers. And of course, each company has its own default login and password system. For Linksys, the default login for mine was actually empty, and the default password was "admin". Hopefully he'll check his router's instructions, or the 2Wire website I linked.

Your screen shot is great - should be a big help in what to look for when he connects to his own router.

Tom
 
Are you trying to protect the kids from the internet or from themselves? :smile:

The easy solution on the computer side (I'm assuming we're talking Windows machines) is to modify their log in profiles. If you're the administrator you can specify which hours of the day they are allowed to log into the computer. It's easier to manage than the router stuff.

The router you have is a fairly standard home use type. Once you connect if you go to the "Local Devices" panel it should show you all the devices connected to the network. Underneath each device listing is a link "View Internet Access Control." From there you should be able to specify when a given device connects to the network.

Note, this works best when all of your devices are named.

Now, with kids being kids, they will find a way around this. :smile: If your house is in range of any other wireless networks check them for security. If they are unsecured then all this is for naught because the kids will just attach to that. Also, if the kids have smart phones then they can go around that way as well by setting up the phone as a wireless hotspot and connecting the computer to that.

Jody
 
Jody - your comments bring me back to "why do we give our children unlimited access to the entire world?" in the first place.

Back in the Dark Ages - when I was a kid - it would be like my parents putting free long distance telephone (telegraph?) lines in each child's room. Then closing the door and hoping no one evil calls them, and they don't call someone evil.

Seems a lot of problems are solved if the devices are removed from the children's private access, and put back under parent supervision.

Wishful thinking ... we tend to give our kids "whatever the other kids have".

Tom
 
Tom,

I'm actually right there with you. While we have a ton of technology scattered about the house, the kids are really neo-luddites. I'm trying to teach them that computers & the internet are just another tool, not places to waste your entire life farting around.

My daughter has a computer. Her mother and I know the password. The only way she can use it is if one of us logs in for her. We also informed her that she can have a cell phone when she has a job to pay for it. I figure, since she's 12, that gives us at least 4 more years before she gets one. :smile: And, we got rid of our land-line, so she can't make a phone call without asking permission.

The only technology that she has free reign over is her Zune (with wi-fi disabled), and that's only because my listening limit of Taylor Swift is approximately 48 seconds.

Jody
 
So ... what's the latest?
Tom
 
I was able to get in to the router, but everything I want to do isn't in there. There's no way to cut off individual computers or set time limits. My big thing is cutting off the internet after they haven't done what I told them to do. It's a huge problem with my 17 year old son. I would take all of his stuff away, but his mom thinks I'm being harsh( until he doesn't do something SHE says). I'm just looking for something to get his attention with and cutting off the internet might get it.
grin.gif
 
"I was able to get in to the router, but everything I want to do isn't in there"

What make/model wireless router is it? What IP did you use to connect?

Every router I've seen has a *lot* of control possibilities. Can't figure out why you don't find any.

Or ... you could just unplug the router's power at the appropriate time ...

Tom
 
Hey Tom,
The problem isn't the router or the make, it's AT&T. They are the ones who have removed the features I'm looking for. They want to sell their own brand of parental controls. Yeaaaaaah......NO!!! I was hoping someone had good experience with a particular brand doing the same thing I want to do. I guess I'll just have to look around a bit. Thanks for the help.
 
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