on 22-04-2021 09:35
Hi, can anyone suggest a way to control WiFi access.
3 children 16,16,14,12 running rings around me. I need a system where I can programme the WiFi to turn off at a set time, preferably for each device. Is there such a system out there? Needs to be automated otherwise I forget, inconsistency isn’t good,
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
22-04-2021 22:27 - edited 22-04-2021 22:27
Well, the hub certainly won't do what you're asking.. but you can investigate 3rd party options.. i have no experience of any of the hardware mentioned but a quick search offered up this link that you may find useful.. https://www.lifewire.com/best-parental-control-routers-4160776
on 23-04-2021 09:51
Good Morning Rjbxrjb,
Thanks for your post on our Community Forums and a very warm welcome to you!
Have you been able to download the Connect App on your smart phone?
This will allow you to restrict Wi-Fi access to certain devices when appropriate
What it may also be worth considering is that if Wi-Fi is turned off, and the teenagers are using a smart phone, this may start eating away at mobile data on the tariff, if they were to use that as an alternative way of using their devices
Kindest regards,
David_Bn
on 24-04-2021 11:56
@Rjbxrjb To get the level of control you are looking for the best option is get your own router and put the Hub 3 into modem mode:
https://www.virginmedia.com/help/virgin-media-hub-modem-mode
I have never used the parental controls in my Netgear router (no kids) but I believe Netgear use Circle with Disney on many of their routers, which appears to have options to set time limits and restrict access at certain times.
A quick Google search bring up these lists of best parental control routers:
https://www.lifewire.com/best-parental-control-routers-4160776
https://www.wifiattendance.com/blog/parental-control-routers/
You could look at the parental control settings on each device as most these days have "screen time" settings to control usage.
No parental controls are fool proof and many experts say that talking to kids and educating them about screen time is more effective.
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on 08-05-2021 20:25
You're fighting a losing battle trying to use technology to control teenager's internet access. They're better informed than you about technology, they talk to their mates about how to solve technology problems, and biologically they're becoming argumentative young adults. If they want the access badly enough they'll get it, unless you can physically deny them access to technology (like take their phones off them "out of hours", and having bullet proof control of your router), but you'll also need to make sure they've got no money. An old, cheap, smartphone can be had for twenty quid, and a PAYG SIM topped up with cash, offering direct access or a low cost wifi hot spot.
Talk to them (one at a time) don't get into an argument, because in that case you've already lost, explain your concerns, LISTEN to their views, and offer some compromise. Bear in mind as well that older kids will progressively be developing a normal interest in shall we say "adult content". You might not like it, you'll have to either become the repressive Victorian parent, or accept that they may be surfing the net for *ahem*. That can be an embarrassing discussion, but better to let them know what's illegal, what's dangerous, and that although you don't really want to know, you accept they may have an interest in grown up matters.
on 09-05-2021 16:30
Spot on comment. Haven't ever read anything better. Others would do well to take note and act on this advice. Kudos to you.
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20-05-2021 13:31 - edited 20-05-2021 13:35
ASUS RT-AX86U 5700 Dual Band + Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CBCR6BB
AiProtection - Web & Apps Filters / parent control - is the easiest and simplest way. can all be setup through the mobile app into own family groups.
How does AiProtection protect my home network?
https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1012070/
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Advanced knowlegde would be to install https://www.snbforums.com/forums/asuswrt-merlin.42/ onto the router above and learn how to use custom scripts.