Windows users can download a free, portable program called Wireless Network Watcher (scroll down to the Zip download link below 'Feedback' to get it), and Mac users can download a free, slightly. Wireless Network Watcher will access your network and show you the devices that are using your Internet. After a quick scan, you’ll see all the details of any network intruder found, including.
Wireless Network Watcher is a small, lightweight utility, which scans your wireless network and then displays a list of all devices that are currently connected to your network. The app shows detailed information about any connected device including: IP address, MAC address, the network card manufacturer, and (optionally) the computer name. If you need to transfer this data, then you can also.
You will be able to control who connects to your network, and even activate a sound alarm when a new user connects. You can also generate an automatic command line so that it starts running when someone connects.
You can see the information of each user separately and export the list in different formats like html, css, txt...
If you want to know who connects to your WiFi or check which IP address is assigned to each computer, this free program is just the one for you.
Wireless Network Watcher is a small utility that scans your wireless network and displays the list of all computers and devices that are currently connected to your network. Wireless Network Watcher does that for you and more. This program not only scans and displays all those devices that are connected to your system but also information like IP address, network card manufacturer, MAC address and more of any device that is connected.
It’s 2017 and more than half of the world’s population are the internet now. Apart from being connected to mobile networks or public WiFi hotspots, the next available source of internet (in most cases) is the home WiFi network. But it just doesn’t end there.
You have leeching neighbors and YouTube addicted roommates to handle as well. Imagine, you wake up one day to find that the internet pack has been drained dry. Man, that would be a nightmare.
Not to worry, we at Guiding Tech, have a neat and easy solution on how to block devices from your home WiFi network.
We will be exploring two methods to control the home WiFi system. The first is through MAC address filtering and the latter is through a third-party app on your Android phone. So, let’s begin.
See Also:Common WiFi Problems and Solutions1. MAC Address Filtering in PC
Media Access Control or in simple terms, MAC Address are unique addresses assigned to a system by its manufacturer. Unlike IP Address, the MAC address of a system remains same throughout and doesn’t change. First, you’d need to obtain the MAC addresses of all the connected devices.
1. Scan Network
Wireless Network Watcher is a nifty app which can help you in scanning the devices connected to your WiFi. All you need to do is download the app and run the scan.
The scan which roughly takes only a couple of seconds to complete lists all the connected devices. Once done, double click on the trespassing MAC address and copy it to a clipboard.
2. Block MAC
Now that the MAC addresses have been noted, login to the router’s admin page, head over to the Wireless section. and select Wireless MAC Filter.
Once inside the page, choose Reject and match the MAC address against the one you have noted. Click on Apply and you are all set, to enjoy a distraction-free WiFi network.
Another alternative is to whitelist only the recognized devices. Select Accept and include only the familiar MAC addresses. Once saved, though the WiFi network will continue to show, no new device will be able to connect to your network.
So, the next time even if your neighbor manages to decipher your WiFi password, the whitelist feature will keep you safe.
If your router homepage doesn’t contain a link to MAC filter, you might find it in the advanced setting.2. Block Through Android
The second method makes use of a popular app called NetCut. A very popular app for analyzing WiFi connections, it’s catch is that it works only on rooted Android phones.
Once the superuser permission has been granted, NetCut will show all the available devices. Akin to the first method, you’ll need to obtain the MAC addresses first.
Wireless Network Watcher For Mac
Now all you have to do is tap on the chosen address and slide the WiFi bar to zero. The best thing about this app is that the changes occur in real time which means that as soon as you slip the slider down, the connection to the user will cease.
Speaking of rooting Android devices, check out the advantages and disadvantages of it.Calling It a Wrap!
So, these were some of the methods by which you can offload freeloaders from leeching on your home WiFi network. Given the state of privacy and security these days, it’s imperative that we have a finer control over the WIFi usage. So, which is your favorite method?
See Next: 3 Simple Steps to Turn Off Public WiFi Notifications
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Also See#privacy
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