In my previous post, “Setting Up Your Child’s First Computer,” I mentioned that you can configure your router to block your child’s computer from accessing the Internet.  I prefer this method over software-based methods because any software installed on your child’s computer can potentially be reconfigured by your child or one of their friends. 

 

Step 1:  Find Your Child’s Computer’s MAC Address

A MAC (Media Access Control) Address (also known as the Physical Address) is a unique identification code that is physically burned into every network interface card (NIC).  Since most consumer-level computers only have one network interface, the MAC address can be used by the network to identify the computer itself.  This number never changes, so unless your child is a heavy-duty hacker, they won’t have a way around the block.  To find the MAC address, log on to your child’s computer and go to the Start Menu.  If you are using Windows XP, click Run.  Type cmd in the box and hit OK.  If you are using Windows Vista, type cmd in the search bar and hit Enter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A black Command window will open.  At the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all.

 

 

 

 

This command will bring up a treasure trove of information.  For our purposes here, we are only concerned with the Physical Address.  It will display as 6 pairs of hexidecimal numbers (0-F).  Copy this address down on a piece of paper.  Then you can type exit to close the Command window 

 

 

 

 

Step 2:  Access Your Router

From any network-connected computer, open your browser and enter the IP Address for your router.  For most consumer-level routers the address will either be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.  You will then be presented with a request for login information.  If you have not set up your own login information, your router’s documentation should have the default username and password listed in it.  If you cannot find the documentation, routerpasswords.com is a handy source for looking up your router’s default password.  If you are using a Linksys router, your username is admin and your password is admin.

 

Note:  If you have not changed the login information for the router from the default to something unique, DO IT NOW!  The default username and password are freely available on a number of websites.  Defaults are not unique.  Everyone who owns the same make and model router that you do knows your default login. 

 

Step 3:  Configuring Internet Access Restriction

In the following steps, I’ll be demonstrating using a Linksys WRT54G.  The instructions will be essentially the same for every brand’s routers, but manufacturers have an annoying habit of altering the names of certain menu items in an effort to be unique.  So don’t be surprised if your menu items vary from the screenshots below.  Please consult your router’s manual or help screens for assistance finding the correct menu items.

 

In your router’s main menu, select Access Restrictions.

 

 

 

 

On the Access Restrictions screen, do the following:

     1.  Enter a name for your new policy, such as No_Internet

     2.  Select Enable

     3.  Select Deny

     4.  Select Every Day

     5.  Select 24 Hours

     6.  Click Edit List of PCs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we’re ready to enter the MAC address you copied from your child’s computer earlier.  Enter the MAC address in the first available MAC Address entry.  Then click Save Settings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review your selections on the Access Restrictions screen and click Save Settings.  You’re all done!