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Forum Discussion

dalessit's avatar
dalessit
Tutor
Mar 22, 2021

Block new devices from connecting

I had asked this before and wanted to check if anything had changed before I put my RBR50's on Facebook Marketplace for sale.

 

Running Firmware version V2.7.2.104

 

Paying for parental controls that are pretty much useless. Kids know how to change MAC addresesses these days so putting time limits isn't working as they just change their MAC and show up as a new device.

 

Older version of the firmware had this on the router itself but when I go to Advanced\Security\Access Control there is only a message about using the Orbi app (which doesn't have this function)

8 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Mar 22, 2021

    On the Orbi web interface, Advanced Tab, Security Menu, Access Control there is an option to "Block all new devices from connecting".

    (see attached image)

     

    Is this what you want?

     

    And, you do realize that this means ANY new device, including when the Baby Sitter comes over (or GrandMa) and wants to use WiFi.

    • dalessit's avatar
      dalessit
      Tutor
      Mar 23, 2021

      See attached file for what I see.   and yes understand thats what will happen.

      • CrimpOn's avatar
        CrimpOn
        Guru - Experienced User
        Mar 23, 2021
        dalessit wrote:

        See attached file for what I see.   and yes understand thats what will happen.

        Bugger. By chance would Disney Circle (or the newer Netgear Parental Controls) have been activated on this Orbi?  ( I have never activated Armor or Circle and am thus blissfully ignorant of what might happen.)  This looks suspiciously like the Orbi has been told, "don't bother your pretty head over Access Control any more.  The user wants to use (some feature on the "app")".

         

        "I got nuttin."

  • Pappa_J21's avatar
    Pappa_J21
    Aspirant
    Apr 21, 2021

    Same issue, access control not available on web GUI, says use Orbi app.  Orbi App does not have access control, only security.  I do not have Armor so not sure now if that is a "premium" feature.  I do use netgear parental controls.  

    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru - Experienced User
      Apr 21, 2021

      I am probably not understanding the issue. My Orbi has a 25 character WiFi password, which internet sites claim will take about 4 billion years to crack.  I leave Access Control turned "off" because it interferes with every experiment I do with a new WiFi device.

       

      I agree that Orbi firmware gets iinto crazy paradoxes, such as showing Access Control for some users and not showing it for other users.

      If the WiFi password is sufficiently secure, what is the ungency about enabling Access Control?