NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
buckeyestargaze
Sep 23, 2015Star
Status:
New Idea
Feature Request: Block or allow individual devices based on time schedule
I have an R7500 Nighthawk router that works beautifully. But one feature I miss is the ability to block individual devices based on a time schedule. There is a feature to block ALL devices on a tim...
guyguy
Feb 14, 2017Apprentice
Let's keep this thread going. Why not? This is a good place to complain about Netgear's routers.
One of the biggest problems I have at home is teenagers. Besides their attitude, I wanted a router that would tell me everything they are doing on MY network. Obviously, a phone with decent coverage will bypass the router and any blocks or restrictions that may be set. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about that situation. However, I wireless device such as a laptop, Kindle Fire, iPod, iPad, etc.. STILL has to go through the router and I am still trying to find a really good router to achieve my main goals.
Of course, every home is different. Perhaps, we ALL share the same goals and common ground.
1. Speed. This is no brainer. I have Kindle Fires, Kindle Fire Sticks, iPads, iPods, laptops, iPods, ATVs, etc.... which all require a good decent amount of speed for streaming movies or surfing the internet.
2. Block Sites- Give the user the ability to block by URL and Keyword. I know this feature does exist on the router but if you are using OpenDNS, what is the point of the feature. Again, give the user a choice to block sites on the router WITHOUT using OpenDNS.
3. Time Schedule- Give the user the ability to set a time schedule PER hour PER device on the router itself. This feature doesn't seem to exist on this router. A user should not have to completely turn off the wireless radios as means to control the time schedule. Everyone knows that if you pause a Youtube video AFTER the wireless radio is OFF, the video will continue to play and still gives the user the ability to search other videos. Again, I know you can set time blocks in OpenDNS to control the filtering level. That is not the same as blocking internet access to a wireless device.
4. Traffic Analyzer/Web History- This feature is included in the Asus routers. Netgear does have Dynamic QoS but the link to view bandwidth by device or application is buried. To view the bandwidth, it should be a separate tab under Dynamic QoS and give it another name. This feature should be very accessible to users. Also, I know Netgear has a log to view device activity. It is very weak and doesn't include everything. This log should be improved to include everything such as sites that are allowed and blocked. A user should be able to view the log by device as well.
5. Netgear Genie- This app needs improvement. Linksys and Asus both of apps for there routers as well. There apps are not bad but they are better than the Genie. The Genie is not bad but it lacks features to help manage your network from inside/outside the home. There is no "bypass login" to allow a user to have access to something that otherwise is blocked. Since the Genie is on my phone, I should not have to login to the Genie EVERYTIME to view the network map. It is soo tedious to login to Genie on my phone everytime. Also, I should NOT have to install anything on client devices.
The above list is from the point of view using the Nighthawk router and my experience using this router. While others my have a completely different view and differrent experiences. I am comparing this router to Asus 68u and Linksys 1900ac. I understand these routers are different and have different features. However, Asus gives you the most features where Linksys and Netgear lack in this area. Each router has there own separate issues and flaws. In my opinion, none of these routers are superior to each other. While Asus gives the most features but iit is not stable and not reliable. The Linksys router is stable and reliable but lacks in features. Finally, the Nighthawk router is NOT stable and is NOT reliable. It lacks in features and you have use OpenDNS. While some people don't mind using OpenDNS, I prefer not too.
I tried a new router called Homehalo. This router SUCKS and is terrible. This router is made for non techinal users and lacks ALOT of features. Don't spend $99 dollars on this stupid thing.
I am thinking of trying the Linksys ea8500 router. Stay tuned....