New Feature: ac1900 (Model EX7000) wifi range extender - M

I did not even think to check before purchase

 

Hmmmm.

Better to suggest making this a feature of ALL wifi extenders?

Hi aaadams,

                        This product does have MAC filtering which will be in the name of access control where you can block wireless devices getting connected to it. Please refer this link https://kb.netgear.com/26075/How-to-enable-the-EX7000-Access-Control-feature on how to enable it.

jvasanth1984:

Thank you for the link.  Unfortunately this does not address my problem. What is currently built in is the ability to block a device after it is connected. That makes no sense to me.  I am looking to block all devices except those I explicitly allow. This is how every other device I have used with WAP functionality works. 

Netgear makes different devices at different prices with varying sets of features. It does not make commercial sense for Netgear to have every device have every feature.

The function you want Block all new devices from connecting is available in various models.

michaelkenward:

I agree and thank you. I do not expect all products to have all features. To me, this feature seemed basic for any device that supported WAP functionality.  Even on low end devices I have used, it had this capablity. I fully agree it was my fault for not checking more carefully before purchasing.  I just expected it to be here and did not even think to check.

I personally think this is pretty basic and I fail to understand how blocking a device that has already joined the WAP is of much value (i.e., current functionality).  It seems if they just "reversed" that logic, it would be much more useful.

Hi aaadams,

                        When access control is enabled, it'll not let any device connect to extender except the devices which was marked as allowed in the past.

Hi jvasanth1984

I do not see this behavior.  I am looking at my configuration screen and the only option is to deny a specific device after it is connected.  I currently have access controls enable and any device can connect to the WAP.  There is no option for a "whitelist" of devices to allow.

Hi aaadams,

                        I agree with you. We cannot block devices before they get connected to this extender. For now, you may secure it with WPA2 security to block intruders.

jvasanth1984,

I agree. For now that is exactly what I am doing.  Hopefully, Netgear will update firmware to support actual acess control list based on MAC.  

Hi aaadams,

Thank you for your suggestion on adding MAC filtering to the device. Your idea will be reviewed for consideration. :]

- Jason N