Can I disable my router only during certain hours?

Question

I am connected to the internet through cable broadband. I have a wireless router to which my main computer is connected physically. My son has a laptop and connects to the internet remotely through the router.

Both operating systems are XP.

Can I create a "policy" or something - or use some other utilty - to make it so the internet will only be available during certain hours. And don't tell me to turn off the router. My son is smart enough to turn it back on.

Answer 1

You did not mention what the make of your Router is.

If you have a typical Linksys router, you can set up a policy to restrict internet access and you can specify which hours the policy applies to. Log in to your router and click on the "access restrictions" tab. The instructions there are fairly straightforward.

good luck,

Answer 2

You can do that with a package such as NetNanny or Cyber Patrol on your son's machine. That will restrict access to sites that YOU select, either individually by site or by types of sites. You can also control access times and total daily connection time by user.

There's nothing that you can do on the typical router.

As to turning a router back on, normal parenting procedures apply there. There is no 100% foolproof electronic silver bullet that will take the place of being a parent and knowing what your kids are doing.

Answer 3

I hate to say no... but you've just invented a marketable product. I don't see why there couldn't be a program installed onto the network that automatically turns on and off the various connections with preset timers.

You can however turn off his wireless connection manually through your computer. open internet explorer and type in the address 192.168.1.1
this will access the router. Turn off the wireless manually.

I wish I knew where to send you for inventions of computer software though :O)

Answer 4

Some routers, such as my D-Link DI-804HV has Filter and Firewall tabs that allow IP and Port Blocking for defined periods of day or night.

For example, you can block all traffic to a specific IP during predefined times of day. (the router can be set to always assign his PC with a specific IP address).
Or, you could try blocking ports 80 and 443 during night hours.
Check you routers settings for what options it allows.

Answer 5

no