If you are experimenting with your wireless network setup, or if you’ve been experiencing security issues, you may wonder how to block an IP address from a router. The best routers, after all, offer the capability to block just about anyone. Why would you block an address using a router and how to do it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Blocking an IP address at the wireless router level is a great way to ban certain devices from your entire network for good.
- Start this process by heading to the router’s settings page or access control panel, which is typically done by entering the router’s IP address or address range into a web browser address bar.
- Look for a settings option for “Internet Filtering”, turn it on, and enter the addresses you wish to block. This is typically done via access lists.
Why Block an IP Address?
Security is the name of the game here. If you’ve noticed some suspicious devices using your network, you can block them by blocking their actual IP address. Each device, after all, features a unique indicator in the form of this static IP address. If you learned how to port forward a router and you are seeing some strange addresses, blocking these addresses can be a good idea.
How to Block IP Address on a Router
This process varies according to the make and model of your router, but it typically involves the settings page or admin control panel, which is similar to when you learn how to remotely reset a router. With this in mind, we have kept these guidelines as universal as possible.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 10 minutes
- Tools: Computer or smartphone, router, Ethernet cable, modem
- Steps: 4
Insider Tip
Blocking IP addresses is crucial to keep hackers away from your wireless network.
STEP 1
Make sure your wireless network is outputting a legitimate Internet connection. To do this, check on the Ethernet cable, ensuring it is plugged into both the router and the modem. Also, test out the connection with a mobile device or two.
STEP 2
Your next move is to access either the admin control panel or a dedicated settings page, depending on the needs of your particular router. This process differs depending on the make and model, so check the instructions and perform a quick web search if necessary.
STEP 3
In the vast majority of cases, you’ll gain access to the settings page by entering the router’s public IP address (otherwise known as the default address) into a web browser’s address bar. Have your login credentials ready. In some cases, you’ll need to open up a firmware suite or a dedicated mobile phone app.
STEP 4
Look for a settings page regarding “Internet Filtering.” Turn this function on and input the individual addresses you are looking to block. Once finished, save your changes.
F.A.Q.S
What do IP addresses look like?
These fall into two forms, IPv4 and IPv6. They both direct network traffic to a network device and typically include pairs of numbers.
How do I clear my IP address history?
This is done with a standard web browser, such as Google Chrome if you have a valid email address with your internal network.
What is an IP address?
This is a string of numbers used to indicate a specific device within an internal network. Once a router allows the address into the network, they are granted access control.
STAT: VPN history starts back in 1996 when a Microsoft employee (most sources say Gurdeep Singh-Pall) started developing the Peer to Peer Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) – the first VPN Protocol in the industry. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://routerguide.org/how-to-block-ip-address-on-router/
- https://www.expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/tp-link-block-ip-address/
- https://www.cactusvpn.com/beginners-guide-to-vpn/vpn-history/r
- https://www.expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/linksys-block-ip-address/
- http://files.dlink.com.au/products/DIR-850L/REV_A/SetupGuides/How_do_I_block_access_to_specific_IP_addresses.pdf
