Today, no WiFi network is secure from intruders. If you want to prevent an unrecognized device from accessing your WiFi, you can use MAC filtering to block them from your device. Now, you may be wondering, what is MAC filtering and how to configure it on your Netgear router? Let’s find out.
What is MAC Filtering?
Before we learn how to allow or block the devices from accessing your router’s WiFi network using the MAC filter, let’s discuss- what is MAC filtering and how it works.
The MAC filter or Media Access Control filter is used to create a list of allowed or blocked devices on your Netgear router. However, to do so, you need to know the MAC address of the devices you need to allow or block.
A MAC address is a 12-character unique identifier assigned to a device. Nevertheless of the location of the device, it remains the same. However, you can find the MAC address of the device connected to your Netgear Nighthawk router by accessing the Netgear Nighthawk login page.
Although changing the WiFi password is another way to protect your WiFi network from intruders, it is not as productive as MAC filtering. Chances are that someone may crack your WiFi password and regain access to router’s network. On the other hand, MAC filtering blocks the device permanently from accessing your router’s WiFi network.
Steps to Configure MAC Filtering on Your Netgear Nighthawk Router
Ensure that Your Netgear Router is On
Firstly, check that you have connected your Netgear router to a working wall socket and it is receiving enough power supply. You can check the status of Power LED to verify whether your Netgear router is powered on or not.
Also Read: Netgear Genie Login: An All-Inclusive Guide For Beginners
Connect the Router and Modem
Connect the Netgear router and modem with the help of an Ethernet cable. You can connect them wirelessly as well.For a robust connection between your devices, it is recommended to use a damage-free Ethernet cable.
Turn on Your PC
- After establishing a connection between your router and modem, turn on your PC or laptop.
- Launch a web browser of your choice on it and enter www.routerlogin.net in the address bar.
- Hit the Enter key.
- As soon as you hit the Enter key, the Netgear router login page will appear.
- Fill in the default username and password in the required fields.
- Once done, click the Log In button.
The Basic Home Screen
- The Log In button will redirect you to the Netgear Genie setup wizard.
- Go to the main Menu and select the Advanced option.
- Further, go to the Wireless Settings option and click Setup Access List.
Allow or Block Devices From Your Netgear Router’s WiFi Network
- As soon as you click the Setup Access List option, Wireless Card Access List will appear.
- Select the devices for which you want to allow or deny access.
Note: You can also add the device manually if it is not available on the Wireless Card Access List.
- Click on the Apply button.
- As soon as you click the Apply button, only allowed devices will be able to connect to your Netgear router’s WiFi network.
Checkpoints Before Configuring MAC Filtering on Your Netgear Nighthawk Router
- Have a strong internet connection.
- Place your Netgear router in a ventilated area and away from reflexive devices and electronic gadgets.
- Update your web browser before logging into your Netgear Nighthawk router.
- Enter the correct web address to access the Netgear Nighthawk login page.
- Enter the correct default username and password to log in to your router.
Summing Up
Everybody wants that only known devices can connect to their WiFi network. Thus, MAC filtering is the only solution for this. We hope that we have cleared all your doubts regarding MAC filtering, and you will be able to configure it on your router. If you liked reading the article, then leave a word of appreciation in the comment section.
Also Read: Beginner’s Guide to Fix Netgear Mywifiext.net Not Working Issue
