HOW TO Manage network devices
1 Network know-how
Most routers provide an app that allows you to adjust various settings. The features in these apps can vary quite a lot, but they generally start by giving you an overview of all the devices that are currently connected to your network.
2 Take back control
You can control individual devices, perhaps blocking devices you don’t recognise, or pausing the kids’ internet at dinner time. Some apps provide filters to block unsuitable material – but watch out for additional subscription fees here.
3 Day by day
Another really useful feature – but not found in all apps – is the ability to create daily or weekly schedules to control your kids’ internet access. That way you can make sure they’re not on Instagram or TikTok all night long.
4 Test and trace
The Linksys router here has a really good app, which includes a speed test to check our Wi-Fi performance. It can even monitor the Wi-Fi channels being used by other nearby networks, and suggest which channels will work best for you.
5 Game on!
Some activities, such as gaming or streaming video need a really fast connection; many apps allow you to give priority to specific tasks – or to individual devices, such as a games console – so that they get the best possible speeds.
6 Browser interface
The apps provided with most routers tend to be fairly basic. To find additional controls you may be able to use a web browser to log directly in to your router’s advanced interface (check the router’s manual to find this option).
7 Dual bands
Some routers merge the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single network – which means you can’t choose which band you connect to. However, this interface allows you to create two separate networks on those bands.
8 Wi-Fi Assist
If your Wi-Fi is really flaky, you can use ‘Wi-Fi Assist’ on your iPhone (or iPad with mobile broadband), to automatically switch to mobile broadband. Go to Settings/Mobile Data and scroll right down to find this option.
9 Personal hotspot
In emergencies, you can use your iPhone’s mobile broadband to create a ‘personal hotspot’ that acts as a temporary Wi-Fi network. These last two options both use mobile broadband, so watch out for extra charges!