How can I turn wireless internet on and off?

[Monsieur]

I want to be able to restrict my kids access to the internet with ease. I already have time restrictions on so that all computer access stops at 9pm. Is there a way that I can turn off the wireless internet at any time without having to pull out wires and/or leads?

I have a desktop PC running vista and an ntl modem and wireless thingy that allows a laptop to access the internet as well. Is there something as simple as ticking/unticking a box somewhere that can just turn off the wireless at a whim?

Thanks

 

[oblertone]

Check your desktop ...

... for a Wireless Connection icon, a Right click should give you the option to 'Disable' or 'Enable' dependent on your present state

 

[notagser]

Are you trying to keep the desktop connected, but disable the wireless to the laptop?

 

[Clive]

Possibly the easiest way is to find out the Laptop's MAC Address - if you enter the Admin screen of your wireless router, you ought to be able to find out the value from "Attached Devices".

There should be a screen that allows/disallows access via MAC Address e.g. mine says...

Wireless > MAC address control

Mac Address Control is the ability to set up a list of clients that you want to allow or deny access to the wireless network.

 

[Monsieur]

Are you trying to keep the desktop connected, but disable the wireless to the laptop?

I'd prefer to disable both but if the only option would be to disconnect access to the laptop then thats ok

 

[notagser]

I'd prefer to disable both but if the only option would be to disconnect access to the laptop then thats ok

Not trying to be flippant, but could you not switch off the mains to the modem?
I'm using a BT voyager modem that does wireless and cable connection, and theres an on/off button on the back of it.
Anything else is stretching my computer knowledge!

 

[Monsieur]

Switching off is something I do now - I want to be more 'intelligent' and subtle in my actions.

I want to be able to restrict access but still treat them as young adults - switching off is crude and allows them to access the internet when I'm out

 

[Pukmeister]

If you know the IP address of your router and the login username and password, you should be able to remotely log into the router using your laptop and turn off wireless, trouble is you would then need an ethernet cable connection to log in again and turn it back on when you needed it to be wireless again.

Best bet is to look in the various menus of your routers options until you find a screen allowing you to set access dates/times for each computer connected to it, then set up how long you want the kids to have access and at what times. Read the routers manual and it should tell you all you need to know.

Obviously hide the router login information, kids are smarter than we think.

 

[Monsieur]

kids are smarter than we think.

And then some

Thanks for all the advice

 

[stef25]

you want to look at the router settings.

mine, and probably other models too have rules you can set, to block certain sites and to disable it net connection certain times of the day. usually you access your router via an ip address like http://192.168.0.1, your should be something similar, depending on which make & model you have. to access these settings you need a password so that should be perfect for keeping young adults offline