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Set up MAC authentication on your modem
MAC authentication allows you to limit who can and can't connect to your WiFi network by allowing or denying devices by their media access control (MAC) address.
NOTE: Depending on your model, your modem's user interface may appear slightly different from the images below.
1. Connect a device, such as a computer or tablet, to the internet through WiFi or using an Ethernet cable connected to your modem.
2. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
3. Log in to the modem's settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password. Note that these are different from your wireless network name (SSID) and WiFi password (security key).
You can find the Admin Username and Password printed on the sticker attached to the side, back or bottom of the modem.
CAUTION! Do not remove or lose your modem sticker, which includes your default admin username and password. These preset credentials cannot be retrieved, and your modem could become unusable without them.
The modem sticker shows you TWO important sets of login credentials. How do you use each one?
SSID and key/wireless password: Used to access and connect to your WiFi network
- SSID is the name that will show up on your devices in the list of wireless networks (may have two for dual-band modem/routers)
- Key/Wireless Password is the password you will enter on your devices to connect securely to your network
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings or through the app
Admin username and admin password: Used to log in to your modem settings portal
- Access secure settings such as firmware updates, WiFi security, schedules, and more
- When connected to your home network, go to http://192.168.0.1 to access the portal (also called the GUI)
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings
4. Select the Wireless Setup icon in the main menu.
5. If given the choice, select "2.4 GHz" or "5 GHz" in the left sidebar. Some models do not offer this option. Read more about the how to choose between 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency, and learn which modems have this capability.
6. Select "MAC Authentication" in the menu on the left.
7. Select your wireless network (SSID). Your active network will usually be the one at the top of the drop-down list..
8. If you are setting up MAC authentication, select "Enable."
9. Set the list type to "Allow" or "Deny." This determines whether the MAC addresses you enter in the next step will be allowed to access your network or forbidden.
10. Enter the MAC address (or select a device from the drop-down) that you want to allow deny, depending on the "list type" set in step
11. Select "Apply" to save your changes.
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