How to Set up MAC Filtering for a Network
Nothing beats the convenience of wireless networking (also known as Wi-Fi) at home. Unfortunately, wireless networks do pose some security risks that wired networks are not susceptible to. There is a way to increase security over your home Wi-Fi network. Setting up MAC (media access control) filtering on your network is an easy first step to preventing the whole neighborhood from using your Internet connection.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with wireless card or airport capabilities
- Broadband Internet access
- Wireless broadband router with firewall
Instructions
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1
Figure out what the MAC addresses are for your main computer. On Mac OS X, you do this by opening the System Preferences panel, and choosing "Network." Where it says "Show," first select "Airport." Copy the Airport ID and paste it into a plain text file. Then select "Ethernet" in the Show menu, and copy the Ethernet ID and paste it into your file. If you are on a Windows machine, click "Start," "Run" (on XP) or "Accessories," "Run" (on Vista). In the box that pops up, type this: ipconfig/all and enter. Your IP addresses will show up as Physical Address.
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2
Visit your router's configuration website. This is usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 but it could be something different depending on the brand of your router. You may need to enter your user name and password to gain administrator access to your router's setup website.
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3
Find the tab that includes the MAC filtering settings. Often this is simply labeled "MAC Filtering" or it could also be called Connection Control, MAC Address Controls or Wireless Connection Control. Since all routers are different, you have to click around until you find the right one for your particular machine.
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4
Add the MAC addresses you collected in Step 2 into the slots on the MAC Filtering Control page of your router's web page.
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Click "Allow," "Yes," "Enable," or whatever affirmative word is used. This will turn on the MAC filtering.
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6
Choose the button that says "Save Settings."
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7
Power cycle your hardware. That means turn off your computer, DSL or cable modem, and your router. In fact, it's best to unplug the modem and router from the wall. Wait a few minutes and then turn on the computer and modem. When all the lights on the modem are solid, plug in the router and turn it on.
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Tips & Warnings
Enabling MAC address filtering is a great start on protecting your home Wi-Fi network. However, it is not foolproof, so stay vigilant on other security measures like changing your passwords often.
On some routers, when you enter in your MAC address, you have to choose "Prevent or Allow these addresses access" on the setup page. Make sure you choose "Allow" or you will be locking yourself out of your own network.
