How to Block Websites on WRT54G v7

In general, most home routers do not support website filtering. It is possible, however, to do this with the assistance of a free service called OpenDNS. Home routers generally function as three different network devices: a DHCP server, a switch and a router. The server makes it possible for computers to send communications to each other, the switch makes it possible to communicate within a network, and the router makes it possible to communicate between two different networks, such as a home computer and the Internet. These functions are responsible for allowing website communications, not filtering or blocking anything, but we can use DNS, another cog in the machine, to filter websites.

Things You'll Need

• Home router IP address
• OpenDNS account

Instructions

1. Go to OpenDNS and create a free account.

2. Open the home router's web configuration interface by typing the router's internal IP address in a web browser. It is generally 192.168.1.1, but check your manual.

3. Change the Domain Name Server address to 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220. This setting is usually on the initial page, or basic setup page of the router's web interface. Save the new setting.

4. Configure your appropriate permissions on the OpenDNS webpage, using the OpenDNS Dashboard.

Tips & Warnings

• When changing your DNS server address, you might make a mistake and get a 404 error, meaning your web browser cannot find the website you searched for. If this happens, revert the process by selecting the "Get Automatically from ISP" button on the DNS settings page.

Resources

• OpenDNS