How Do I Block an IP Address in a Home Network?

By Rebecca Mecomber

Use the router to block an IP on all computers in your home network.
i network image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com

You can block an IP address from an individual computer very easily by configuring the computer's Hosts file. However, blocking an IP address in a home network, where there are multiple computers accessing the Internet, requires different tactics. In a home network, all computers on that network access the Internet through a central point: the router. To block an IP address across the entire network involves configuring your router. Most routers have a firewall that is easily managed. Unfortunately, there is no standard set of instructions for configuring the firewall settings, due to the large variety of router manufacturers. But with a little effort, you can browse through the available settings in your router and look for the firewall.

Step 1

Open your web browser. Type in 192.168.0.1 to access your router's administrative page. If that IP address does not work, type in 192.168.0.0, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.1.2.

Step 2

Enter your admin user name and password when prompted.

Step 3

Search for the "Firewall" or "Block Sites" configuration page. Sometimes these settings may be listed under "Content Filtering," "Parental Filtering," or "Security." Click the link for the configuration page.

Step 4

Type the domain name IP address into the form where it says "type keyword or domain here." Click "Add."

Step 5

Click "Save" or "Apply" at the bottom of the configuration page.

Step 6

Reboot your router to activate the new settings.

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