How to Wirelessly Monitor Who Is Using My Wireless

You can see which computers are connected to your router through the user interface.

A wireless router receives an incoming Internet connection through a modem and converts the connection to a wireless signal that can be shared by two or more computers. Wireless connections are convenient in that the computers connected to the Internet through the wireless connection can be moved freely without having to worry about wires. Unfortunately, any computer in the immediate area with a wireless network adapter can connect with your wireless router. To see the computers that are connected to your wireless network, you will need to log in to your router's user interface.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and type "192.168.1.1" into the address bar and press "Enter." If your router has a different IP address, you can find this by clicking "Start," then "Run." Type "Command" and click "OK." In the resulting window, type "ipconfig." The router's IP address will be listed under "Default Gateway."

2. Enter your router's user name and password, if applicable.

3. Navigate to the "Local Network Status" section of the user interface. The exact location of this setting will vary depending on the brand of router you have. Look under the "DHCP Clients Table." This will bring up a list of computers that are connected to the router.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice an unauthorized computer that is connected to your router, it is advisable to immediately change your router's password.

References

• TechRepublic: Who's Riding Your Wireless Network
• TechFAQ: How to Monitor Wireless Traffic