Spark SmartModem2 MAC filter schedule for wifi access not working

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark SmartModem2 MAC filter schedule for wifi access not working

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Ultimate Geek

#304448 4-May-2023 17:31

Trying to get this setup for my eldest son so he cant be on his chromebook in the mornings before school and only at certain times etc.

All looks to be setup correctly however I tested it and the internet is working fine even when it should be off.

freitasm

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#3072386 4-May-2023 17:37

Are you sure his Chromebook is not using random MAC addresses?

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webup

535 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3072406 4-May-2023 18:20

I'm not 100% sure but the chrome book kept showing the same Mac address in its settings page even after disconnect then reconnect.
The modem software seems to recognize the device and apply the schedule to it but it just doesn't work.

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Ultimate Geek

#3076788 16-May-2023 14:02

Also now tried URL blocking on the router and applying and that does nothing either....

michaelmurfy

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#3076870 16-May-2023 15:29

Using the router for this will be a pretty poor experience + many devices randomise the MAC address making mac filtering useless (it always has been, but moreso these days).

Set up NextDNS - you can try it without signing up an account: https://nextdns.io/

On the Chromebook as well as his devices set up NextDNS as a private DNS assigned to a profile. On your general network set up NextDNS as a DNS provider under another profile. This way you can directly control his devices + monitor internet use on your main network. Ensure also you turn on "Block Bypass Methods" under parental control on both networks.

No solution is foolproof, but this is one of the better solutions. If you set up the private DNS on his devices without him knowing then it is less likely he'll find and disable this + it works on any WiFi network and overrides any DNS on his devices too.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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