MAC Address Filter

To protect the wifi what we usually do is to setup a password.  We can setup another security on the wifi by enabling the MAC address filter.  Since changing the MAC address requires advance knowledge on hacking as compared to changing an ip address, MAC address filtering is definitely a deterrent.  Basically, all the machines and peripherals that is capable of connecting to a network has its MAC address such as personal computers, video game consoles, smartphones, printers and so on.

This is how to get the MAC address of the computer:

1. Click Start  or Windows Logo
2. On Run type cmd
3. Type ipconfig /all
4. Look for the “Physical Address of your wireless LAN adapter”

For the other peripherals such as print servers you will find the MAC address on the label or upon installation of the driver.

It is difficult to give the exact detail on how to enable the MAC address filter of your router because each brand has its own way of enabling it.  However, that feature is common to most of the brands of router.  You just have to read the user’s manual on how to use this feature.  Usually, you will find it inside the WLAN setting. Once you are done enabling the MAC address filter you may now add the MAC address of your computer onto the router. The router will now verify the computers that will attempt to connect, if it does not find the MAC address on its list it will deny the access.

Enabling the MAC address filter may not be the ultimate solution on securing the wifi however having a second security is better than just relying on one.