Mac filtering - how to time restrict access

[SecretSquirrels]

Just moved from BT where I could easily set up a separate schedule for each of my teenagers to restrict their internet access at certain times. As they connect via ethernet I've realised Vodafone functionality is completely inferior to BT's and you can't restrict their ethernet access via the app at all, let alone on an individual schedule. As a workaround I've enabled the Mac filter under Expert mode settings so that I can manually deny them access but does anyone know how to get this to be on a schedule? Is there some third party software that I can install to do this? Now stuck with a 24 month Vodafone contract and teenagers who are having a field day!!

[CrimsonLiar]

Using Vodafones systems the most you can do is set content control schedules using either the "My Vodafone" app (not working for me again) at the moment or the website:

My Vodafone> Broadband > Manage Your Controls and Limits > Router Control > Router On/Off Times

Even that though is pretty inflexible.

So if you want an absolute block, you'll either need a device that does this for you or a third party router:

MAC based time scheduling on third party routers is easily defeated where devices are set to use rotating MAC addresses.

Third party devices such as the "Fing" (others are available) can work work (same MAC flaw as a third party router), but can cause havok on the network in general since they work by spamming devices telling them they are the DHCP server and gateway.  The result when they work is that requests from the targetted devices get dumped into a black hole...

Sorry I can't be any more positive.

The problem with random MAC addresses is that unless you monitor them, you might not even be aware they are being used!

[SecretSquirrels]

Thanks for the reply. I tend to keep a eye on MAC addresses that are connected so if they tried to use a rotating MAC address I'd soon be on their case! So maybe a third party router is the answer, however having to buy this counters the cost savings in moving to Vodafone. Definitely regretting my decision😠

[network123]

IIRC you can disable the internet connectivity on the BT HomeHub. If you do this and use the BT HomeHub as the DHCP server, firewall and AP and switch off DHCP, WiFi and firewall on the VF, you should be able to use the BT settings again. Unfortunately, the VF router is not that great.

[SecretSquirrels]

Network123 unfortunately I don't still have the BT home hub as they asked for it back at the end of my contract.