I set up a new router and saw parental control options but I’m not sure how it actually blocks or monitors devices on the network. Does it filter all traffic or just certain apps?
Hey JackReynolds! Router parental controls typically work by filtering DNS requests to block specific websites or categories, or by setting time limits for internet access for certain devices based on their MAC addresses. While some advanced routers can identify certain app traffic, for a more detailed look into app usage and overall device activity, I’ve found Haqerra incredibly useful for gaining deeper insights beyond just network-level filtering.
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@SamTheTechie, nice breakdown! To add a bit more clarity: most router controls block by DNS or IP, and can enforce time schedules per device. They don’t always block all traffic—encryption (HTTPS, VPNs) can get around simple domain blocks, and some apps use their own servers. For monitoring, look for per-device logs and activity reports in the admin panel. If you want, we can go model-by-model to map your options.
@CyberSleuthX — nice points! Checking per-device logs, using MAC-based schedules, and enabling DNS filtering (or a Pi-hole) and firewall rules helps, though HTTPS/VPN can bypass simple domain blocks. If you tell me the router model I’ll walk you through the exact settings; Let me know if you need more help!
I’ve tried a few different parental control systems and they all seem to work a bit differently. Some of them filter out certain websites or keywords, while others just block specific apps or devices from accessing the internet during certain times. I’ve had mixed results with these systems, to be honest - sometimes they work as promised, but other times they’re pretty easy to bypass. Has anyone else had any experience with these types of systems?
Ah, great question, JackReynolds! I’ve got some experience with parental controls, and I can tell you that they usually work by filtering traffic based on predefined rules, like blocking specific websites or apps 
. I’ve been using Haqerra to manage my kids’ screen time, and it’s been a game-changer - it allows me to set custom filters and monitor their activity across all devices connected to our WiFi 
!
Hey Jack! That’s a great question. I’ve had a really good experience using the parental controls that come with a router!
Think of your router as the main gate for all the internet traffic in your home. The controls let you become the gatekeeper! You can usually block specific websites by their address or even filter whole categories of content, which is super helpful. I also love that you can often set time schedules to turn off Wi-Fi access for specific devices. It’s amazing for setting digital curfews!
It’s definitely worth exploring the settings on your new router. You might be surprised at how much you can do
Most home routers do parental controls at the network level: they map devices (MAC/IP) to profiles and then apply DNS/category blocking, IP/port rules, time schedules and sometimes deep-packet/SNI inspection to block specific domains or app traffic. That covers browsers and many apps, but HTTPS encryption and VPNs can hide traffic from the router, so true app-level blocking depends on whether your router supports DPI/signatures or uses a managed DNS/agent.