How to make Wi-Fi only work for a few hours
First of all, it should be mentioned that many router models have an option in their firmware which allows you to configure it in a simple way. It is not the case for everyone, but if you have a current device and that also has a good integrated firmware, it is a possibility that you probably have and you can easily configure it.
So that’s the first option you have. For this you need to access the router configuration through the default gateway or use the application from the mobile. Some allow you to set a schedule for your router both ways, while others only via browser setup.
If you need to access the router configuration with the browser, you have to know what the Default Gateway and put the access data. It’s usually 192.168.1.1, but you can find out which one for you simply by going to Start, entering Terminal or Command Prompt, and running the ipconfig command. Different data will appear, among which is the gateway.
Once inside you have to go to Advanced Options (although this will depend on the model), Wi-Fi and look for the option to program the switching on and off of the wireless network. You will have to put a time that you want it to start and another for it to turn off. You can do something similar from the router application, as long as it has this functionality.
Some routers allow you to set a Wi-Fi schedule for just the guest network. This is interesting, since maybe you want to have a normal connection and you just want it to apply to another network, the one used by your children or any visitors you have at home. For example, if you have a company you can create a Wi-Fi for customers and only work during business hours.
Turn Wi-Fi on or off with home automation
But maybe in your case the router does not have that function. For example, a popular router such as Movistar’s HGU does not offer that possibility. In that case you will be able to take advantage of the home automation to set when you want Wi-Fi to turn on or off. It is something simple, although in this case you will have to make a small investment.
This investment consists of buying a smart plug. Basically what you are going to do is connect the router to that socket and program it to turn on at certain times. You can also control it from your mobile even remotely, regardless of whether you are at home or not, so you can turn it on or off at any time.
However, this option has a clear disadvantage compared to the configuration that comes with some routers: you will turn off the router completely and that means you wouldn’t have cable internet either. Yes, you will be able to turn Wi-Fi off or on, but you will be without a connection in all cases.
You also have the option to use devices like Google Home. In this case, it allows you to configure when the Wi-Fi connection will be available and even select devices that will be able to connect. It is, once again, another economic investment that you must make in order to control the connection.
In short, as you can see, you have several options to turn Wi-Fi off and on at certain times. The easiest and most useful is to simply use the firmware of the device, although not all will support this feature. You can also use home automation to manage when to turn the wireless network on or off.
