Many ByFly users are familiar with the sudden slowdown of their internet connection or the slow loading of a page. Often, the cause isn't bandwidth congestion, but rather uninvited guests who have managed to connect to your wireless network. In an age where passwords are automatically brute-forced in minutes, managing the list of connected devices is becoming a must-have skill for every router owner.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to identify unauthorized users using standard router management tools. You'll learn how to distinguish your devices from others, understand hidden connections, and discover how to instantly block access to uninvited guests through your router's web interface.
It is important to understand that network administration Requires careful attention. Regardless of your router model—ZTE, Huawei, or D-Link—the user detection principle remains the same. We'll cover the nuances of working with different interfaces and provide a clear action plan for securing your connection.
Signs of unauthorized network access
The first warning sign is usually a sudden drop in internet speed. If you're paying for a high-bandwidth plan, but videos are buffering and pages are loading choppily, it's time to check. However, low speed isn't always the fault of your neighbors; sometimes the problem lies in interference or a malfunctioning provider's equipment.
Pay attention to your router's indicators. A WLAN or Wi-Fi light that's actively blinking, even when you're not downloading anything and all your devices are turned off, may indicate background activity. Traffic may be spent on downloading updates, torrents, or streaming videos on someone else's device.
It's also worth checking the list of devices in your router settings, even if there are no obvious speed issues. Modern hacking software allows for covert connections to the network and occasional use, which is difficult to detect without regular monitoring.
⚠️ Warning: If you detect an unknown device, do not attempt to communicate with it through Network Places. This could be dangerous. It's best to change your security key immediately.
Preparing to check connected devices
Before accessing your router settings, it's important to do a little prep work. This will help you avoid getting lost in the list of MAC addresses and accurately identify your devices. First, make a list of all devices that could theoretically be connected to your Wi-Fi right now.
This list should include all family members' smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, game consoles, smart plugs, and light bulbs. Write down or memorize their names. If you don't know your device's network name, look in its Wi-Fi settings—the hostname is often displayed there.
The second important step is ensuring a stable connection. To configure the settings, it's best to connect your computer to the router using LAN cableThis will prevent connection interruptions when changing security settings, which is especially important for older router models.
If a cable connection is not possible, make sure your device (laptop or phone) has a stable Wi-Fi connection. Avoid making adjustments while far from the router to ensure maximum signal strength.
☑️ Preparing for network testing
Login to the router control panel
To view the client list, you need to access the router's web interface. Open any browser (Chrome, Opera, Firefox) and enter your gateway's IP address in the address bar. For ByFly equipment, this is most often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1The exact address is indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the router.
After entering the address, the system will request authorization. You will need the administrator login and password. By default, on ZTE, Huawei, and D-Link routers provided by the provider, this information is also indicated on the label. A combination of admin / admin or admin / unique code.
If the default settings aren't working, they may have been changed previously. In this case, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button. Reset Press and hold the device for 10-15 seconds. After this, the device will reboot, and you'll be able to log in using factory data.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your settings will erase all your personalized settings, including your network name and Wi-Fi password. Your router will be as good as new and will need to be set up again or automatically configured by your provider.
Analyzing the client list on ZTE and Huawei routers
ZTE and Huawei devices are the most common among ByFly subscribers. The interface of these devices may differ depending on the firmware version, but the search logic remains the same. After logging in, look for the section related to wireless network or device status.
In the ZTE interface (often green/white design) you need to go to the tab Network (Network) or WLANThere should be a subsection there. Associated Devices (Connected devices) or Station InfoIn the list that opens, you will see MAC addresses, IP addresses, and lease time for each client.
For Huawei routers (HG8245, HG8247 series), the path may look like this: Home → WLAN → WLAN AssociationA table of MAC addresses is displayed here. Your task is to compare these addresses with the addresses of your devices. A MAC address is a sequence of numbers and letters separated by colons, for example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
To find the MAC address of your Android phone, go to Settings → About the phone → General information (or Status). On iPhone: Settings → Main → About this deviceCompare the last 4-6 characters of the address; they are unique for each manufacturer.
| Router model | Path to the menu | Section title | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTE F660 / F670 | Network → WLAN → Association | Associated Devices | Shows the connection type (11b/g/n) |
| Huawei HG8245H | Home → WLAN → WLAN Association | MAC Address Table | May require display to be enabled |
| D-Link DIR-300/615 | Advanced → Wireless → Wireless Status | Wireless Client List | Often shows the signal level |
| Eltex NTU | Wi-Fi → Clients | Client list | The interface may be in Russian. |
What to do if the MAC address is hidden or not visible?
Some devices (especially iPhones and Android devices with newer OS versions) use a feature called "Private Wi-Fi Address" or "MAC Randomization." This means the router sees a temporary address, not the actual factory address. In this case, consider the number of active connections and the bandwidth consumed. If you have five devices and six are listed, there's a redundant device.
Blocking and removing uninvited guests
If you've identified someone else's device, the most effective protection method isn't simply blocking it, but changing the access key entirely. Many modern ByFly routers have a "Blacklist" feature, but an experienced user can bypass it by simply changing their MAC address on their computer.
To change the password, go to the wireless network settings section (WLAN or Wireless). Find the field WPA Pre-Shared Key or PassphraseCreate a complex password that includes mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or phone numbers.
After changing the password, all devices, including yours, will be disconnected from the network. You'll need to re-enter the new password on each device. This will ensure that no one else can access your device, as the old key will no longer be valid.
You can also use MAC filtering. Enable "Allow" mode and list only the MAC addresses of your trusted devices. This way, even if they know the password, an intruder won't be able to connect.
⚠️ Note: MAC address filtering is a labor-intensive process. Each new device (a guest with a phone, a new gadget) will have to be manually added to the allowed list in the router settings.
Setting up security and encryption
To prevent the "neighbor's Wi-Fi" problem from reoccurring, you need to ensure the highest level of encryption. In the security settings (Security) select the encryption method WPA2-PSK or WPA3, if your router supports it. Never use the outdated WEP protocol—it can be cracked in a couple of minutes.
Pay attention to the WPS function. It's designed for quick connection without entering a password, but it's one of the biggest security holes. In the router interface, find the option WPS and set the value Disable (Disabled). This will close one of the most common loopholes for hackers.
It is also recommended to change the IP address of the router itself and the password for accessing the admin panel. Standard admin/admin Everyone knows this, and this allows attackers to change your internet settings without even connecting to Wi-Fi if they somehow gain access to the local network.
Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers release updates that patch vulnerabilities. You can check for a new version in the section Management → Update or on the manufacturer's website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a neighbor steal my internet if I haven't changed my password for years?
Yes, this is very likely. The password could have been compromised, brute-forced, or leaked to third parties. If the password has never been changed and is simple, your network is open to anyone within range.
Does the number of connected devices affect internet speed?
Absolutely. The connection bandwidth is shared among all active users. If five people connect to your 100 Mbps plan and start watching 4K video, each will only get a fraction of the speed, which will lead to slowdowns.
How can I find out which device is connected if the list only contains numbers?
Look at the first six characters of the MAC address (OUI). The first three pairs of characters indicate the device manufacturer. There are online OUI tables where you can use these numbers to determine whether the address belongs to Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, or a network card manufacturer.
What should I do if my speed hasn't increased after changing my password?
The problem may not be with your neighbors. Check your ISP cable, reboot your router, and contact ByFly technical support for a line diagnostic. Speed may also be dropping due to interference from neighboring routers on the same frequency.
Is it safe to use apps to view connected content on a phone?
Apps like Fing or Wifi Analyzer are safe and useful for diagnostics. They scan the network just like an administrator and display a list of devices. However, don't enter your router's details into questionable apps.