In the era of the widespread use of smart gadgets, the issue of controlling access to the home network is becoming increasingly important. Many users of ISPs, including Dom.ru, periodically notice a drop in internet speed or sudden connection interruptions. Often, these anomalies are caused not by a technical glitch, but by unauthorized access to your access point.
Understanding that, How many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi?, is the first step to ensuring basic cybersecurity in your home network. Modern routers offer a wide range of monitoring tools, but access to these features may vary between different equipment manufacturers. In this article, we'll cover all the methods for checking active clients in detail.
Don't ignore even a short-term drop in speed, as it could indicate that someone is using your bandwidth to download large files. We'll cover both standard methods via the router's web interface and specialized mobile apps that simplify the administration process.
Why is it important to control the list of connected clients?
The main reason why you need to check regularly list of connected devicesThe problem stems from limited bandwidth. If your data plan provides a certain speed, each additional "guest" on the network takes up some of that bandwidth. This is especially noticeable when watching 4K videos or playing online games.
Furthermore, the presence of unfamiliar devices on your local network creates potential data security risks. An attacker with access to your Wi-Fi network could theoretically attempt to access shared folders, printers, or even inject malicious code into the network.
⚠️ Attention: If you find a device in the list of devices that you can't identify, change your Wi-Fi network password immediately. Don't try to figure out the name first—it's better to be safe than sorry.
There are several signs that your neighbors or hackers have accessed your internet. These include a sharp drop in page loading speed, a blinking Wi-Fi indicator on your router when you're not downloading anything, and strange notifications in your antivirus software.
Using the My Dom.ru mobile app
The simplest and most modern way to monitor the network for the provider's subscribers is to use the official application My Dom.ruThis tool allows you to manage services and control your home network directly from your smartphone, without the need for complex router settings.
After logging into your personal account through the app, the user opens the "Internet" or "Equipment" tab. This is where the current connection status and basic client information are displayed. The app interface is constantly updated, so the layout of elements may change slightly.
The app's functionality allows you not only to see the number of connections but also to manage them. You can temporarily block access for individual devices or change wireless network settings on the fly. This is especially convenient if you want to limit children's internet access at certain times.
Accessing router settings via the web interface
A classic testing method that works for the vast majority of router models, including TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic And MicroTikTo begin, you need to connect to a Wi-Fi network or via a LAN cable and open any browser on your computer or phone.
In the browser's address bar, you need to enter the gateway's IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the login and password for access, are usually indicated on a sticker located on the bottom or back of the router.
After successful authorization, the control panel will open. Menu navigation varies by manufacturer, but the logic is similar. Find the section related to the wireless network or connection status. It's often labeled "Wireless," "Status," "Client List," or "Client List."
☑️ Router login algorithm
Analyzing the client list in routers of different brands
Router interfaces can vary greatly, which can sometimes confuse users. For example, in devices TP-Link the information you are looking for is often found in the menu Wireless -> Wireless Statistics. This displays the MAC address of each connected device and the amount of data transferred.
In routers Asus You need to go to the main page of the network map and click on the "Clients" icon on the right side of the screen. System Keenetic (formerly ZyXEL) offers the most detailed list in the "Client List" section of the main panel, where you can see the device name and connection type.
It's important to distinguish between connection types. The list may show devices connected via LAN cable and those connected via Wi-Fi. For our search for rogue users, we're specifically interested in wireless connections.
⚠️ Attention: Router firmware interfaces can be updated by the manufacturer. If you don't find an exact match for the menu names, look for similar sections related to network status or wireless mode.
Below is a table to help you navigate popular router models that are often installed by providers or purchased by users themselves.
| Router brand | Menu section | Item name | What is displayed |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless | Wireless Statistics | MAC address, encryption type, packets |
| Asus | Network Map | Client List (icon) | Name, IP, MAC, connection speed |
| Keenetic | Main panel | Client list | Name, IP, MAC, interface (Wi-Fi/LAN) |
| D-Link | Status | Wireless Clients | MAC address, activity time |
How to identify an unknown device
The most difficult part of the process is understanding what exactly is hidden behind the set of numbers and letters in the MAC address column. A MAC address consists of 12 hexadecimal characters separated by colons. The first six characters (the first three bytes) are called OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) and indicate the manufacturer of the network interface.
Using online services to search by MAC address, you can determine the brand of the device. For example, if the search shows Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi, this narrows the search to the phones and tablets in your home. If Espressif or Tuya, we could be talking about smart sockets or light bulbs.
However, modern smartphones often use a "MAC address randomization" feature to enhance privacy. This means the phone can pretend to be a random device every time it connects. In this case, you need to consider the number of active connections and your traffic volume.
What is MAC filtering?
MAC filtering is a network security method that restricts access to a strictly defined list of devices. Even with the password, an intruder won't be able to connect unless their MAC address is whitelisted by the router.
Methods of protection and blocking uninvited guests
If you detect an intruder, the first thing you should do is change your Wi-Fi password. Choose a complex combination of letters and numbers that's difficult to brute-force. After changing the password, all devices will be disconnected, and you'll have to reconnect them.
The second level of protection is enabling MAC address filtering. You can configure your router to only accept connections from known devices. This is the most secure method, although less convenient when guests are visiting.
It is also recommended to disable the function WPS in the router settings. This technology is designed to simplify connections, but often contains vulnerabilities that allow attackers to recover the network password in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my neighbor see my files if he is connected to Wi-Fi?
By default, home routers have client isolation enabled, preventing direct file access from other devices on the network. However, if you have publicly accessible shared folders configured or the older SMBv1 protocol, access is theoretically possible. Changing the password eliminates this risk.
Why are there more gadgets on the device list than I counted?
Modern people have a multitude of devices: phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, TVs, and set-top boxes. Furthermore, a single device may appear twice: once as a wired device and once as a wireless device, or under different names (for example, an iPhone and an Apple TV).
How to lock a device without changing the password?
Most modern routers (Asus, Keenetic, TP-Link with the new interface) have a "Block" button or a lock icon next to each device in the client list. Clicking it will block access for a specific MAC address without disconnecting your devices.
Does the number of connected devices affect internet speed?
Yes, it does. The Wi-Fi channel is shared among all active users. If one device starts downloading large files or watching high-definition videos, the speed on other devices may drop significantly, even if the provider offers a fast plan.