A modern home network connects a variety of gadgets: from smartphones and laptops to smart light bulbs and TVs. However, sometimes internet speeds suddenly drop, raising the suspicion that someone else has connected to your Wi-Fi. For Rostelecom subscribers, the question of how to check their Wi-Fi router and find out the number of connected devices is especially pressing when using the operator's standard equipment.
Controlling the network is not just a way to increase speed, but also a question of basic cybersecurityAn unauthorized user can not only consume your bandwidth but also access shared folders or running printers. Fortunately, router interfaces make it easy to monitor all clients and, if necessary, block uninvited guests.
In this article, we'll explore all available methods for monitoring network activity, from standard web interfaces to mobile apps. You'll learn how to distinguish legitimate devices from unauthorized smartphones and understand what steps to take if you detect unauthorized access.
Ways to monitor activity on your home network
There are several methods for seeing who's using your Wi-Fi. The most reliable and informative way is to log into your router's administrative panel. This is where the full ARP table is stored, showing the MAC addresses and IP addresses of all active connections in real time. This method works regardless of the device model, whether it's Sagemcom, Huawei or Eltex.
An alternative option is to use specialized mobile apps or desktop network scanners. Programs like Fing or WiFiman They scan the range and return a list of all devices located on the same subnet. However, to configure detailed blocking settings, you'll still need access to the router.
Some providers, including Rostelecom, also implement network management features through a personal account or the proprietary "My Rostelecom" app. This is a simplified option that doesn't require the gateway IP address, but may not display all technical details, such as the connection type or the exact time of activity.
⚠️ Note: Mobile scanner apps may display cached devices. To ensure up-to-date information, always restart the scan immediately before scanning.
Accessing Rostelecom router settings
First, you need to access your router's management interface. The standard login address for most models provided by your ISP is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1Enter this address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Safari, Opera) on a device connected to the router's network.
The system will request authorization. By default, Rostelecom equipment often uses login and password combinations, which are printed on a sticker on the bottom of the case. The most common pairs are: admin / admin or admin / unique password from the sticker. If you've previously changed this information and forgotten it, you'll need to perform a factory reset.
After successfully logging in, you'll be taken to the main status page. Here, it's important to find the section responsible for the wireless network or client status. Interfaces may vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same: look for the "WLAN," "Wireless," "Status," or "Status" tabs.
Analyzing the client list in the web interface
After navigating to the desired section, a table of active connections will open. On Sagemcom routers, this is usually located along the path Home network → Devices, and in Huawei - My Wi-Fi → Connected Devices. Key information is displayed here: the device name (Hostname), its MAC address and assigned IP.
Review the list carefully. System devices often have complex names, such as android-d8f9a2b1 or DESKTOP-8H3J2K1To determine which device is which, check the MAC addresses. You can find them in the "About phone" settings on your smartphone or in the network properties on your computer. The number of rows in the table tells you how many devices are connected.
If you see a device named "Unknown" or a specific brand (for example, if you don't own an Apple device but an iPhone is listed), this is cause for concern. Rostelecom's modern interfaces often offer the option to rename the device for convenience or block access.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Hostname | Device name specified by the user or system | WLAN client list |
| MAC address | Unique physical identifier of the network card | About Device settings |
| IP Address | Internal address on the local network (usually 192.168.xx) | Connection properties |
| Interface | Connection type (Wi-Fi or LAN cable) | Connection details |
Using the My Rostelecom application
For users who don't want to navigate the technical nuances of a web interface, the operator offers a convenient mobile solution. The "My Rostelecom" app is available for iOS and Android and allows you to manage your tariff and equipment in just a few taps. The app's functionality is constantly updated, adding new control options.
To check your connected devices, open the app and go to the "Internet" section or select your router from the list of devices. You'll see a section called "My Network" or something similar. You'll see a list of all your devices, their names, and their connection status. The app often highlights new, previously unseen devices.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to instantly block. There's usually a "Block" switch or button next to the device's name. Tapping it grants access to the intruder. Additionally, the app allows you to create guest networks, isolating guests from your personal data.
☑️ Security check via the app
How to block a third-party device
If the inspection reveals an intruder, you need to act quickly. The most effective method is to use MAC filteringIn the router's web interface, find the "Security" or "MAC Filter" section. Add the offending MAC address to the Blacklist and enable the rule.
A more radical, but often necessary step is changing your Wi-Fi password. After changing the password in the settings WLAN Basic or Wireless Security, all devices will be disconnected. You'll have to reconnect your devices using a new password, but the attacker won't have that option.
Please remember that after changing your password, some smart devices (lamps, outlets, vacuum cleaners) may stop working until you reconfigure them through their apps. This is a normal reaction, and it takes time for your smart home infrastructure to recover.
⚠️ Note: After changing your Wi-Fi password, your router may reboot. Make sure you save your settings before closing the browser tab.
What should I do if someone else's device won't turn off?
Sometimes the router caches the connection. Try not just blocking the device, but completely disabling the WPS function in your wireless network settings, as it's often a security hole.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting speed issues
Even if you know all the devices on the list, their number can negatively impact speed. Every connected device, even in sleep mode, can be updating or syncing data in the background. If you have a limited bandwidth plan, 10-15 devices can eat up your entire bandwidth.
Check if any devices are running torrents or 4K streaming. Rostelecom routers have a QoS (Quality of Service) feature that allows you to prioritize traffic. You can configure the router so that your work laptop or gaming console has higher speeds than your guests' smartphones.
It's also worth paying attention to the frequency range. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try connecting your desktop devices to the 5 GHz band. This will free up the more crowded 2.4 GHz band for mobile devices and smart appliances, improving overall network stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my neighbor see my password if I haven't changed it?
Yes, if you use the default password from the sticker and it's published in a database, or if you have WPS enabled. A neighbor could guess the password or connect via WPS without your knowledge.
Why does the device list show "Unknown"?
This means the router can't recognize the network card manufacturer by the MAC address, or the device isn't broadcasting its hostname. This is often the case for IoT devices or devices with outdated drivers.
What is the maximum number of devices a Rostelecom router can support?
Theoretically, the Wi-Fi standard allows up to 254 connections, but budget router models (Sagemcom, Huawei) consistently support 15-25 active devices. Exceeding this limit leads to the router's processor freezing and connection interruptions.
How can you find out who exactly is online if their names are unclear?
The most reliable method is elimination. Disable Wi-Fi on your devices one by one and see which one disappears from the list in the router admin panel. Record the MAC address and hostname matches.