When internet speeds drop sharply and webpages take longer to load than usual, this often raises suspicion among ISP users. This is especially true for Belarusian telecom subscribers, as their plans often have speed or data caps. If you notice that the router's lights are flashing excessively, even when your computer is off, this could indicate that someone else has connected to your access point.
You can identify the intruder yourself by analyzing the list of connected devices in your router's web interface. ByFly (trademark Beltelecom) provides subscribers with various equipment, including models from manufacturers Huawei, ZTE, TP-Link And TendaDespite the differences in interfaces, the testing principle remains the same for all types of devices providing wireless communication.
In this article, we'll detail the steps you need to take to gain complete control of your home network. You'll learn how to distinguish your devices from others', and what steps to take to immediately disable the intruder and prevent re-intrusion.
Primary diagnosis and visual signs of invasion
Before delving into complex router settings, it's worth conducting a preliminary assessment of the situation. There are indirect signs that may indicate that your WiFi is being used by someone else. One of the most obvious symptoms is a critical drop in download and upload speeds. If you can barely watch HD video with a 100 Mbps plan, you should be wary.
Pay attention to the indicators on the router body. The light that indicates the wireless network (usually labeled as WLAN, WiFi (The light (or antenna-shaped indicator) should flash irregularly. If it's steady or flashing rapidly while all your home devices are unplugged, that's a sure sign of activity.)
⚠️ Warning: Don't be too quick to blame your neighbors for data thieves. Sometimes background operating system updates can cause the load. Windows or cloud synchronization of photos on smartphones.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use specialized mobile apps that scan the network. Utilities such as Fing or WiFi Analyzer, allow you to see a list of all devices within range before accessing the router settings. This will help you understand the scope of the problem and the number of connected clients.
- 📉 A sharp drop in internet speed during peak hours or at night.
- 📶 Unstable signal and frequent connection breaks for no apparent reason.
- 💡 The router's indicators blink more actively than usual when there is no active operation.
- 🔒 Unable to connect to router settings due to channel being busy.
Login to the ByFly router control panel
To get precise information about who is using your WiFi, you need to log in to your router's administrative panel. Beltelecom most often, devices of the brand are received Huawei (HG8245, HG8245A series) or ZTE (models F660, F670). They are accessed via a browser.
Open any browser on a device connected to the network and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. By default, for equipment ByFly this is most often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.100.1If the default addresses don't work, check the sticker on the bottom of the router—it contains the exact login details.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu layout may vary depending on your router's firmware version. If you don't see the item you're looking for, look for a similar section.
The system will ask for a login and password. The standard credentials are also indicated on the sticker (often this is admin/admin or root/adminIf you previously changed your password and forgot it, you'll have to perform a factory reset, which will require you to reconfigure your internet connection.
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main menu. It's important to pay attention here, as the interface may be in English or Russian, depending on the firmware localization. We're interested in the section related to network status or wireless connections.
Analyzing the list of connected devices
The most informative section for identifying "freeloaders" is the list of active clients. In routers Huawei it is often on the menu Statistics -> WLAN Statistics or Status -> User Interface Information. In devices ZTE the information you are looking for is hidden in the section Status -> WLAN -> Station Information.
In the window that opens, you'll see a table containing MAC addresses, IP addresses, and sometimes names of connected devices. The main task at this stage is to identify which of them are yours and which are not. A MAC address is a unique identifier for a network interface in the format AA:BB:CC:11:22:33.
To avoid confusion, make a list of all your gadgets: smartphones, televisions Smart TV, laptops, smart plugs, and speakers. Compare the MAC addresses listed in the router with those on your devices. You can find the MAC address on your phone in the WiFi settings (under "About phone" or "Network information").
☑️ Checking devices on the network
If you find a device you can't identify, try temporarily disabling Wi-Fi on all your devices. If even one active client remains in the router's list, it means someone else is using it.
Table of device identification by MAC addresses
For ease of data analysis, here's an example of what a list of connected clients might look like in a router's interface. Note the MAC address column—the first six characters (OUI) often reveal the device's manufacturer.
| Device Name (Host Name) | MAC address | IP address | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivan-iPhone | A4:83:E7:XX:XX:XX | 192.168.1.5 | Active |
| LivingRoom-TV | 00:1D:BA:XX:XX:XX | 192.168.1.12 | Active |
| Unknown Device | DC:45:12:XX:XX:XX | 192.168.1.15 | Active |
| Xiaomi-Mi-Box | 38:9A:D8:XX:XX:XX | 192.168.1.20 | Active |
In the example above, the device named "Unknown Device" is suspicious because it doesn't have a descriptive name and its MAC address doesn't match any known brands. The first three pairs of characters of the MAC address (DC:45:12) indicate the manufacturer of the network module, which can be verified in open OUI databases.
What is MAC filtering?
MAC filtering is a network security method where the router allows only devices with pre-approved addresses. This is a reliable but labor-intensive security method, as you must manually whitelist each new guest's MAC address to connect.
Some modern routers allow you to rename connected devices directly in the interface for convenience. If you're sure it's your device, but it shows up as "Unknown," simply give it a descriptive name to avoid confusion in the future.
Methods for blocking uninvited guests
Once you've positively identified the intruder, you need to immediately restrict their access. The simplest and most effective way is to change the WiFi password. This will disconnect all clients, and you'll have to reconnect your devices using the new security key.
To do this, go to the section WLAN -> Security (or WLAN Basic Configuration). Find the field WPA PreSharedKey or PassphraseCreate a complex password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid simple combinations like "12345678" or your date of birth.
An alternative method is blocking by MAC address. In the same security settings, find the option MAC FilterEnable "Blacklist" mode and add the intruder's MAC address. The router will then ignore connection requests from this specific address, even if the intruder has the correct password.
- 🔑 Change your WiFi password to something complex and unique.
- 🚫 Add the intruder's MAC address to the Blacklist.
- 📡 Disable the WPS function as it is a vulnerability.
- 🛡️ Enable encryption WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
Keep in mind that your router may reboot after changing settings. If you changed the settings remotely (not via cable), the connection will be lost, and you'll need to find a new network with the updated name or password in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
Configuring network protection against replay attacks
Simply kicking out the "guest" isn't enough—you need to lock the door to keep them out. First, make sure the "Keep Out" feature is disabled on your router. WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). This technology allows connection via a push-button or PIN code, but it is extremely vulnerable to password guessing by special programs.
The location of the WPS function varies depending on the model. Huawei look for WLAN -> WPS Configuration and uncheck the box Enable WPS. IN ZTE this may be in the section Network -> WLAN -> WPSDisabling this feature significantly increases the security of your access point.
⚠️ Note: Some older devices (printers, game consoles) may not support modern encryption standards. If they stop working after strengthening their security, try updating their firmware or using a guest network.
It is also recommended to change the password for logging into the router admin panel itself. Default passwords are admin are known to everyone, and if an attacker gains access to the settings, they will be able not only to steal your internet connection, but also to redirect your traffic to phishing sites.
Check your connected devices list regularly, especially if you live in a high-density apartment building. Beltelecom periodically updates its equipment fleet, and new router models have more advanced built-in security features that are worth activating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my neighbor see my files via WiFi?
If your network uses strong encryption (WPA2/WPA3) and a complex password, your neighbor won't be able to access your files simply by being connected to the network. However, if you use public folders or haven't configured your network profile as "Private" in Windows, there is a theoretical risk. Changing the password eliminates the risk.
What should I do if I don't remember my router password?
If you haven't changed the password, it's located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If the password has been changed and lost, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the button. Reset (usually recessed into the case) for 10-15 seconds with the power on. After this, you'll have to re-enter your internet settings.
Does the number of connected devices affect ByFly speed?
Yes, it does have a direct impact. The WiFi channel is shared among all active users. If 5-10 other devices are connected to your network, downloading movies or updating games, your speed will drop proportionally to the channel load.
Is it safe to use programs to hack someone else's WiFi?
The use of such programs (for example, WiFi Key Using apps like these is not only unethical but can also be illegal. Furthermore, such apps often contain viruses or steal data from your phone. It's better to secure your own network than to try to hack someone else's.
Should I change my WiFi password regularly?
It's recommended to change your password at least once every six months or immediately after you've stopped letting friends use their devices. This is a good digital hygiene practice that minimizes the risk of your password being leaked.