Can anyone recommend a router so I can turn a laptop on home network on and off

Hi
I have a lot of teenagers in my house (I am a foster carer and have my own) and I would like to be able to turn their access to the wireless router off from my laptop at certain times such as when they are using all the bandwith or it's late on a school night. I am reasonable with their usage and they have their freedom but sometimes they abuse it. The router I have now doesn't do this easily. It's a Thomson and I don't find the interface much use. I can delete an ip address but they can easily re-connect automatically.
Can anyone recommend a router that will give me more control in a simple way?
Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Im partial to dlink, but any of your typical home routers should offer features like that. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215 This is the router i have and recommend to everyone, but most of your newer home routers will have some options for time controlled access and or mac address filtering. Good luck!

 

I think for most consumer based routers the mac filtering is a good way to go. Basically you enter the mac address for the laptop and yank it out when you don't want them to have access, but keep in mind this will prevent all network connectivity not just internet access.

Some routers have a time schedule so you could set a time when access is allowed and when it should be turned off automatically. This would make sure it gets turned back on the next day.

 

I agree with LordOlives. Unless you have the router in a locked room, it will be too easy for the kids to "hack" Internet access by simply pushing the "on" button. Setting up an on/off schedule in the router itself will be far more effective.

The only caveat on using an on/off schedule or turning off the router manually is if you have VOIP phone service (Vonage, Comcast, OOMA, etc.) or a home alarm system that connects via the Internet. Disabling Internet access during certain times will likely disable these devices as well.

 

gman836 brings up an interesting point. I know some of the newer wireless routers have dedicated bands one for guests and one for typical LAN so perhaps you could keep VoIP and other critical services on one band and have the users you want to disconnect on the guest band. Then just disconnect the guest band when needed. (I haven't used these newer models yet so i'm just guessing here)

Another option though more complex and may not be worth the effort is to have two routers one for VoIP and other services that's always up and running, and one for setting up for a schedule to be shut down at whatever time each day.

 

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I understand what I need to do now and I can see I need a router that supports Mac filtering and I would like it to have time controls as well. I have a wireless connection, ADSL (no cable as we are very rural location). Can anyone recommend a router as I am finding they all seem to have different specs, there are hundreds out there and some are cable only. I am getting more confused. People say all routers should have this option but mine doesn't (it's a Thomson) so I'm worried about buying one before knowing it will do what I want but still give me good internet access (we need all the help we can get miles from the exchange!).
I really appreciate your help and advice.
Thanks again.