How to Know Which Devices Are Connected to a WiFi Network

devices-in-wifi-networkWi-Fi networks support a large number of devices and users daily. It is very likely that in our own home we have more than a dozen computers connected to the wireless network. This figure is more than likely to increase in the short term due to the rise of IoT devices. However, sometimes not all the computers or users that are connected are legitimate or we are interested that they really are. Therefore in this article we will explain how to know who connects to Wi-Fi . A way to have more control to also avoid security problems.

How to know who connects to Wi-Fi

We have the possibility to know which devices and users connect to a Wi-Fi network . For this we have different tools and functions. We can make use of some third-party programs that help us have more control over our network. We can also simply access our own functions that come in the router.

Wireless Network Watcher

One of the third-party tools we can use to see who connects to Wi-Fi is Wireless Network Watcher . Its operation is very simple and we can also download the application for free. We just have to download the program and run it.

Once we have it open, it will automatically show us the devices that are connected to that network. It will indicate the MAC address of the device, its name or identifier, as well as whether it is active or not.

Wireless Network Watcher is a very simple tool that we can use in Windows. It tells us which devices are connected to our network at a given time. That way we can always have more control.

Glasswire

An alternative option and with more complete functions is GlassWire . Once again we are facing a free program that this time we do need to install. We can easily see which devices are connected to our network.

In addition to knowing the equipment that is connected to a Wi-Fi network, we can also obtain usage data, as well as use your firewall. It is a tool that gives us very varied information and that can be interesting for users.

Use router settings

Beyond the external tools that we can use, we also have the possibility of using the router’s own configuration . This allows us to know which devices are connected to our router at a given time.

In this case it will depend on the router model we have, but in most cases it is similar. The first thing we have to do is enter the device, which is usually through 192.168.1.1. There we will put our username and password to access the configuration. There we will enter device information and look for options such as ARP or DHCP to see connected equipment.

Mobile applications

A last alternative is to use mobile applications. In this sense one of the most popular is Fing . It allows us to know how many devices are connected to our router. This way we will know if there are possible intruders that could compromise our security and privacy.

The importance of maintaining security in our networks

The importance of maintaining security in our networks must be taken into account. In this way we can avoid problems that may compromise our privacy or affect the proper functioning of our devices.

To avoid the entry of intruders it is best to use a strong and complex password on our router. In this way we can protect our network from the entry of intruders that may affect speed, quality and stability.

Another very important aspect to maintain network security is to have the router updated. Only then will we avoid vulnerabilities that may jeopardize the proper functioning of the systems.

In short, maintaining router security is very important. One of the aspects that we must take into account is to know at all times what devices are connected to the router.