Modem/Router - turning off wi-fi

fallenangle · 12 May 2013 at 14:05

I'm new to this broadband stuff, still on dial-up but soon going to get ADSL broadband.

Anyway, I don't need to use wi-fi at present. I just want to plug my laptop or PC and XB360 via an ethernet cable into a nearby modem/router connected to my telephone line ie. keep it as simple as possible.

I have found a few older wired only modem/routers but most I've looked at are primarily wi-fi types. However what isn't usually specified is whether you can specifically disable the wi-fi output. One Netgear model I was looking at in Maplins, I think it was the N600, mentioned it had a wi-fi on/off button but that was about it.

Some time in future I might well be using it but until then I want to know the wi-fi can be turned off either via button or its set up GUI. Is this a standard feature available with all modem/routers and, if not, can someone please recommend me makes/models which do offer this function?

Budget will be <£100 preferably much less.

rpstewart · 12 May 2013 at 14:09

There are still dial-up ISPs out there???

Depending on who you end up getting ADSL from you may end up getting a router thrown in as part of the deal so don't jump until you've decided on a provider.

While wi-fi is far more convenient that dragging cables everywhere I've not seen a router where the wifi cannot be turned off.

phil-k · 12 May 2013 at 14:11

I have just bought a Netgear DGN220 and it has a WiFi on/off button, but then I think most routers do

Tealc · 12 May 2013 at 15:00

If it doesn't have a wifi on off button it'll have a check box in the web interface to do it. I've never come across a modem router that cannot turn off the wifi either.

Frank_Rizzo · 12 May 2013 at 15:31

There must be 10s of thousands of households with routers that are wifi enabled but not used. So much wasted radio, power and the possibility of drive by bandwidth stealing.

If your router does not have a button then it should have an option to turn wifi off in the admin panel.

Some routers have wifi scheduling so that you can turn on the wifi at specific times. I thoroughly recommend everyone does this - especially if the router is near your sleeping location.

It would not be unreasonable to schedule the wifi to be off from 1am until 6am each morning or whatever time you sleep.

MrZen · 13 May 2013 at 13:49

Almost 99% can have the Wifi turned off, im yet to ever find one that would not allow this.

you would probably get to options
1) A button to turn wifi off
2) use the web based admin application that comes with the router.

To access this all you need is the default IP Address of the router and log on details, you can even set your router to just be wired, if you look in the admin panel you should see something along the lines of 'Disable Wifi' and your done.

Hope this helps!