Router functionality

I'm considering a new wireless router. Currently I'm with Plusnet on FTTC 80/20 trial and using the Netgear WNR1000 they supplied.

However, I'm looking for some specific features which don't seem to be quite up to spec on the Netgear.

First, I need to be able to track usage per connected device - just details of amounts of data transferred per device not sites visited or anything like that. The Netgear can show how much data has been uploaded/downloaded in total but it can't seem to break it down further.

Second (possibly most important) I need to be able to restrict the times when certain devices can connect - hopefully so that my kids sleep at least sometimes! The Netgear can do this but its limited in that every device has to have the same schedule - whereas I really want to have a few schedules or even a schedule per device if I was being really picky.

I know I'm possibly asking for the impossible but if anyone can think of a device that fits the bill, I'd love to know.

Vince

I would say your best chance would be running a PC with Linux as a firewall/proxy.

You can install DD-WRT on your WRN1000 providing it is V1 or V3 (V2 is not listed as supported). DD-WRT provides per-device access restriction and scripts are available to provide per-user bandwidth monitoring. I haven't used DD-WRT but it exists and it's free.

There are plenty of other router firmware projects besides DD-WRT.

Edited by micksharpe (Mon 13-Aug-12 17:16:54)

Draytek and Billion routers both provide access restriction by time for specified device.

Not convinced they do limits of data transferred though - the Billion 7800 certainly doesnt. The Daytek 2820 MAY do - it counts total data transferred from the WAN (which I havent found on the Billion) but I am not sure as to data counts by device. It MAY do - worth a check of the manual on the web site.

In reply to a post by greenglide:

The Daytek 2820 MAY do

If it does I've not found it.

It can monitor data transfered by port, which is a possible compromise, provided yo don't use a separate switch.

I'd go with micksharp's suggestion of dd-wrt (or even open-wrt) if the router is listed as supported.

If you decide to go down the third-party firmware route, it might be a good idea to buy a used (and supported) router rather than risk bricking the Netgear.