Is your browsing speed slower than usual? Have you come across hints of other devices that you don’t recognize on your

network? If you suspect someone has Connected to Network illegally, there are various ways to determine their presence. “So someone’s watching YouTube on my internet,” one may say.

What’s the problem with that? Even if you have robust internet connectivity, you probably don’t want other devices connecting to your network illegally. If someone can access your network, then they could possibly access all other devices connected to your network.

Such illegal access is therefore dangerous, especially if you run a business organization or if you have sensitive data. Such people can access your files illegally and infect your devices with compromised software. In some cases, they might even steal and share your personal information with other parties. For this reason, ensure that you make sure that each device that connects to your network is one that you can trust. Fortunately, there are various useful tools that you can use to see everyone on your Wi-Fi right now.

The First Option: A Simple DIY Technique

Most if not all, routers should come with indicator lights that demonstrate the functionality of the device. The lights can be used to show aspects such as the wireless activity, the internet connectivity signals, the quality of network connections, and more. Therefore, a good technique for identifying the use of a particular network would be to shut down all the devices using the Router. Then, observe the router to determine if the wireless activity light shows any signs of connectivity. Remember to unplug any secondary devices such as a Play Station, TV, Smartphones, and more. It’s a quick and sure-fire technique for evaluating any activity in your internet connectivity.

Other Useful Techniques to Consider

There are various other techniques through which you can identify the devices that are connected to your router. Among some of these significant techniques include:

Log-in To the Router

Even if it is not the easiest technique, logging in to the wireless router is a simple method of determining the devices that are connected. The router is the device that provides all the IP addresses on any given network. As such, it will play a significant role in determining the devices connected to the given network. The first step would be to first start by identifying the address of the router. Usually, the address of most routers is indicated on the back of the device, or the paperwork. The default address for most routers is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.01. Use this information to log in to the router, and evaluate the information. If you don’t have the username and password details, then consider resetting the router. Depending on the router, the information you can access can differ significantly. Usually, you will only require an IP address or a hostname. Having several MAC or IP addresses is not necessarily useful.

Scan the Network Using Wireless Hacking Tools

You might also have to consider scanning the network to get some useful information. In most cases, you would end up using some of the same tools that hackers use to detect vulnerabilities in your network. There are various through which you can browse a network. You can use tools such as Fing Network Scanner, which are available for free use. The software provides detailed information about the network, and it lets you determine which devices are valid. Once you install the device, you click on the “scan” feature for fast results. By default, the device should automatically range the devices in your network. It might take a few minutes before you get a full report of the connected devices.

Check the Internet Speed

While this technique won`t necessarily tell the devices on your network, it can help to determine the performance of your internet connection. Reduced connectivity is a good sign that a secondary device exists on your internet network. Usually, your ISP will provide information about the expected speed of your internet. You can use this information along with other observations to analyze your router activity. If you notice any compromised rates, then you probably have secondary devices connected to your internet. An excellent website to test your internet speed would be speedtest.net. The site provides free internet connectivity speeds reports within a few seconds.

Beefing up The Network Security

Even if you realize that someone is accessing your Wi-Fi illegally, there is no need to hunt them down and start an argument. That said, using the internet safely is all about staying proactive at all times. There are various other ways through which you can kick them from your device. For instance, you can consider going all-in and use firewalls and VPNs to make your router more hack-resistant. Visit the web interface of the router, and find the window for changing the password. If you don’t have a password, or if it’s in default, then consider developing a new one.

Without a secure password, your Wi-Fi connection is prone to hacks in various ways. It is recommended that you choose the WPA2 for the password type because it is often highly secure. If the WPS is on, consider turning it off because such a feature makes it simple for people to hack your internet. If you already had a password, then it might be weak and simple for other users to access. You might also have to re-authenticate your devices, but rest a little easier in the knowledge that your network is safer. The wireless router you choose also plays a role in how secure your network will be. Routers with custom firmware, for instance, tend to receive more security updates than those that use stock firmware.

Conclusion

Being able to tell the specific type of devices that are connected to your router is highly essential. Not only does it help you maintain optimal internet connectivity. But it also helps you to keep your devices and files secure. Staying negligent to any device that is connected to your router illegally, or to poor internet connectivity could have severe ramifications in the long run. Techniques such as scanning the network and visiting the web interface of the router help you map out any connected devices. Once you come across any illegal connection, consider beefing up your security or contacting your ISP.