Bell Wi-Fi App - Blocking Apple devices with randomized MAC Addresses.

[Steve W]

I am trying to block devices on the Bell Wifi app and it’s not possible if a iPhone generates a new IP each time and you can’t block using the MAC address. I have the on HomeHub router.I know there’s a setting on the users iPhone not to generate a new IP but this is not good for security purposes, nor can I control this. It would also happen if they use a VPN. How are people managing this? On the app for my extender you can actually block using the MAC address so I am good there. 

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

Most phones have MAC randomizing features to enhance security on public networks. It's very easy to randomize your MAC address on a Phone or tablet.

That is why blocking using MAC address is not a good way anymore to block access.

A radius server would be a better choice.

MAC randomizing 

[Steve W]

That doesn’t look like a solution for me to use at home? 

[Steve W]

Doesn’t this limitation make the Bell Wifi app worthless? If all people need to do is go back in with a new IP? 

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

The app still has other uses. But due the phones having the build in ability to randomize MAC addresses for security reasons, it negates blocking by MAC address.

A radius server would be a better solution, but besides to my knowledge not being provided, it's also more difficult to setup as you would need to create accounts for each user and setup each phone with a username and password protected WiFi Radius connection.

Not all devices can use Radius, especially IOT devices like camera's and thermostats etc...

So you would always need a mixture of things to truly set it up the way you want.