How to Prioritize Devices on Wi-Fi Network

ByJim Miller

In today's digital age, almost every member of your family has multiple devices connected to the Wi-Fi network in your home. From smartphones to smartwatches, tablets to smart TVs, the number of devices can be overwhelming. So, how do you ensure that the devices that require more bandwidth are prioritized over the ones that don't? This is where the router's Quality of Service (QoS) feature comes into play.

1. Find MAC Address of the Device

Before you can prioritize a device on your Wi-Fi network, you need to know its MAC address. The MAC address is a unique identifier for each device connected to the network. Here's how you can find the MAC address on different operating systems:

  • Windows 11: Go to Wi-Fi Settings and scroll down to find the MAC or Physical address of your Windows computer.
  • macOS: Open System Preferences, go to Network, click on Advanced, and find the MAC address under the Hardware tab.
  • Android: Open Settings, go to Wi-Fi settings, select your Wi-Fi network, tap on Advanced, and find the MAC address.
  • iOS: Open Settings, go to General, go to About, and find the Wi-Fi address, which is the MAC address.

2. Prioritize Devices on Wi-Fi Network Using QoS

Once you have the MAC address of the device you want to prioritize, you can sign in to your router's settings using your favorite browser. Enter your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and log in with the default username and password (usually “admin”).

Navigate to the QoS or Quality of Service section in your router's settings. The location may vary depending on your router's make and model. In this section, you will find a list of devices connected to the network along with their MAC addresses. You can enable priority for a specific device to allocate more bandwidth to it. You can also set a time limit for the priority if needed.

How to Choose Device's Priority Level on Wi-Fi Network

Choosing the priority level for a device depends on various factors, such as the type of work you do and the importance of the task. Here are some example scenarios to help you prioritize devices on your Wi-Fi network:

  • Video calling apps like Zoom and Meet require more bandwidth and can be given higher priority when in use.
  • Business and work computers should have priority if you rely on real-time data updates, such as stock or crypto markets.
  • Gaming devices should have priority to ensure low latency and prevent lags.
  • Streaming apps like Netflix may need more bandwidth, especially when watching videos in HD or UHD.
  • Browsers and email apps usually don't require high bandwidth or low latency and can be given lower priority.

FAQs

  1. What if my router doesn't have QoS? If your router doesn't have QoS, you can prioritize devices by connecting them using a LAN cable instead of wirelessly. Devices connected via LAN cables are automatically prioritized over wireless devices.

  2. How can I access my router remotely? If you are away from home and need to access your router remotely, there are methods available to do so. You can find guides online on how to access your router remotely.

Prioritize Devices on Wi-Fi or Prioritize Wi-Fi on Devices

In addition to prioritizing devices on a Wi-Fi network, you can also prioritize Wi-Fi networks on your devices. This ensures that your device automatically connects to the most efficient Wi-Fi network available. You can find guides online on how to prioritize Wi-Fi networks on popular desktop and mobile operating systems.

By following these steps, you can efficiently prioritize devices on your Wi-Fi network based on their needs and ensure a smooth and reliable internet experience for all users.