AirPort Utility is a built-in Mac app that is used to configure and control Wi-Fi networks using Apple’s AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and Time Capsule. The AirPort Extreme is a base station router like you would use when setting up your Wi-Fi network. An AirPort Express is used to extend a Wi-Fi network to a larger area, or can be used to stream audio using AirPlay. A Time Capsule is a combination of an AirPort Extreme and an external hard drive, and comes in 2 TB or 3 TB. It automatically backs up all Macs on your network.
AirPort Utility has the ability to set limits on what time of day the network (and therefore the internet) can be accessed from specific wireless devices. This can be helpful in situations where parents want to keep kids off of the internet after a certain time. Time limits can be set for different times on different days of the week.
There is an iOS version of the app, but it cannot implement time limits. Therefore, you have to set this up using AirPort Utility on your Mac. You can find AirPort Utility by going to your Applications folder (or the stack on your Dock) and looking for the Utilities folder. AirPort Utility is inside this folder. You can also search for it with Spotlight.
AirPort Utility will then display theAirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, or Time Capsule connected to your network. Click on it, then click the Edit button at the bottom right.
Click on the Network tab at the top, and check the Enable Access Control check-box. Then click Timed Access Control.
Timed Access Control is where you will indicate which devices are allowed to access the internet at what times. A separate description and time frames will be needed for each device. Start by clicking the plus sign under the Wireless Clients section, and type a name like “My teenager’s iPad” in the Description field. In the MAC Address field, type the MAC Address of the device (more on that in a bit).
In the Wireless Access Times section, set the days and times that the device will be allowed to access the internet and click Save. Repeat this process as necessary, beginning with a new description, for each device you want to put time limits on.
To determine the MAC address of an iOS device, go to Settings -> General -> About -> Wi-Fi Address.
To determine the MAC address of a Mac, choose About This Mac from the Apple logo on the main menu. Then click the System Report button and choose Locations on the left under Network.
You have now successfully setup time limits for the devices connected to your network. Each device will stop connecting to the internet at the determined time each day.
