Mac – Block device from accessing the Internet, but not Wi-Fi

airportinternetmac address

I have an Apple Airport and I would like to find out how to configure devices that can access the home network but be blocked from accessing the Internet.

I know how to block a device from accessing Wi-Fi completely, but all I want is to limit a device from accessing the Internet. I still want the device to be able to connect to other computers, the file server, the printer, etc. on the local network.

I am hoping for a router-based solution, such as discussed here.

Is this possible with Airport?

Best Answer

To prevent a device from accessing the internet, but allowing it to access files on a local network over Wi-Fi you can setup an ad hoc network.

The ad hoc network will be hosted by your Mac and devices, like your Eye-Fi card* or your kids laptop, can connect to it and access shared local folders.

  1. Turn Airport On
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  2. Click on Create a Network. The following screen will appear: enter image description here

  3. If you want password protection, check Require Password and type a desired password. enter image description here

  4. Hit Ok. Now you're Mac is broadcasting a network.

The Eye-Fi support page explains how to connect to an ad hoc network.

  • Note on the Eye-Fi card: according to this website only the Eye-Fi Pro and Eye-Fi Pro X2 can connect to an ad hoc network.

General note: if you want other devices to access files and folders on your Mac those files and folders have to be shared. How to do that is suitable for another question.

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