So I wanted to change DNS settings on my router but when I tried to access the router’s configuration page (via the gateway IP), the connection is refused.
The router is ISP provided, and internet doesn’t work if the fiber optical cable is connected through another device, so I assume that they have a custom firmware installed. Resetting the router does grant me access to the configuration page but the internet doesn’t work and I have to call the technical support of my ISP.
So my question is, is it normal for ISPs to block access to router’s webpage? Also, is there any other way to access the configuration page if I want to change some stuff there?
Are you trying to access it through a wired connection? I can access the configuration page for my isp-provided router but only through a wired connection.
I have never had that happen, so it’s not normal in that sense. In the sense that it’s the property of the ISP and you are renting it - yeah seems completely normal. They don’t want people messing with config, or they want you to use another method like calling support.
ISPs in the US can harvest and sell your web browsing data. They don’t want you to do anything to endanger that.
There are routers that don’t have a local management web page, but instead are fully and only managed through the ISPs CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) management system. It can here be that the ISP have a “my page” on their web or an app for changing the settings on the router.
There are some good reasons for doing this. Looking back the last 10 years+, quite a lot of the security issues that have been on routers have been related to local interfaces (webpage/APIs). So there is a security element in this. You can also deploy changes to the management interface here quite easily, or even add/remove features, without having to change anything in the firmware for the CPE.
I can confirm that it does have a web page as I can access it after a reset. However, I cannot access it anymore after a reboot and the internet doesn’t work after a reset.
Also, the ISP does have an app but it doesn’t allow any modification except display name and password changing.
If it’s the ISPs router, yes. Otherwise they would have no way to block the routers local site.
Companies like Spectrum not only block local IP login but force you to use their terrible mobile app to even gain access to the router. Even then you’re only allowed to change the Wi-Fi name and password and literally nothing else.
This is why I don’t rent Charter’s router
Wouldn’t shock me at all.
Always use your own router. Tell the isp to give you a “modem only” or ont, and then use your own device. Give them no access into your network as a best practice.