Dual/2 x wifi at home - suggestions for how to do this easily

[gingerparkin]

After the constant screen photo battle with my teens, I've decided to deal with the problem at source.

I want to have 2 x wifi networks at home. One that they log-in and I control it's availability (ideally automatically) i.e. it's not available before school and after a certain time. And then one that myself and husband (that they can't access) as I often need to work late in the evenings.

Any suggestions for an easy/cheap way to do this? I am currently tied into a contract with Virgin media. I also need to boost my wifi signal to the end of the garden so I can use my shed as more of an office. Great if I can do this at the same time too.

Before anyone points it to me, I'm aware this is as much a parenting challenge, which of course I am managing but sometimes to have the capacity to remove all temptation in a low friction way will also be helpful (they have very little data so up to them if they choose to burn through it one night).

Thanks in advance!

[TwoBlueFish]

Will depend on who you have your broadband with some, like BT, have parental controls with time limits built into the router software. Alternatively you could buy a plug in WiFi extender and have your kids come to that, you can then switch it off at the plug whenever you wish (don’t forget to change the main WiFi password or else they’ll just connect to that instead). WiFi extender would also be useful for connecting in the garden.

[Ifailed]

You just need another access point, which could be an old wifi router. You need to set it up to have a different SSID and IP address, this is a helpful guide:
www.labnol.org/software/add-router-to-wireless-network/19716/

[sparkly72]

We have this with Vodafone broadband. My son is on one WiFi and I control it via my phone.it is beyond brilliant, and just part of the package - nothing special or different needed.

[Bluntness100]

We have two phone lines and two sets of Wi-fi coming into the house. I think if you need two networks it's the only way.

[Ifailed]

Bluntness100, that's not true, you can set up multiple wireless networks off one broadband connection.

[gingerparkin]

Thanks everyone for comments so far!

[TammySwansonTwo]

Have a look at mesh WiFi - you get multiple hotspots throughout the house, plus you can boot devices off the WiFi as and when you please. We bought a set of two and get great coverage through the house.

[Kleptronic]

I'm on Virgin Media and I can log into the router and set various days/times when devices are not allowed on the network, by device MAC address or by IP.

[Bluntness100]

Ah I didn't know you could set up different networks off of one connection,,,