[FEAT] Full client management UI in LuCI: add/remove, block/unblock, time-based sessions

[sabbirimon]

What would you like?

Currently LuCI’s client management is split between Status > Overview and Network > DHCP and DNS > Static Leases. There’s no centralized UI to manage connected clients with actions like block/unblock, temporary block, add/remove, and time-based session control.

Requesting a dedicated “Clients” page in LuCI with full management capabilities for better user experience on home/SOHO routers.

Current problem

1. Blocking a client requires manual firewall rule or editing /etc/ethers + /etc/hosts. Not beginner friendly.
2. No way to set temporary blocks or time-based access without CLI/cron.
3. No way to add/remove clients and set limits, notes, or bandwidth per client from the UI.
4. Users coming from stock firmware expect a “Device Management” page like Asus, TP-Link, Xiaomi.

Proposed functionality

Page: Network > Clients or Network > Device Management

Features:

1. Live client list - Show hostname, IP, MAC, interface, connection type, uptime, download/upload rate.
2. Actions per client:
   • Block/Unblock: Add/remove firewall rule + DHCP lease binding in 1 click.
   • Temporary block: Block for X minutes/hours, auto-unblock via cron/ubus timer.
   • Add to static lease: Promote DHCP lease to static with editable hostname/IP.
   • Remove/Delete: Forget device from lease table.
3. Time-based sessions:
   • Set access schedule per MAC/IP: e.g. allow Mon-Fri 16:00-22:00 only.
   • Session limit: Auto-disconnect client after X hours, with optional daily reset.
4. Notes & Groups: Add custom name/note, group devices like “Kids”, “IoT”, “Work”.
5. Bandwidth control per client: Optional integration with sqm-scripts or nlbwmon for per-client limits.

Implementation notes

• Backend can use ubus call hostapd, /proc/net/arp, dnsmasq leases, and nftables/iptables for blocking.
• Temporary blocks can use at or ubus timer to auto-remove rules.
• UI should follow LuCI’s cbi/tabmenu style, mobile responsive.
• Should work on any device with dnsmasq + hostapd, no dependency on proprietary drive

Why do you want this?

This is one of the most requested features from users migrating from stock firmware. It makes OpenWrt usable for non-technical users managing home networks. Similar to LuCI-app-sqm, this would be a killer app for user experience.

Screenshots/Mockup
Happy to provide a UI mockup if needed.

OpenWrt version: Tested on 25.12.04
Luci app version 1.1.8

Which platforms?

• Android
• iOS

Examples

No response

How important is this to you?

Would be useful