Can I remotely access my router to check temps and webcam?

Yes. We do just that with three thermometers and two cameras (in a chicken coop/greenhouse). You don't need the laptop, just a wireless router. IP cameras and wireless weather stations can talk directly to the router. The cameras will take a little networking effort, but you should be able to find instructions on the manufactures web site. The thermometers were easy to set up. I believe I saw IP cameras at Costco just the other day.

Steve

Most webcams have a built in web server that allows you to access it remotely. I use Foscams and Ubiquity AirCams they both have remote access. If it does not, you have to open a port in your router that points to your web cam. Usually called port forwarding in the router options. That port number also has to be assigned to the camera in its firmware as well. You then access the camera via your WAN IP address and the port number: http://123.456.789.000:xx xx = the port number.

I use software from a third party called Blue Iris to access my cams.

For my weather station I access it via a webpage I created. The software include with the weather station will upload to a web page.

n7bsn wrote:
In other words, this is not something a non-techie should consider doing.

You would have to know the IP address assigned by DHCP or assign a domain name with DDNS. Then open the appropriate ports or enable IPSEC passthrough.

In other words, what he said above.

Well, if you have a weather station or camera it is possible on many routers to set up a "DMZ" item or two... Or port forwarding by another name.

You could, for example. forward all calls to port 80 to the camera (Streaming video)

There is a downside of this.

It is doubtful any hacker can hack a read only device like a camera.

Likewise the temp sensor. Though I know not the port.

But the problem is.. port 80 also is used by streaming video TO your computer. so you might need to "Un-forward" when at home.

I can't say about that particular router.

But most routers allow you to turn on specific port/ip services. Which is what you would probably need to do this..

That being said, there are reasons why those ports and services come off by default. Turning them on opens your home network to external "hacking" access.

In other words, this is not something a non-techie should consider doing.