A network connection management method includes: when a preset network congestion event is detected, determining a target terminal, which is to be removed, among terminals which have currently accessed a local area network established by an AP; acquiring information, sent by the target terminal, about a cellular network standard supported by the target terminal; and if the information about the cellular network standard supported by the target terminal satisfies a preset network switching condition, sending a network switching notification to the target terminal, so as to enable the target terminal to be disconnected from the local area network and to access the cellular network. Data transmission rate of the terminal can therefore be improved.