Home Network Issues OR Murphy is a b#$@. A Story.

[Flatty]

Well, while we're waiting for Telskum to give us an answer as to the direction we take with our Internet requirements, I am trying to set up an alternative solution to the MTN router we have in place - it's very basic and doesn't allow much in the way of access restrictions, etc. Given that the minions feel that watching YouTube videos, FaceBricking, and Twatting during working hours (even after having been told we're on 3G and can they please not do it), I need to block their access to these sites.

The D-Link DSL-2750U router that we bought to replace our the blown Linksys WAG320N supports 3G dongles, but is also severely lacking in the access restrictions department (short of blocking everyone). I can use the Linksys E3000 to set up proper access restrictions using MAC addresses, IP's, etc, so the idea was to connect everyone to the E3000 and just use the D-Link as the gateway. I was super chuffed when I connected to the Internet using the D-Link and the dongle, and had gotten to setting up restrictions on the Linksys when we had our first power failure.

Two power failures later, and the frikkin D-Link decides not to recognize the 3G dongle, brilliant, yet it still works when I plug it directly into my PC.

[Insanityflea]

Reflash the firmware?

[Flatty]

I plugged it in again this morning, and the D-Link now recognizes the dongle. I have it all working as I want and now you can't even search 'Hentai' without coming up with a blank screen I had to block all HTTPS transmissions as well, since you can still access FaceBrick using the secure URL, because we all know how enterprising people can be when they really want to. Pesky router should just block the URL regardless of the protocol. Seeing as the Linksys only handles access restrictions on computers to which it has dished IP addresses, I now have two separate networks as the D-Link always takes priority when dishing IP addresses on the network. Luckily I already have a spare network cable so accessing the server from the restricted PC's will be a doddle, only have the printer to share now as that is on the other network.

Sheez, the things you have to do just because people won't listen.

[Insanityflea]

Sheez, the things you have to do just because people won't listen.

That's my job!

[Arby]

I plugged it in again this morning, and the D-Link now recognizes the dongle. I have it all working as I want and now you can't even search 'Hentai' without coming up with a blank screen I had to block all HTTPS transmissions as well, since you can still access FaceBrick using the secure URL, because we all know how enterprising people can be when they really want to. Pesky router should just block the URL regardless of the protocol. Seeing as the Linksys only handles access restrictions on computers to which it has dished IP addresses, I now have two separate networks as the D-Link always takes priority when dishing IP addresses on the network. Luckily I already have a spare network cable so accessing the server from the restricted PC's will be a doddle, only have the printer to share now as that is on the other network.

Sheez, the things you have to do just because people won't listen.

Squid, it is your friend. Just enable keyword blocking and they can try access it on anything they like, it just wont work

[Flatty]

We should be back on the ADSL next week because the Hotel has given us permission to put an antenna up on their premises. I am using that Microtik gear that was recommended, however I baulk at the idea of installing a DLink modem/router at the exchange, so I am going for a Linksys router - much more stable in my experience (touch wood).

I will look at Squid, thanks, RB.