Looking for a Wifi Router with good Parental Controls

[pbalellugari@gmail.com]

Hi Everyone.
This is my first post here.
I'm in the market to buy a new Wifi Router for Home. Nothing fancy.
All the reviews talk about speed and other characteristics but not much about the actual Router usage in a Medium size Apartment.

What I am looking for in a router is good Parental controls.
For example, is it possible to control access based on a Mac Address+ (URL or Keyword)+ Time span.
That would be my top priority in picking the router and reliability is a close second.

I'm not concerned with latest and the greatest protocols.
I'm fairly technical and if the options is to install a opensource firmware on an router, i would consider that option as well.

No amount of Google search didn't help, so I'm hoping that experts like you would recommend something more concrete.

Thank you for your time.
Pavan

 

[Cloud200]

PFsense for parental controls
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/security/security-howto/31433-build-your-own-utm-with-pfsense-part-1

If you want to buy an appliance instead of rolling your own hardware:
http://store.netgate.com/Desktop-Systems-C83.aspx


For the WiFi get a router that you like and set it up as an access point.
Personally I prefer a dedicated AP powered by POE but you said this is an apt, not a house.

 

[ChristineBCW]

Last week, Scooter started a similar thread in the Security sub-forum Block Adult Content. This offers some other possibilities.

 

[pbalellugari@gmail.com]

Thanks. The pfSense looks like a very good option but time consuming.
Will investigate but more thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[sfx2000]

Any router can provide Parental Controls - check out OpenDNS

http://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/parental-controls/

This is a service they offer... and probably a longer term and more consistent approach.

 

[sfx2000]

Any router can provide Parental Controls - check out OpenDNS

http://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/parental-controls/

This is a service they offer... and probably a longer term and more consistent approach.

In any event - do not install ComputerCOP - this is very bad stuff...

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/...rnet-safety-software-hundreds-police-agencies

The best solution - technology doesn't replace good parenting - it's really about teaching them about bad things, and how to avoid those things, and building up trust.