Content Filter

Question: Internet content filtering in the workplace?

(Posted by: dave j on 2008-09-05 07:33:08)

I work at a company with a small network of seven computers. These are networked in a Workgroup and use ICS to share a broadband internet connection. We do not have a server and our network cabling uses BNC style connectors. I know this is outdated but thats how it it. What I am looking for is some content filtering software that can be controlled / monitored from a central PC (again, remember, no server). I would like this to prevent staff from using among other things, ebay, amazon, forums etc etc. The software would require reporting facilities to show who has been accessing what and when. Using these reports I could then build up a list of blocked content. Ths possibility of some sort of timer within the software would also be an advantage to enable staff unrestricted usage during their lunch breaks. Any suggestions ?

Posted by: Tirial on 2008-09-05, 08:04:20

If you only have one line going in and out, you could fit a hardware firewall there, between the network and the web, and have the monitoring and control panel solely on your PC. SMC and CISCO produce such pieces of hardware, and a second hand one need not be expensive. You may want to reconsider unrestricted internet access during lunch hours, as that can still result in virus and other things being downloaded.

Posted by: poebassman on 2008-09-05, 07:38:47

SonicWall Firewall does all of what you described including reporting and time restrictions. Plug the broadband modem into the WAN port of the Sonicwall and add a media changer to 10b5 BNC to convert from Twisted Pair and it should work.