Is there anyway of timing internet connections for different machines on a network?

Raksha

You've probably guessed we have teenage children and would like to limit the time they spend on their PCs (they have one each in their bedrooms) but, being typical little teenagers and sneak little gits, they have worked out that if they unplug the programmable timer that the router is plugged in to, they can get access whenever they like (actually OH is probably the biggest culprit..:mad:)

So - if there any way of achieving this? We're on BT Broadband.

fwor

You've probably got a few options, but they will certainly depend on what Operating System you use and what router you have.

For example, you could enable Internet Connection Sharing on your own PC and force their PCs to connect via yours. Some routers also have time of day access controls built in.

However you will need to engage in a continuing battle as they learn new ways around whatever you put in place. You may find it easier to use non-technical methods, such as persuasion and rewards (or threats and sanctions).

Toxteth_OGrady

Get a router that will allow you in its configuration settings to set time of day on/off for each device (LAN IP address) on your network.

This is the menu in my Linksys router:

bengalknights

Toxteth_OGrady wrote: »

Get a router that will allow you in its configuration settings to set time of day on/off for each device (LAN IP address) on your network.

This is the menu in my Linksys router:

What Linksys router are you using?

Toxteth_OGrady

bengalknights wrote: »

What Linksys router are you using?

WAG120N

:cool:

TOG

Hammyman

Netgears also do this.

James123_2

Hammyman wrote: »

Netgears also do this.

I have a Netgear dg834. I'm fairly sure mine can't limit access to various ports using a timed method. Someone please shout if I'm missing something here as this feature would be of great help to me!

scottishf

Set an ACL (Access Control List) and when it's time for them to get off, just activate the Control List (which should only have the computers in it that you want to be able to connect)

mttylad

The Netgear CAN limit certain ports to certain times, but only to one set of times.
I.E. you cannot set 2 different ports to allow different times, they all have to obey the same set.

First you set a password to the router (not the default) to prevent the kids getting access.
Then you assign each PC's MAC code to a fixed IP from the router (my son is 192.168.20).
Then you create a schedule of times to allow access (or to block access).
Then you create a firewall rule that says that the ip I.E. 192.168.0.20 is blocked(or allowed) at all times except for during the schedule.
Then you go to the kids and tell them that their internet access will be going off at xxx time and rebooting the router will not bypass it
so they must get used to it.

THis however does not prevent them using the computer, that's another problem.

I'm considering a timer behind the socket in his room, perhaps with a keyswitch for bypassing.

partan

if youve got a BT homehub, get the instructions out and it'll tell you in there.

We've got one and use it to stop my lads access to web at night-time.

You can set up different times for different comps/xbox's/ipoods/etc

James123_2

Thanks.. am playing with the Netgear as I type! Appreciate the replies.