I have a relatively simple network. However, my internet access is provided by a third party ISP, which does not let me access the router. So I have no way of accessing the log files that the router produces and I was wondering how to monitor the urls visited by my users.
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Thanks for the suggestions.
The babysitter option wouldn't work for me as the computers here are woefully under powered, not enough memory etc. However, I do like the router solution. I currently have a CISCO 888 cable modem that is connected to a netgear GSM7224 managed switch, what router would you advise?
I will be out of the state today but i will be actually talking with someone who has had a situation like this at his previous job so I will ask him what router he picked. Obviously I will give you a couple of choices in features and price ranges. Sorry I can't answer you this instant but I have to jet as I will be driving the next 3 and a half hours. hopefully this is not time critical. Have a good one!
Jordan
This can be done with a proxy server. There are many of them out there, but a free one is called Squid (http://www.squid-cache.or
I think that you have the higher end model of the router I was going to suggest as i don't see an 888 cable modem on Ciscos site I do see the router though and if so then you already have the ability to look at what you need. If I am mistaken please give me the model number that you have for your modem.
This is the router
http://www.cisco.com/en/US
This is about $480 but it will do what you want and more. If you scroll down to the complete security section it will state...
"Application inspection, transparent and stateful firewall, ACLs, and URL filtering protect the network from unauthorized user access. URL filtering prevents inappropriate Websites from being accessed and downloading of offensive content."
If this is to much there is a more backwards approach to do this with cheaper stuff but I think that this is the best. There are lots of other routers that will do this but I like this one. Its small simple and works. If you want you can find many other options but this is very similar to what my buddy got for his small network.
I am sure that we can find cheaper options if need be.
I am glad I could help. Are you going to use the router then? Or do you have the 888 that I was thinking it was? hope I actually helped you and didn't just make you tired of reading the posts haha. if you need help with the config I can do that as well but I am not a big fan of putting that kind of info online, as it poses a security risk. good luck bud
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by: jordanrogPosted on 2008-05-20 at 16:38:53ID: 21611187
2 really simple solutions but cost moneys :(
prolly not the best answer but it works :(
You can always just install the babysitter programs that are out there. They will tell you what they are doing and even restrict the sites they can go to. Also many anti virus solutions allow you to monitor the traffic if you have admin on all the computers. Or buy your own router and put it in between the isp connection and the computers.