Wireless Networking Management

[CHarker]

I have 2 PC's in my home; one (the main PC with WinXP Pro) is connected to my DG834G Wireless ADSL Router via ethernet cable and the other (using WinXP Home) is connected wirelessly with a Belkin 802.11g Wireless Desktop Network Card.

Access to my router is controlled by an Access List determined by MAC Address and also by 128-bit WEP set for Automatic authentication.

I'm trying to prevent access to certain sites and chat programs via the routers inbuilt keyword blocking and port blocking but neither of them are effective for blocking MSN/ AOL/ ICQ and they don't appear to prevent access to websites by keyword.

So, in an effort to garner some sort of control over the network, I'm trying to find software which is relatively easy to configure but powerful enough to tackle the problems I'm facing.

Can anyone offer some examples of home network management software?

[cszeto]

If the feature/function is not built into your NAT router, then it is not going to be easy in most cases. The other two opetions are either setting up a proxy server (beyond the scope of these forums) or using desk-side software (personal firewall or Internet monitoring/limiting - i.e. Net Nanny).

Even with the built-in functionality of most NAT routers, Instant Messaging is typically not filtered via its URL, since it is not normally a web application. The port for the particular applications can be blocked with most NAT routers.

[JackMDS]

May be you should be more specific what, or who you are blocking it from.

If it is a business issue there is more upscale (more expensive) Routers that blocks Internet content much more efficient then Entry Level Router.

Installing Microsoft ISA server can do the job too.

Or just do not install or disable chats.

Kepp in mind thta if it is a "Teenager Protection" issue they might find a way to disable the protection software.

Otherwise goggle for Block instant messengers. and find something that might help you.

Example: http://www.sharewareconnection.com/warren-software-s-terminatorx.htm

:D