Timed Internet Access for Specific Computer Suite

[mburland]

OK, here is the situation:

 

We have an external proxy (LEA) and a basic internal proxy (software - browsegate). Current internet setup works fine, however we recently installed new PCs in the Library. Because this room is essentially "open all hours" we wish to restrict internet access in there to specific hours. How would you go about doing this?

 

I have experimented a little with Smoothwall. The library machines have their own dedicated switch, is there something I could put between this switch and the network?

 

Also, ideally, any solution would need to be easy to access and modify (ie for teaching staff).

 

Any help and suggestions would be much appreciated!

[gaz350]

there was a nice little proxy solution i remember reading about on here some where, couldn't find it. allowed you to do exactly this.

[benIT]

The cost of Microsoft ISA Server is very cheap for education, you can put two network cards in then filter items between the two networks (library and main network)

 

This would also allow added features such as an allow list of sites even when restricted, for example between 4-7pm they could visit normal sites, then after 7pm they could visit ony BBC website.

 

When setup the teachers could access via MMC Snap-in console - just adding a url to the pre configured url list!!!

 

Failing that if its just for those machines (and they are standalone) and you have £0 budget, why not patch a single lead for internet connection to the switch in library that is on a second switch on a mains timer switch, basic but could do the trick for low hassle setup!!!

[antoeknee]

We use BrowseControl.

 

This has ability to schedule internet access for specific machines or groups of machines (we've grouped ours by suite).

 

Also has URL blocker and app blocker.

 

Cost is less than £1/client (well thats what it costs us)

[fafster]

We use ABControl here. It's a fixed cost for the management software with unlimited clients. Has lots of other little useful features, too.

[mburland]

I'm now running an eval installation of Browse Control. I'll round this up by posting a little report back here in the coming weeks. Thanks for the responses so far!