Need logging router with login internet access and more
Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:42 pm
From my perspective, Satan is very effectively using technology, but we are not effectively using technology to counter the threat.
I have raised two relatively technology savvy teens. I found that filtering was not so much needed as much as effective monitoring. The principle is to remove annonymity and help the boys develop good habits on the internet by discussing their usage in FHE. Currently I use Microsoft's family safety monitoring software, but it is not optimal. What I like is that it stores the log on a server so the boys can't delete or edit it and I can get access to it from any computer anywhere in the world. What I don't like is that it often slows internet access to a crawl due to server overload.
I want two technologies developed, and both are relatively simple:
1. I want to replace my DSL (or cable) WiFi router with a router that includes considerable storage that monitors and logs all internet access from all computers in the home. This router would enforce username and password so that it can identify the specific user. Logs should be kept for all users, including parents; no filtering of the results. It should capture thumbnails of all photos and videos. It should also provide a usage log so that it is possible to see how long family members are on and it should have a setting to auto logoff of the internet after periods of inactivity so that teens can't claim the usage numbers are wrong because they walked away from their computer with it still connected. Finally it should allow for the usual blocking based on adult content identification and a family list of blocked sites and allowed sites. I want all of this in the router, with web access to settings, rather than software on the computer because then it is not subject to changes in operating system and works as well for Mac as PC, as well as the increasing number of cellphones and other devices that can access the internet via WiFi. Fixed IP with auto login can be used for things like my Direct TV box that don't have individual username and password.
The second technology I want is software for Windows Mobile, Symbian, Android, and iPhone that provides logging of text messages and sent photos. Relatively simple to develop (I've worked in mobile SW for 25 years; this is very doable on smartphone platforms). Again, the idea is to remove the perception of annonymity so that better choices are made and better habits devleoped.
I checked with the Dept of Electrical and Computer engineering at BYU Provo to see if there was any directive to focus on technologies to protect families. There was not. The response was that the Church currently relies on the industry to develope these technologies. Fox guarding the henhouse if you ask me.
I would gladly replace my existing router with one that provides these safety features.
Lots of pieces out there; but I'm not aware of complete solutions that do what I have outlined.
I have raised two relatively technology savvy teens. I found that filtering was not so much needed as much as effective monitoring. The principle is to remove annonymity and help the boys develop good habits on the internet by discussing their usage in FHE. Currently I use Microsoft's family safety monitoring software, but it is not optimal. What I like is that it stores the log on a server so the boys can't delete or edit it and I can get access to it from any computer anywhere in the world. What I don't like is that it often slows internet access to a crawl due to server overload.
I want two technologies developed, and both are relatively simple:
1. I want to replace my DSL (or cable) WiFi router with a router that includes considerable storage that monitors and logs all internet access from all computers in the home. This router would enforce username and password so that it can identify the specific user. Logs should be kept for all users, including parents; no filtering of the results. It should capture thumbnails of all photos and videos. It should also provide a usage log so that it is possible to see how long family members are on and it should have a setting to auto logoff of the internet after periods of inactivity so that teens can't claim the usage numbers are wrong because they walked away from their computer with it still connected. Finally it should allow for the usual blocking based on adult content identification and a family list of blocked sites and allowed sites. I want all of this in the router, with web access to settings, rather than software on the computer because then it is not subject to changes in operating system and works as well for Mac as PC, as well as the increasing number of cellphones and other devices that can access the internet via WiFi. Fixed IP with auto login can be used for things like my Direct TV box that don't have individual username and password.
The second technology I want is software for Windows Mobile, Symbian, Android, and iPhone that provides logging of text messages and sent photos. Relatively simple to develop (I've worked in mobile SW for 25 years; this is very doable on smartphone platforms). Again, the idea is to remove the perception of annonymity so that better choices are made and better habits devleoped.
I checked with the Dept of Electrical and Computer engineering at BYU Provo to see if there was any directive to focus on technologies to protect families. There was not. The response was that the Church currently relies on the industry to develope these technologies. Fox guarding the henhouse if you ask me.
I would gladly replace my existing router with one that provides these safety features.
Lots of pieces out there; but I'm not aware of complete solutions that do what I have outlined.