Internet enabled digital photo frames being blocked

[bcchristensen]

I'm a Stake Executive Secretary, and my Stake Presidency has authorized the purchase of digital photo frames so we can have one placed in each building in our stake (part of a missionary program). We selected Internet-enabled frames to allow for remote administration of the frames so someone doesn't have to drive from building to building periodically to update the photos.

It didn't occur to us that the frames would be blocked from Internet communication. According to the manufacturer, firewall shouldn't be an issue because the frames communicate over standard HTTP ports, so maybe there's content filtering in place that's causing the problem. I tested the frames with a portable hot-spot to make sure the problem wasn't with the frames, and they worked fine. They only have a problem through the building Internet connection.

Is there a way to configure the meetinghouse firewall to grant an exception based on MAC addresses so the frames can connect? I've asked our Stake Technology Specialist, but he's not familiar with the firewall setup.

[jdlessley]

Is there a way to configure the meetinghouse firewall ...

The firewalls are remotely managed at headquarters. There is no local access. There is little chance to get them to customize your stake's firewalls. But you, or rather your STS, can contact the GSC to see what they will do.

[russellhltn]

But you, or rather your STS, can contact the GSC to see what they will do.

Odds are he'll need more details about what web site the frames are trying to connect to. They can't change the filter if they don't know where it's trying to go.

[Mikerowaved]

If you can provide the make/model of your photo frame(s), and perhaps even a link to an online manual, someone here might get a better feel for what the communication requirements are.

Worst case, you can give an assignment to a YM in each remote building to keep the photo frame updated and email him your changes. Most photo frames accept a USB flash drive and/or an SD card. Either way, I'm sure most YM could figure out how to transfer the info from an email attachment into the frame.