Help With New ADSL Router Spec & Acceptable Internet Usage Policy

Valo · 10 May 2013 at 12:45

I'm involved with a charity that has just completed the major renovation of a farm house that will be available to members of the charity for everything from rest bite care through to holidays.

They've had broadband installed (ADSL2) by Chess Broadband. The supplied router is rubbish, with limited configuration options so I'd like some advice as to which ADSL router to look at.

I've also been asked to draw up an Acceptable Internet Usage Policy which will form part of the contract members will sign before there stay. I've got the basics covered, thanks to templates I've found on the web but if anyone has any experience with this sort of thing I'd be grateful for any input.

Obviously with the new router I'll need a fully configurable firewall. I realise won't be able to block everything using the router, so I'll have to look at DNS filtering with subscription to OpenDNS. Do Google's public DNS Servers have content filtering options?

With regards to file sharing (Torrent and Usenet) what would be the best way to block these without interfering with download/streaming services like Spotify or iTunes.

New Router:
Fully configurable firewall
Good wireless coverage (Dualband Wireless N)
Stable and Reliable

Any help would be great.

KIA · 10 May 2013 at 13:02

GL with Chess. They're one of the worst "business" providers out there. The network is congested and they traffic shape most of the popular protocols to death.

Valo · 10 May 2013 at 14:10

KIA said:
GL with Chess. They're one of the worst "business" providers out there. The network is congested and they traffic shape most of the popular protocols to death.

Not my choice I'm not even sure why they went with them

Valo · 12 May 2013 at 11:53

Anyone able to help?

Rozzy85 · 12 May 2013 at 16:20

If you want maximum possible customization then perhaps get a router that can run the DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. I haven't kept up with the latest developments but a list of available open source firmware is here. You could then choose a router based on the firmware that suits your needs the most. You should be able to do everything you need with the firewall and blocking ports.

As for good wireless courage and reliability then it's more pot luck. Even if you get the best so called Wireless-N transmitter you could still run into problems caused by electronic interference, signal deflection and attenuation. Seeing as you're out in the country from what I can tell you might be better off. Maybe get some AP's and expand the network coverage throughout the building.