Network Managers, how do you filter net usage?

BoomAM

BoomAM

BoomAM

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2003
Posts
16,206
Location
Atlanta, USA
Hi.
Im appealing to fellow network managers to ask how you all filter internet usage at your place of work?

Basically, at the moment, everything goes through our Proxy server, that runs 'SurfControl'. Now, its possible to block by rooms if static IPs are used, but the problem im facing is the fact that im gonna have a significantly higher workload having to do that every hour of the day at lesson change over, as im gonna have to click about 10-15 room sets, multiple times, each hour.

Im looking for suggestions for improvements, how you handle it, and what software you use to combat the problem.

Thanks in advance all.
 
Phemo said:
So, what is it you're trying to block?
Click to expand...
We want to be able to block groups of computers from accessing the internet as/when needed.
That NetSupport Software that has been suggested though looks the ticket! :).

So just to confirm, from the 'teacher' computer, it would be possible for the teacher to block access to the internet to the entire room with the click of a button? And it wouldnt interfere with normal web filtering on the server?
 
WotDa said:
Should do, yup, my school was running a RM programme that did that, the teachers could block access by individual PC, or the whole room.

I don't see why it would interfere with the filtering, I assume it just blocks access to the authentication server (if you have one) or something.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Might download the trial version and see how it goes. :)

More suggestions are still welcome though. :)
 
Well, im quite impressed with it tbh.
The only 2 flaws i can see are:
-- 'Teacher' machines can control other teacher machines. Meaning that i cant have the client running on my workstation next to the server to remote fix things without others prehaps seeing what im doing. :( (spying on the spyer :p)
-- The deploy applet doesnt let me set the student machines to quiet/silent mode so its all invisible to the kids. Meaning i have to manually install it on each station.

Other than that though, impressed thus far, as is the teacher whos testing it.
 
Unfortunatelly, the Bluecoat thing looks like it wont do what we want it to.
We can already technically block by sets of computers, its just a job and a half to do because i'd have to go and set every computer to static IPs.
Plus, this NetSupport Schools thing is pretty good, and upto now, the pros far outweight the cons.
If i could make it so the server cant be viewed/controlled, but it can view/control other stations, then it'd be near perfect.
 
I'd have to do that everytime a teacher wanted to block/unblock a room, meaing mucho work for me.
This NetSchools thing is good because it gives the teachers want they want without increasing my workload. :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom