A networking access control challenge for you!

[qtrim]

I'm looking for a hardware way to limit internet access in my classroom to certain times of the day (six computers). Let me say up front, that I'm not a networking person. Our schools MIS dept is of no help here and they will not let us install any type of new rounter/switch/hub.

So all I'm left with either:

A software solution, where I can specify that the computer can only access the internet between 9:30am-9:45am and 1:30pm-1:45pm. I've searched high and low for a software that can do this, but I can't find one. Any suggestions?

or,

My other thought, (having a background in controls), is to use a set of relays with NO (normally open) contacts and break one of the wires in the RJ45 cable by energizing or de-energizing the relay. This way a simple switch or timer could control the access. These computers do not need to see each other at any time, all have their own programs and printers. Does anyone make such an animal, or will I have to do it myself? If so, breaking which of the 8 wires would disable it?

Thanks.

 

[scorpioLP]

How is the network setup and what OS are you running ??

Do all the computers plug directly into the wall or are they plugged into a hub with one cable leading into the wall ??

The easiest thing would be to setup a firewall, but your MIS people might not like it. THen again, they wouldn't know, if you just left everything open and setup time restrictions.

Another thing to look into are the parent-control software packages. I believe some of them offer the ability to block the internet during certain hours. But that can be expensive if you have to buy one for all of the computers. I would think that schools have some sort of content blocking filter already.

I'm not sure about putting an on/off switch on a cat5 cable. Sounds like it could work, but I've never seen anything like that.

 

[JackMDS]

Assuming that IT allows you to play with your local settings.

It is possible that there are special RF Relays that can do this. Regular relays will not let the network work, or will insert noise that will make the whole system very quirky, and the IT people very angry and rightfully so.

Barring Hardware usage, the simpler level of control is to put Network managing software on the main computer, and client managing software on the rest of the Network computers.

Since the traffic goes through the Network Hardware you can not control the actual traffic from one computer, client software has to be installed on all Network Computers.

Take into consideration that any well-informed person can always disable this software.

Search the shareware sites for term like Port blocking, Network Bandwidth etc.

Example: PortBlockPro


Info about cables here: AnandTech ? FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

 

[Oaf357]

Does every student have their own login? Do they need access to the computer during times other than what you specified? Do they require access to the network during the entire course of the day?

 

[mboy]

Too bad they wont let u install a router. I just picked up an SMC 7004fw that will let u do it for around $60

 

[everman]

There is software such as cybersitter which can do that, but I believe you'd need a lisence for every pc to legally do it. I can't believe the MIS dept wouldn't let you just put in another router to your room w/ those capabilities.