Can I block websites through Airport Extreme Base Station?
I have an Airport Extreme Base Station, the newest model until the new model was released this past Tuesday. I have recently installed the new update that Apple just released.
My question. Can I block specific websites such as www.myspace.com. I want to be able to block them on all computers on my network including an iPod Touch my son has so this is the reason I prefer to block them through the router instead of on the computer itself. Is there any way I can do this?
My question. Can I block specific websites such as www.myspace.com. I want to be able to block them on all computers on my network including an iPod Touch my son has so this is the reason I prefer to block them through the router instead of on the computer itself. Is there any way I can do this?
Comments
I have an Airport Extreme Base Station, the newest model until the new model was released this past Tuesday. I have recently installed the new update that Apple just released.
My question. Can I block specific websites such as www.myspace.com. I want to be able to block them on all computers on my network including an iPod Touch my son has so this is the reason I prefer to block them through the router instead of on the computer itself. Is there any way I can do this?
http://www.opendns.com/solutions/homenetwork/
http://www.opendns.com/support/article/39
Never used it but seems like a common solution for airport which I don't think has parental controls. Seems to be free/ad based. Netgear is using OpenDNS on some of their routers.
Of course, to get around this all he really needs to do is add or change the DNS on his touch to something else or to memorize the IP address of myspace.
For example I can do a NS lookup on myspace and find:
DNS Lookup Results
Host Type Value
myspace.com. A 63.135.80.49
Then simply enter 63.135.80.49 in my browser.
The odds are that if you can't google a solution for your AEBS as opposed to asking here, your son will win any battle to block him from sites.
This is not to dis you but frankly, I'm a programmer, I know real network security guys, I can do any number of weird things with a linux based router but there's no way I really think I can keep my network secure from a smart kid really determined to find porn or get to myspace. Well, okay, I can block myspace sorta but then he can STILL probably find a proxy unless I want to play perpetual cat and mouse and block proxies as new ones appear.
Easier to just take the touch away. Of see if OpenDNS or AEBS will log myspace ip hits and then you can take it away after you have agreement from him not to use myspace.
The best solution is to talk and be fair about access and why it should be restricted.
Using the IP only is an old, old trick. Hotspot Shield and proxies are also used.
"The best solution is to talk and be fair about access and why it should be restricted."
-Vinea's suggestion makes sense.
From a personal perspective I started surfin' pr0n (www and newsgroups) when I was about 16 or 17 years old. No restrictions because my parents were late to catch on to the Internet.
I have made a career the past 10 years from website design (not for pr0n sites LOL) and Apple-ecosystem-related employment. Just sayin'.
But then, I'm a guy, if you have a son or daughter below 15 using the Internet actively then there's talks to be done. When I was 15 the Internet was in its infancy (2400 baud BBSes were more common) and "the talk" I had with my dad was more about AIDs.
Good luck and best wishes for your family.