diabolical_dan
New Around Here
Hey there!
I've been looking to get new router for my SOHO needs. I currently have a Netgear WGR614v9. It has a the ability to block websites based on the URL or a keyword, which is great, but at the same time it only allows 1 trusted IP address for which the restrictions are not applied. What I need is a router, where I can block certain sites for a bunch of devices, during work hours, and let another bunch of devices have unrestricted access to the internet at all times.
Like I said, my Netgear only allows 1 trusted IP to bypass the restriction.
New Netgear routers have an OpenDNS firewall, which lets me block categories, not sites / URLs / keywords, specifically and to allow a computer to bypass this restriction I must create a guest account for each system and also load a user login software on each of the devices. This doesn't cut it either.
Cisco has some decent routers and parental controls but they have a 5 device and 8 URL limit, which is too less for my need. I also read somewhere that weirdly their firmware only supports URLs less than 22 characters!!
The older Cisco/Linksys routers had an Internet Access Policy setting which was more advanced than their Cisco Connect stuff. Is this there on their newer routers? Is it ok if I get an old one? If so which one?
Belkin seems to have a global URL filter (blocked on all devices). Their tech support tells me their newer routers don't even have this functionality.
From what I could find D-Link routers too have a global URL filter setting.
This search for a router for my need is driving me crazy and has made me quite unproductive of late. Please if someone out there know better, do help point me towards a router that will allow me to set the restrictions the way I would like to. Thanks in advance.
P.S. Other things to note: It would be great if the router is a dual-band N series wireless router with gigabit LAN and USB storage capabilities and MAC address reservation/filtering options.
