Case Study - Home Network

Background: I have a broadband connection at home, my 3 children, and wife each have their own notebook computers. My wife loves to work in the kitchen but likes to keep up on her email throughout the day. My children like to use their computers in the family room and in their bedrooms to do research or play on-line games.

Problem: I have RJ-45 network wall jacks throughout my house. My family can plug into the Internet nearly anywhere they want. However, I'm often tripping over their CAT5 cables while they're plugged in.

Solution: Use wireless networking and AllegroSurf to give everyone Internet access. I installed a wireless switch in the family room and setup the wireless connectors on each computer. Since it's a wireless switch, my family can now be wireless while still accessing the Internet and my entire home network. When my children are out of sight, I don't need to worry about what sites they visit, AllegroSurf seamlessly prevents them from going to web sites I don't want them to see.

My wife, however, has other Internet needs. She needs full access to the Internet, no matter what the content. By enabling filtering for only my children, my wife and I enjoy unfiltered Internet access, while my children are protected.

Benefits: Content Filtering - My children cannot visit sites with inappropriate material, while my wife and I can use the Internet completely unfiltered.

Accountability - If, for some reason, my children visit an appropriate site, or spend far too much time on the Internet, I can discuss their activities with them. I can show them reports that outline their activity, including potential inappropriate site access.

Summary: With a reasonable degree of certainty I know that my children are safe on the Internet, while my wife and I can use the Internet without any restrictions. If my children "test their boundaries" I have information I can use to correct their actions.

- Mark P. Peterson - Vice President, RhinoSoft.com