Hi there -
What I'm trying to do is to FORCE all the computers on my Lan to go through a SERVER gateway (probably using something like ICS) when they are all Wirelessly connected.
So say I have a SERVER at 192.168.1.2 which is connected to the internet - I want all the other computers when they logon to go through this server.
What do I need to do to achieve this so that when a user logs on to the Wi-Fi in my house the computer's connection goes via the server rather than directly through the Internet.
Is there anything on the Router (domestic quality one) that can FORCE the logons to go via the SERVER or do I have to get a piece of commercial kit.
The reason I want to do this is I can set up all sorts of controls etc on the SERVER so kids for instance can't access a load of undesirable sites say using their phones or tablets.
I don't care if they access these sites at THEIR homes or using their own phone connections but I don't want them accessing "questionable" stuff via MY wi-fi system - and obviously I can't block them from the Internet when they visit either.
Any ideas -- I've no problem running Linux servers etc -- it's how to get the client computers to have to use a shared Internet connection when they logon via Wireless connections. Remember this all has to be done at MY end -- assume I can't make any configuration changes on the CLIENT machines.
I heard of something like "Routing" or Ip tables or whatever - but I have NO idea how to make any of that stuff work for what I want which in theory sounds very simple.
Anybody with a load of young kids -- what do YOU use -- things like Passwords etc aren't any good or "adult blocks" -- any savvy kid can get round these in 15 secs flat. Having always to go through my Server which is in an inaccessible place would be much harder for kids "to break". !!!!
Cheers
jimbo
If both the server and other computers have WiFi and server uses LAN to connect to router, it's a simple task: create a WiFi access point on server ("HotSpot") and connect other computers wireless.
Detailed instructions: Internet Connection Sharing - Create WiFi HotSpot
Kari
Hi there.
Thanks Kari
With a bit of re-arranging I can easily get the Router connected via LAN to the server.
I didn't think it was as simple as that !!! - All the googling I did made this concept seem like only an advanced extra-terrestrial could have worked it out.
I assume when the client computers look for a wireless connection they will only be able to connect to the one with the SSID given in the setup.
Thanks again - can't rep you again though until I've rep'd a few other one's but consider you've got a "Virtual +1".
(I'll get a WLAN card for the server - but testing with a decent USB Wi-Fi dongle -- If I'm downloading movies etc I always do it on a wired lAN anyway -- ).
Have a good weekend !!
Cheers
jimbo
Client computers can of course use any available WiFi, if the router is also broadcasting a WiFi network that will also be available. You have to change the connection on all clients. Connecting clients to server HotSpot all connections go through server.
Hi there
The primary Wifi from the Router can have the SSID as HIDDEN - so that's a decent start -- a casual browse won't show the SSID and if the client's don't know what the SSID is then they won't get to the next stage. They'll be able to see the other one on the Wi-Fi hotspot though which is exactly what I'm looking for.
Cheers
jimbo