Filtering for wireless network

[Jon Bemis]

We have recently extended our wireless network to our fellowship hall and so now we have access in both buildings. Our goal is to allow those using our facilities to have wireless access but we would also like to block access to objectionable content. Anyone have a recommendation for a good wireless network filter that would do the job? Thanks!

[Kevin Rector]

The first step is to secure your wireless router with a password so that a person can't just log in to that to circumvent what I'm about to say.

The second step then is to change your dns servers to use open dns. Simply go to opendns.com and follow the directions (it's free). They allow for several different levels of filtering and you can even customize the filtering.

This will filter all of your church's internet traffic. I use opendns at our church and at my house.

[Zach Wingo]

i recommend OpenDNS also since it works great. I know this is a debatable topic, but I personally wouldn't put a password on the churches Wi-Fi unless it was freely available to everyone such as publishing it in the bulletins. The two primary reason to keep in mind is security and abuse. Open networks *can* make it easier for hackers to gain access to computers on your local network but when properly setup this shouldn't be a problem. Open networks also are prone to abuse such as random people parking outside at night and downloading large amounts of data or performing illegal activity that can get your ISP to cancel your service. Professional routers can controls all this including not allowing access during certain times like between 8PM and 6AM. One of the frustrations we've experienced on our district is not being able to gain access to Wi-Fi at our bible quiz meets because no one knows the password. I hope we can solve this problem soon since I am working on a new system that requires the internet to track scores.