ClearFoundation

Hi, been a while since my last post.

My scenario is that I want to install ClearOS so that I can monitor internet usage on my home network. I would like content filtering (for kids) and bandwith allocation (for a tenant).

My internet connection is via wireless simcard with a local cellphone provider. The router that I use is this one.

Everything connects to a gigabit switch and I use wifi for my laptop and ipad.


Would a standalone install suffice or a gateway install.

I hope that this makes sense.

Regards

For things like content filtering you really want a 2-nic solution with ClearOS acting as a gateway.

and that I use a mobile operator as my internet connection, will that make a difference to my setup. I don't have a pppoe connection like an ADSL line.

Sorry, but pretty new to this whole thing, but love the look of clearos

Thanks

For content filtering alone I think you can get away with standalone mode and configure the browsers' proxy to point to your server. However, for kids at home where you may not have control over what they can do to their PCs it should be relatively easy for them to reset their settings not to use a proxy. You could then try on your router to block any traffic not coming from your proxy and so on. It becomes a game of cat and mouse. It is easier with 2 network cards. Then you can put ClearOS between your router and your switch which makes it very hard to bypass. A disadvantage disadvantage of this set up is that your wireless built into your router is still not proxied.

I've had a brief look at your manual and you may be able to use it with PPPoE but I think you still need to retain access to the router for some settings to do with 3G. PPPoE is not essential but it can avoid a double-NAT situation which is not so desirable but generally works. You also have the option of putting ClearOS in the DMZ.

Thank you for the info.

I will force the necessary people to use an ethernet connection as every room is hard wired by changing the password on wireless connection. At least my ipad and my laptop will have access. All the rest will go through to server.

That sound OK?

You can do that sort of thing if you have a good router or use ClearOS as the DHCP server. Then you can fix the IP address to the MAC addresses of your ipad and laptop and allow them through your router directly or allow them through ClearOS and let them bypass the proxy. It is possible to clone MAC addresses to defeat this but it gets harder.