MAC Filtering Only Blocks Browsing but Not Chat on iPod?

Maltopia on 18/12/2015 - 00:11

Hi, I have a Netgear CGD3100 Gateway cable modem which has MAC filtering with timers on it which I thought I could use to let my almost 11 year old have an iPod (5) in her room to listen to music but not have access to the internet after 8 PM (she used to stay up late watching anime etc.)

Anyway, I checked Safari and the MAC filter stops it dead, no access to web browsing so I thought it was all good.

However, I just discovered that Skype is still connecting and so she has been chatting with her friends late at night. It isn't only Skype that has web access, I logged into Trivia Crack and I could use the in-game chat to family member who also has Trivia Crack so it would be other applications too it seems?

What is going wrong here? Any suggestions re how I can block the internet at set times on her iPod? Can any of you recommend a good parental control app?

Many thanks.

Frustrated Dad

Internet

Comments

  • bjdchwr on 18/12/2015 - 01:28

    I am using Cisco at home so I can set up a pretty strict rules using the Nbar2 or ACL control.
    However, I would suggest you go with some 3rd party routers, including DDWRT, Openwrt, or Tomato.

  • RockyRaccoon on 18/12/2015 - 07:58

    Probably better to go on to Whirlpool.net.au and make a post there.

    Not saying someone here doesnt have an answer, but there any many at Whirlpool who may be able to help who are not ozbargainers

  • resisting the urge on 18/12/2015 - 11:36
    +1

    You expect a Netgear device, and worse, one supplied by Telstra with their modifications and surveillanceware built-in, to provide security? When was the last firmware update? When is the next… lol!

    Get a real flash-based firewall (such as IPCop) and set it up behind the CG3100D (AKA Telstra Gateway Max). Turn wifi off on the CG3100D set an apprpriately complex admin password and set it to bridged mode. Your real firewall then maintains the Internet connection (you configure PPPoE with your bigpond username and password). It also does the security work and as little else and you can restrain yourself to avoid.

    That way your CG3100 will use less power and last for years instead of months. Whe it fails, you have to battle Telstra and be inside your contract for them to send you a new one without paying >$200

    It'll take 100 posts to get to that truth on WP ;-)

    • Maltopia on 18/12/2015 - 22:08

      thanks for your reply.

      I use to have a Netgear 3700 acting as my router previously but decided to use it as a Wireless Access Point at the other end of the house (I have cat5E connection from the room where the modem is to the other end of the house).

      I might log into that and see if it has better MAC controls etc. That or I will need to buy a much better device like you suggest to use in bridge mode.

  • trex on 18/12/2015 - 19:21
    +1

    Sounds like your MAC filter firewall only works on HTTP (Port 80)(web browsing) and not HTTPS (Port 443)(skype etc).

    Is there anywhere on the Firewall settings that you can block Port 443 from say after 8pm?

    • Maltopia on 18/12/2015 - 22:05

      Hi Trex,

      Mac Filtering page is pretty basic with no options to select ports. The newer Gateway modem (which I had sent to me but I sent back) doesn't even have days/times for each day so I would have to manually unblock each morning.

      • trex on 18/12/2015 - 23:49

        Apart from MAC filtering, does the modem have a separate tab for firewall settings? If not, looks like there is no other way than to get a new router/Wireless AP that can do that.

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