Does the keyword filter in the Hitron hub work well for anyone?
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Robert A. #36464
Posts: 2 ✭✭
in Internet
Hi. I tried to set up some filters to block certain web sites on my kids' computers, but the keyword filter on the modem seems very hit-and-miss. I've gone as generic as possible with the keywords, e.g. using "facebook" instead of "facebook.com", and the filters seem to work on some machines, but not on others.
Even on the computers where the sites do get blocked, the block sometimes stops applying, without any change of settings.
It seems very random and unreliable. I don't have any proxy, VPN, or alternate DNS settings on any of these computers. I've read the Hitron manual and made sure the filter is set to be active all day every day without any exceptions. (see screenshot). I've rebooted the router and all the machines a bunch of times, cleared browser cache and it's still random.
Has anyone got it to work reliably? I know I can use workarounds like OpenDNS or setting a filtering proxy on a machine on my network, but I'd rather keep it simple and use the built-in functionality if possbile.
thanks!
Even on the computers where the sites do get blocked, the block sometimes stops applying, without any change of settings.
It seems very random and unreliable. I don't have any proxy, VPN, or alternate DNS settings on any of these computers. I've read the Hitron manual and made sure the filter is set to be active all day every day without any exceptions. (see screenshot). I've rebooted the router and all the machines a bunch of times, cleared browser cache and it's still random.
Has anyone got it to work reliably? I know I can use workarounds like OpenDNS or setting a filtering proxy on a machine on my network, but I'd rather keep it simple and use the built-in functionality if possbile.
thanks!
14
Answers
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Hi Robert
You have a good question and valid concern.
As you, I have found the Hitron modem software has some minor bugs. If the modem software bugs become excessive, you can always use your own router that will offer you more options. You can search online for "routers with best parental controls".
As another option, you can install some parental control software directly on your kids' computers. You can even track all their usage.7 -
Hi Fizzy,
Thanks for that. I wanted to avoid buying another device, or setting up stuff on each of their computers, as it's more maintenance work.
I was going to just repurpose one of my old Linux laptops and install Squid proxy on it, but I got lazy and ended up just getting a free OpenDNS account and routing all DNS queries out of my network through there, with URL filters in place. It already has predefined lists of undesirable sites (porn, known spam/scams, etc), and I was also able to block YouTube, FB and other stuff I don't want them to access. The only annoying part is that I have to use a VPN on my computer whenever I need access to one of those sites (I use YT for work), but well, I'll live with it.
Hopefully we get a firmware upgrade on the Hitron that fixes these bugs at some point.
Cheers,
Robert.6 -
Hi Robert, looks like you have a good workaround.6
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Hi,
Is your problem resolved? If not, please let us know. If yes, please chose the best answer and that will close this topic. Have a great day !3 -
Wow, this question has been open for 1 month, chezzwizz what are you doing?!?3
This discussion has been closed.