Router which allows one PC only to access internet?

[lowella]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a router that will let me hook up one PC to internet and have the rest of the network detached from the internet and all security issues, but still able to get to that one PC (and vice versa)....I don't want to do this with two network cards so am looking for a quick & easy hardware solution, if it exists....

I am not a networking guru so hoping for an easy answer if possible.

Thank you!
lowella

 

[PhilFrisbie]

You can easily set up most routers to only allow a certain group of PCs (even just one) to access the Internet while still allowing the other PCs to share files, printers, etc. Just look at the manual to see how.

 

[lowella]

I guess the manuals leave a lot to be desired, I see a lot of stuff about a demilitarized zone (DMZ) host but I don't see anything like the above in the manuals for the two routers I have. Thanks for the reply though, I will search some more.

 

[PhilFrisbie]

What brand and model?

 

[lowella]

SMC Networks SMCWBR14S-N4 or D-link Gamerlounge firmware 1.7
If there is a term I should be looking for that might be all I need...thank you!

 

[hang-the-9]

Simple fix, in the PCs you don't want online, set up a fake Proxy setting in the web browser.

It's easy to get around that, but you have to know what to look for. And you can lock that setting down with local policies.

 

[lowella]

Thanks, I thought of this actually but it's not just that I don't want them accessing the internet, I don't want the internet accessing THEM...they have sensitive medical records on them. Any other thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[hang-the-9]

If you are behind a router, there is very little chance anyone can access them. It would have to be a direct attack on the computers for that to happen. To secure things the way you want, setup a proxy server computer, hook that up to the router, and have the PCs use that. That way the computers are not connected to the router, only the proxy server is.

 

[lowella]

I understand this concept but when I put the PC in place as a proxy server, it slows the internal network down a LOT....is this due to the PC or the router? Isn't there an easier way than dedicating a PC? I am looking for a router with a LAN+internet port and then a LAN port only.

 

[hang-the-9]

A proxy server should not affect anything on the network, except maybe web browsing if it's on a slow computer.

Try separating the computers in VLANS. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1293802

You'll need more than just a home router for this stuff.

 

[PhilFrisbie]

SMC Networks SMCWBR14S-N4 or D-link Gamerlounge firmware 1.7
If there is a term I should be looking for that might be all I need...thank you!

The D-Link manual calls it Access Control.

 

[lowella]

Thank you! That's all I need.

 

[lowella]

Best answer selected by lowella.