UPC Modem - I need better parental controls

dewsbury

Hi,
I am using UPC broadband (and TV & phone).
Generally, everything works well.

However, the parental controls on the modem (Samsung) are pretty awful and don't appear to fully work.

My primary requirement is the simple one of controlling the amount of time my 12 year old spends on the internet. E.g. I do NOT want him to be able to log in after 9pm.

UPC say they can offer no other modem.
QUESTION 1: Can I buy a modem a replacement modem with better parental controls?

QUESTION 2: How much need I spend?

QUESTION 3: Will a new modem affect my TV and/or phone?

slinky2000

Ok, I think you need to buy a cable modem and use that to access the internet through the upc modem, as we all know they're not great.

Buy a cable modem (I've a dlink one here but any should do and it does what you need) plug it into an out port in the upc modem, it should automatically work off the signal.

now log into the upc modem and change the password to one your son doesn't know and make him access the internet through the other modem.

If you've configured the new modem correctly it should fulfill your needs.

dewsbury

Thanks slinky, very useful.

Do I need to be fussy about the specification of the cable modem?
What sort of price range? Where can I buy one in Dublin?

Your advice is very much appreciated.

ED E

You CANT BYOD with UPC. They wont provision it.

Option A: The Samsung horizon box should have time of day rules. If it does they should allow you to blacklist specific devices after 9PM.

Option B:
1. Disable wifi on the horizon box
2. Connect a wireless access point to the horizon with ethernet. Set it up as the main wifi AP and connect everyone to it. Use its time of day rules to limit the kids.

Theres also deconsolidation and bridging, but thats over the top for your needs.

dewsbury

Thanks Ed,

(For the record there are "Parental controls" on the Samsung. But they are very crude and indeed do not appear to work fully. I have been able to restrict certain websites but the time restriction is breaking my heart! UPC do not support it.)


"Connect a wireless access point to the horizon with ethernet."
How do I create a "wireless access point"? Does this mean adding new hardware?

ardmacha

dewsbury wrote: »

Thanks Ed,

(For the record there are "Parental controls" on the Samsung. But they are very crude and indeed do not appear to work fully. I have been able to restrict certain websites but the time restriction is breaking my heart! UPC do not support it.)


"Connect a wireless access point to the horizon with ethernet."
How do I create a "wireless access point"? Does this mean adding new hardware?

It means buying a wireless router with the control features you want and plugging this in an Ethernet port on your UPC modem and disabling the standard wi-fi.