wireless ADSL nework router with at least 6 network ports that will log websites visited

June 18, 2006 7:00 AM

I need recommendations for a wireless ADSL network router with at least 6 network ports that will log websites visited

i dont know if it matters but its for a uk office.

the network consists of 4 workstations that need to be physically wired to the router and a couple of laptops that need to access wirelessly.

that are not part of domain, they just need to access the inernet direct through the ADSL router

the logging doesnt need to be to be complex just which computer access'd what maybee just a list of the last 7 days

suggestions appreciated

posted by toocan to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

By 6 network ports, do you mean 6 ethernet ports? Or do you only need 4, for the workstations that are physically wired? You don't need a seperate port for each wireless connection, and most wireless routers will come with 4 ethernet ports.
posted by Orange Goblin at 7:06 AM on June 18, 2006

Small integrated routers won't generally be able to do that. You want a setup more like this:

[Computers]>>[wireless router/4 port wired switch]>>[Proxy server]>>[DSL modem]>>[Internet]

The proxy server would be a low-end PC running a firewall and HTTP proxy server. You'd add a 2nd ethernet card so that all traffic runs through the PC. It shouldn't be too difficult to set up, but it's pretty much the minimum you need to do what you want.

The other option is using a packet sniffer on the network to log internet access, or installing logging software on the computers themselves.
posted by cillit bang at 7:47 AM on June 18, 2006

My Linksys ADSL router did all that you need, except it only had 4 ports. You'd have to turn on the logging function though. It isn't on automatically.
posted by k8t at 7:53 AM on June 18, 2006

I don't have a specific reccommendation, other than that you'll have a lot more flexibility now and in the figure if you use a separate ADSL modem.
posted by Good Brain at 10:29 AM on June 18, 2006