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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBR50 / RBK50 AC3000 V2.7.4.24 Router Site Blocking Just Does Not Work?
Hi,
I have an Orbi RBR50 running router firmware V2.7.4.24 with one connected satellite router.
Despite my best efforts, I cannot get it to block the websites or keywords that I specify in accordance with the router instructions when logged in as an admin user.
I am running circle parental controls also, and this does work, but I need to block the sites at router level because my son keeps creating his own MAC address and bypassing circle. I have also blocked new MAC addresses from joining the network, but he then swaps his MAC address to one of our (his parents) MAC addresses when we are sleeping (he’s a bright spark). Hence, for me to control his sleep, I must be able to block websites at router level; that’s why I chose a NETGEAR Orbi system; to have all these options as he gets cleverer.
Can you please help (many other users will know the stress that they have from teenage children accessing content until all hours)?
Firmware is updated and I have tried rebooting, different keywords/sites, always blocked and via schedule, nothing works.
Thanks for your time.
11 Replies
I agree entirely. The Orbi RBR50 Block Sites feature is worthless. It is oblivious to https connections. Since almost every web browser is configured to prefer https over http, it no longer matters what the user enters into a web browser. They all first search for an https version of the URL, and only search for http if they do not find https.
In this battle of wits, you have lost. If there is no chance of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement on the issue of internet access, the only recourse you have is to turn the entire thing off at night. And.... if their devices have LTE access, even that will not be enough.
I remember when the dreaded "heart to heart" talk with teenagers involved sex and birth control ( and we all hoped that sex ed at school and conversations with their friends would spare us from it). The situation with regard to the internet is MUCH more complicated.
CrimpOn - Appreciate the support; I’m not giving up.
Netgear - You advertise a feature to block websites via keywords and web addresses, but it does not work. This is false advertising. Please advise on your solution. Spending even more money an another third party website blocker is not a viable option due to MAC address spoofing (thereby hindering direct device control or fixed IP address control) as already mentioned. I expect a firmware update and fix here - if my Circle app can see and log each website and report it via an app (a service that’s paid for) why can’t my router (paid for device feature) also do this?
My son’s behaviour is terrible due to lack of sleep and managed use of the internet. Turning off internet access completely is just not an option for me. School kids need to study using PCs - libraries are not a thing these days; it’s all online. I need to work from home at times.
Your device was advertised to allow me to control the ‘routing’ of internet traffic. Please advise.
GavOrbi wrote:
Your device was advertised to allow me to control the ‘routing’ of internet traffic. Please advise.You won't get very far here with that. This isn't a place where Netgear will listen.
This community is essentially a user-to-user venue with some input from a small band of Netgear techies.
Most of the answers come from fellow users who have no connection with Netgear. They just have a lot of collective experience and are familiar with the sort of problems that turn up here.
If you want "official" support then you should go through the right channels.
Contact Us | Support | NETGEAR
As to this bit:
My son’s behaviour is terrible due to lack of sleep and managed use of the internet. Turning off internet access completely is just not an option for me. School kids need to study using PCs - libraries are not a thing these days; it’s all online. I need to work from home at times.
Netgear has sold its soul to the devil and will happily take money from you to protect your kids.
Which products support NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
Other devices support Circle:
Which NETGEAR routers support Circle Smart Parental Controls? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
Circle also needs a subscription.
Try using OpenDNS or NextDNS services.
GavOrbi wrote:
Hi,
I have an Orbi RBR50 running router firmware V2.7.4.24 with one connected satellite router.
Despite my best efforts, I cannot get it to block the websites or keywords that I specify in accordance with the router instructions when logged in as an admin user.
I am running circle parental controls also, and this does work, but I need to block the sites at router level because my son keeps creating his own MAC address and bypassing circle. I have also blocked new MAC addresses from joining the network, but he then swaps his MAC address to one of our (his parents) MAC addresses when we are sleeping (he’s a bright spark). Hence, for me to control his sleep, I must be able to block websites at router level; that’s why I chose a NETGEAR Orbi system; to have all these options as he gets cleverer.
Can you please help (many other users will know the stress that they have from teenage children accessing content until all hours)?
Firmware is updated and I have tried rebooting, different keywords/sites, always blocked and via schedule, nothing works.Thanks for your time.
FURRYe38 wrote:
Try using OpenDNS or NextDNS services.
A teenager who is capable of changing the MAC address to evade Block Services and Parental Controls is also capable of changing the DNS servers used by his device.
I have a suspicion that there is not a technical solution to the broader problem.
Or maybe more disciplinary solution? hehe. 😏
