Actiontec GT704WG - Block DNS Bypass?
Howdy, as the Description says, I have an Actiontec GT704WG, using Verizon DSL. It's a DSL Modem and Wireless router all wrapped up into one.
I've configured it to use OpenDNS, (Have the Family OpenDNS VIP package), and everything seems to work fine, except that I have can not find a way on my router to block the ability to bypass the DNS by locally assigning other DNS addresse.
I've done some searching and digging and it does indeed appear that I can not do that on this router. So my question is, am I missing something (IE: Is it possible to block), and if not, is there a DSL Modem/Router that I could purchase to replace this thing with that would allow me to use OpenDNS and also force using OpenDNS?
I did JUST start looking up info on the Netgear Parental Controls thing, as I saw it listed in the forums. Is that an option? Or are there Better options with what I"m trying to do?
I'm not tech illiterate, but configuring routers beyond the basics just isn't something I"ve done too much of. Although as I have on occasion setup a few game servers I have dug deep enough to get into port forwarding and all that fun stuff.
Any input/feedback and assistance would be quite appreciated!
And the only reason I'm really asking is that I have one person in my home, who if he can't get to what he wants, he WILL dig until he gets an answer, (He's just like his dad) :-) . For example I told him he was NOT allowed to route his kindle... so he dug and found other ways to do what he wanted to do. Smart cookie.
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Most Netgear Live Parental Control devices have an automatically built in firewall rule when Parental Controls are enabled that forces requests to our DNS service. If your router has a built in firewall, or you use a firewall on your network you may be able to enforce the same firewall rule on your network using the instructions here: https://support.opendns.com/entries/26374985-Preventing-circumvention-of-OpenDNS-with-firewall-rules
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@scojoh75
Go to Advanced Settings and then Firewall. Select "Low" which includes DNS (and other risky almost MS specific ports) and see if it still works with OpenDNS, but doesn't work with other DNS services. OpenDNS resolver addresses should be configured under Advanced Settings > DHCP Server.
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I should have posted a link to the manual I took this information from:
http://www.actiontec.com/products/manuals/GT704-WG_NCS_User_Manual_3.0.1.0.6.0s.pdf -
Hey thanks for the feedback!
After doing some testing, I saw that the Actiontec has a firewall, but is VERY limited. I did enable it... and set it so DNS was forced, however I found some programs etc that I do use ceased to function online, and without the ability to edit firewall rules and settings, well that just doesn't work for me!
SO Today we purchased a NetGear N600 Wireless DSL Modem Router. Setup was a breeze, I already LOVE the options on it and the control it offers.
So now the conundrum is.... do I keep with just the Home VIP with OpenDNS or use the Liver Parental Controls in the Router. I know they are related, but different and that one allows for logs and the other doesn't.
Is there somewhere that breaks down, perhaps side by side, the benefits of each and differences etc. I DO love the idea of being able to set different settings per user device, but I ALSO Love logs and being able to KNOW where my children have been.
So any help or insight on that would be dandy!
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"do I keep with just the Home VIP with OpenDNS or use the Live Parental Controls in the Router"
It's your choice. As these services are incompatible with each other, you can just use one of them.
"Is there somewhere that breaks down, perhaps side by side, the benefits of each and differences etc."
Especially, if you're going for Netgear LPC, you must delete your network at https://dashboard.opendns.com/settings/
Your dashboard is only at https://netgear.opendns.com/ then.
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