[Michlib-l] torrenting wireless policies/suggestions?

[Eric Hayes]

TJ,

I highly recommend getting an Open-Mesh access point.
<http://www.open-mesh.com/products/access-points.html> They are comparable
to the very popular Meraki access points, but are MUCH cheaper. $100 an
access point versus $300. Open-Mesh also doesn't require an annual license
fee.

It is very easy to setup. Just plug it in to your switch and visit your
provided CloudTrax.com account to add the access point to your network. If
you wish to deploy more for expanded coverage, you don't have to plug each
one in to the switch. You can just plug them in to a power outlet and they
act as a repeater.

There are many security and bandwidth settings in the CloudTrax.com account:

   - You can have two networks (staff and public)
      - Password protect the staff
      - Splash screen for the public (accept library policy)
   - Redirect users to a custom URL
   - Limit the bandwidth for all connected devices
   - You can block devices that are abusing the network
   - You can block connected devices from seeing devices on your wired
   network
   - You can block connected devices from seeing other connected devices
   - The access point(s) upgrade firmware automatically

I'd be happy to answer more questions.


Eric Hayes
IT Coordinator | Webmaster
Royal Oak Public Library
248-246-3751
www.ropl.org

On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 10:40 AM, Ms. TJ Smith <shermandirector at winntel.net>
wrote:

> We have been seeing a large increase in internet traffic and our wireless
> setup is simply not holding up. A particular problem is patrons using our
> wireless for torrents. Do any of you have policies in place regarding a
> limit on high-bandwidth activities? It is frustrating for our other
> patrons, many of whom are using the connection for schooling and business
> purposes, not to mention the staff trying to use VERSO.
>
> We currently have 6MB service through our provider (the highest package
> offered in our area) connected to an old router and switch. We have 5
> public computers, one catalog computer, and one staff station all
> direct-wired through the switch and at any given time 2-10 wireless devices
> attached. Our current router is a Netgear N300 WNR2000v2. We're looking to
> upgrade and add a wireless access point to allow us better control, but
> that does not make our current situation any easier to handle.
>
> I've been setting the lowest priority QoS for the torrent users when
> possible to try to make the connection usable by other patrons. Does anyone
> have any tips on how we can better get by in the meantime?
>
>
> Ms. TJ Smith
>
> Library Director
>
> Sherman Township Library
>
> shermandirector at winntel.net
>
> (989) 644-5131
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Michlib-l mailing list
> Michlib-l at mcls.org
> http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
>
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