About MIA

One summer, my wife and I both worked while our two children (a teenager and a pre-teen) stayed at home all day. They are both good kids, but we know there is no way we could keep them away from their computers all day long unless we're there checking on them all the time.

My wife wanted to limit their time spent on the computers. I looked and found many software solutions out there but I was not very impressed with any of them. First of all, they cost too much (about $30 per license). You have to install it on each computer you want to install, and it can be by-passed. I would rather use a hardware-based solution, can't be by-passed, controls the whole network. A router-based solution makes the most sense.

I searched for a router that does what I want, and to my surprise, I could not find one either. Some routers (Linksys, Dlink, Netgear, etc.), and even OpenWrt, DD-wrt offer some sort of internet schedule or access control feature, but they're cumbersome to configure and use, and you could only create limited profiles (10). There is no way I could configure them to limit each computer with different time block each day.

There are "Parental Control" routers (iBoss, Linksys DSD-150, etc.), but they require extra subscription on top of the expensive price tag. It's true they offer lots of parental control features, but I don't need them all, and I'm not willing to pay that price.

So I set out to develop my own solution. I name it Mom's Internet Access or MIA (because it was developed out of a mandate from my wife) - a solution demanded by Mom and used by Mom. I've successfull implemented it on my custom wireless router, but I knew if I want to help other parents out there, I must put it on those household wireless routers that people buy from the electronics or computer stores. Fortunately, most of these routers run Linux (except for the newer Linksys), and many offer tools and code to their firmware under GPL license that you can download and build the firmware. My first wireless router is a TrendNet TEW-652BRP purely because it's the cheapest router I could find for $25 at Fry's.

My goal is to put MIA on as many routers as possible, but I can't afford them all, so I'd only work on the ones I can get cheaply. Please keep checking on the supported hardware for updated list of routers. If your router is not listed, let me know, and I'll try to add it to the list. If your router does not provide GPL source, sorry. You'd have to take it up with the manufacturer.

Update: I tried to put MIA into the routers' stock firmware, but soon realized that there are just too many different routers out there to cover. I'd have to acquire each router, modify the firmware, test, etc., it's just impossible. I've decided to focus on developing for openwrt from now on. If you're not familiar with openwrt, click here.

Features

• True router-based solution. Nothing to install on your computers. No subscription.
• Controls all computers in your network.
• Unlimited number of profiles, any combination of time limit.
• Granular time limit control.
• Easy to use UI with 24/7 time blocks.
• OS independent - works on Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
• Free to home/personal use.

Supported Device

Feedback

What do you think of MIA? I appreciate any feedback so I can improve it. Please feel free to drop a line

Do you find MIA useful? If so, please recommend to others.

Your router is not listed? Please make a suggestion. I can't promise I will able to deliver it, but if it's reasonable, I will give it a try. The best way to put MIA on all routers out there is to let me or the router's manufacturer know. Thanks.