CTI Networks

The Internet is most convenient source of access to information of all kinds. In its natural state, it is a largely unregulated medium, but at some point you may decide limits are necessary for your PC or your network.

Content filtering is a project that we took on in support of PA libraries that, in the spring of 2004, were required to offer restricted access in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

The product we offer is centralized, meaning the filtering is done here at our network operations center. We maintain servers making sure patches and updates are installed and keep the hardware humming. Customers can purchase licenses for individual PCs or can purchase blocks of licenses for their network. Technology administrators will have access to a web based remote access tool where they can define filtering parameters.

Often intended to block pornography, the filter can limit access to a whole host of things. For example, the following items can be filtered from your network: Adult, Alcohol, Jokes, Murder, News, Recreation, Search Engine, Sex, Swimsuits, Weapons, and Web Mail. You can control access to virtually any type of content on your network from A to Z.

How does it work?

There are two components that make the content filtering system work. A firewall installed at your location makes sure that all web requests go to the content filtering server before they continue on to the Internet. The server compares your requested URL to its database of blocked sites. If your request does not match any banned sites, you are free to continue surfing. If you request a blocked site, the server displays a blocked site page.

Do I need content filtering?

A variety of organizations may be interested in content filtering. Do you fit one of these categories?

• Anyone who has a vested interest in making sure that minors are not exposed to potentially objectionable content (schools, libraries, recreational centers, etc.).
• Anyone who supplies publicly available Internet access and is concerned about offending a patron (libraries, cyber cafe’s, gaming stores, etc.).
• Anyone who needs to comply with CIPA guidelines for filtering Internet connectivity.
• Employers concerned about productivity.

For more information on CTI’s Content Filtering services call a Business Services Representative or email business@ctinetworks.com.