- Setting up a simple single access point network
- Setting up a Family Zone network in a home with data points
- Using Powerline Networking to extend your Family Zone network coverage
- Setting up a Family Zone network across many locations
- Family Zone Networks and Network Sharing
- Family Zone Boxes need to be connected to the internet through a modem to operate.
- Plug the provided data cable into the blue WAN port of your Family Zone Box.
- Then plug the other end into the LAN port of your home modem.
What is a LAN and a LAN port?
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence. A LAN port is a data point which connected the devices on the LAN.
What is a WAN and a WAN port?
In home networking, a WAN refers to the connection to the internet. WAN stands for wide area network. A LAN port is on a modem or modem/router and it is the data point which connects a LAN to the internet.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is networking technology used in most home and business networks (called ‘local area networks’ or ‘LANs’).
Can I connect my Box directly to the internet?
No. The Family Zone Box is an Access Point. It is not a modem and therefore must be connected through a modem or modem/router.
Do I need to connect all of my devices to the Family Zone?
No. You can but you don’t need to. You should connect all devices that your kids use and which you want to filter and ensure the time period 'Sleep Time' is active at night.
Can I share media and printers through the Family Zone?
Yes. The Family Zone networking operates in a “Bridge Mode” configuration which allows it to avoid conflicts and work seamlessly with most home networks.
Can I share media and printers between my existing network and my Family Zone network?
Yes. The Family Zone networking operates in a “Bridge Mode” configuration which allows it to avoid conflicts and work seamlessly with most home networks.
- Each Family Zone Box will need to connect to a LAN port on your existing router.
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For each Box, connect a data cable to the LAN port on your router and patch that to the data port where you will install the Box.
What is a Switch or Hub?
A network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, officially MAC bridge) is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer network. Some large homes and many businesses employ switches when they need to connect many devices.
If you have a home with data ports installed, the most likely your home is set up for a network switch. If so and if you have a switch installed then setting up Family Zone access points through your house is as simple as plugging Family Zone Boxes (using the Boxes WAN port) into data ports around your home.
Can I extend my Family Zone coverage with Powerline Networking?
Yes. If your data network does not cover all required parts of your home, you can use Powerline adapters to extend your network. Powerline networking turns your home’s electrical wiring into a data network cables, allowing them to carry data signals. Find out more below.
Can I extend my Family Zone coverage with WiFi extenders?
Yes. We support WiFi extenders with exception to ones that connect through WPS.
Using Powerline Networking to extend your Family Zone network coverage
- To extend your Family Zone network coverage we suggest using Powerline Networking.
- Powerline adapters are available from most electronics retailers.
- On your router: Plug a Powerline adapter into the LAN port and power it up.
- On your Box: Plug a Powerline adapter into the LAN port and power it up.
- Note, Powerline networking requires the adapters to be on the same electrical circuit.
- You can NOT use extension cords with Powerline adapters.
- Powerline adapters must be on the same electrical circuit.
- Powerline adapters may not work in properties wired with 3-Phase power
- Powerline adapters may not work in properties with "old" electrical wiring.
- Powerline adapters cannot be used with power-points/boards that have in-built surge protectors.
- Powerline performance is mainly decided by the quality of power line environment.
- You can set up Family Zone networks in more than one residence.
- Doing so means your WiFi network names and passwords and your family’s cyber safety settings will be the same in all locations.
How am I billed if I have multiple locations?
The number of locations you have does not affect your charges. Only the number of controller services you have. So you can activate Family Zone networks in many locations. The only billing implication is that all fees will be charged on the one account.
How do multiple locations affect my Family’s settings?
It doesn’t. Your “Zone” in the Family Zone can be in any number of locations. Your chosen settings apply in Family Zone access points which can be situated in any location.
Can I move my Family Zone Box around?
Yes, you can move it around your home, move it to another home and you can even take it with you on family holidays. All that’s required is a reasonable broadband internet connection and power.
What if my child lives at two homes?
This scenario is catered for with our Shared Arrangements feature. If you choose to allow it, your family can be members of many families. Yours will be the Primary (Zone) and the others described as “Shared Zones”. Each Zone will have its own Family Zone account, cyber safety and network settings.
Family Zone Networks and Network Sharing
- The Family Zone network operates in Bridged Mode, which is the typical configuration of most home networks. If your network is setup this way then devices connected on the your existing network and the Family Zone network will be able to see each other and share files.
- Remember Family Zone filters ONLY APPLY to devices connected to Family Zone WiFi or to the Family Zone LAN ports. Devices connected to your existing home network (WiFi or LAN ports) are not filtered. For this reason we suggest all devices accessible by your kids are only connected to your Family Zone network.
Can I use my existing and Family Zone WiFi networks?
Yes, although having both networks may cause bandwidth conflicts and may give your kids unsafe access to the internet. We recommend disabling WiFi on existing networks (or changing the WiFi password).
Can I connect my Box directly to the internet?
No. The Family Zone Box is an Access Point. It is not a modem and therefore must be connected through a modem or modem/router.
Do I need to connect all of my devices to the Family Zone?
No. You can but you don’t need to. You should connect all devices that your kids use and which you want to filter and switch off internet access at night time.