Since content filtering can have a performance impact (depending on the size of the blocklist), we will use Squid cache to offset this performance hit.ġ. We will use the excellent E2guardian to intercept and filter our web requests. Look into more capable hardware if a lot of clients will be connecting to your content filter. This is the configuration that we will use in this guide.ĭo keep in mind that while a Raspberry Pi 3 is mostly adequate for a home setup with a few laptops and smartphones, it will not provide the performance needed for a big office setup. In this case, you will need a compatible USB WiFi dongle ( wlan1) to connect to the internet, while the built-in WiFi module ( wlan0) will act as a hotspot.

Of course, connecting to the internet using Ethernet isn’t always possible. So in this scenario, we can use an Ethernet cable ( eth0) to connect to the internet, while the WiFi module ( wlan0) will act as a hotspot. The Raspberry Pi 3 has a built-in Ethernet jack and WiFi module. For this, we will need two network interfaces on it – one to connect to the internet, and the other to act as a WiFi hotspot for our other devices to connect to. We will be using the Raspberry Pi 3 as a router cum content filter. Prior experience with command lines and firewalls is a bonus. However, these instructions will work nearly unmodified with almost any computer running Debian Linux or a derivative (Ubuntu, Mint etc.).ĭisclaimer : This guide assumes an intermediate level of experience with Linux, and a willingness to troubleshoot problems if and when they arise. We chose the Raspberry Pi for this project because of its tiny size and negligible power consumption. Thus, we will get our hands dirty, and set up a Raspberry Pi for the job. There are commercial, ready-to-use content filters available in the market, but for us DIY types, there is no fun in that.

This appliance also intercepts the websites that these devices access, and blocks them if they try to access a blacklisted website. To make this possible, we need a router plus content filter – an appliance through which all our devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets connect to the internet.

Nxfilter and pihole