One common question we encounter is whether to deploy CleanBrowsing on individual devices (e.g., Windows, Mac) or on a network router. Each method has its benefits, but which is the best deployment for your needs?
Router Deployment for Whole Network Protection
For most users, we recommend deploying CleanBrowsing on the router. This configuration ensures that every device connected to your home or business network is protected—whether it’s a laptop, smart TV, or game console. A router-level setup is ideal for families and organizations looking for comprehensive coverage.
However, there are times when configuring individual devices can complement your router deployment. Let’s explore both options in detail.
Device vs Router CleanBrowsing Deployments: Pros and Cons
Deciding where to deploy CleanBrowsing depends on your specific needs. Here’s a comparison of how device and router deployments work across different use cases:
| Type of User | Device | Router |
|---|---|---|
| Parent | Protect a child’s device that leaves the home by configuring CleanBrowsing locally for consistent filtering anywhere. | Ensure every device on your home network is protected, including IoT devices like game consoles, TVs, and laptops. |
| School | Configure CleanBrowsing on issued school computers or tablets for protection on and off-campus. | At school, CleanBrowsing protects all devices connected to the network automatically. |
| Business | Deploy on company-issued devices or via VPN for remote and office-based workers. | Configure at the edge of your network so that when they are on the network they are provide safe browsing experiences. |
| Religious Institutions | Not applicable unless devices are issued. | Deploy at the edge of the network to protect parishioners while they use the church’s Wi-Fi. |
| Municipality | Use CleanBrowsing on government-issued devices that switch between cellular and Wi-Fi connections. | Set up CleanBrowsing at the network level to provide secure browsing for employees or public Wi-Fi hotspots. |
When to Deploy CleanBrowsing on Devices
Deploying CleanBrowsing on individual devices provides protection when devices leave your home or network, such as when a child takes their smartphone to school or a public Wi-Fi spot. However, device deployment requires more attention. Device owners often have control over their settings, which means they can disable or uninstall CleanBrowsing.
For parents, this can pose challenges. Operating systems like iOS and Android prioritize user privacy, making it tricky to lock down configurations without user intervention. To help mitigate this, we recommend that parents stay actively involved in managing device settings.
Router Deployment: The Best Option for Comprehensive Protection
A router-level deployment covers every device on your network, making it a one-stop solution for families, businesses, and institutions. This setup is particularly beneficial for Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart speakers, gaming consoles, and TVs, which may not support local CleanBrowsing installations.
For homes with children, combining both methods is the best solution. By configuring CleanBrowsing on the router, you protect the home network, and by configuring it on devices, you protect your child’s internet browsing when they’re away from home.
Use Both Router and Device Deployments for Maximum Protection
CleanBrowsing can be deployed both on individual devices and at the router level, and both setups complement each other. The router will provide network-wide protection, while device deployment will cover usage outside of the home or office.
For the best results, we recommend configuring CleanBrowsing on your router to protect your entire network and adding it to individual devices for enhanced protection when those devices leave your network.
FAQs
What’s the best way to set up CleanBrowsing?
Start by configuring CleanBrowsing on your router for network-wide protection, then configure it on individual devices if needed.
Will CleanBrowsing protect IoT devices?
Yes, deploying CleanBrowsing on the router will cover all devices connected to your network, including IoT devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles.