Restrict large downloads

[Roger De Couto]

Hi All,

Would anyone be able to advise on how to restrict/block staff from being able to download large content(files/music/movies) from the internet please?

The only device we have is a Cisco router, model: 2921(IOS version 15.1(4)M4). I've looked at NBAR as an option, but just wondering if there's any other options on this hardware only. Thanks.

[Marvin Rhoads]

On that platform, AVC with NBAR2  (and possibly performance routing) would be the recommended option. It'd be difficult to outright block the traffic but your could throttle it down to discourage the behavior.

You could also enforce the behavior through combination of a written policy and follow up with any offenders that you identify via something like Netflow reporting.

[Roger De Couto]

Thanks Marvin.

[Roger De Couto]

Thanks Marvin. The challenge is that the end customer requires downloading of files larger than 50MB  blocked, and to allow download of files less than 50MB. I don't think the C2921 IOS supports a feature such as that. Any thoughts?

[Marvin Rhoads]

I'm not familiar with any Cisco platform that will outright block large downloads. That includes IOS routers, ASA firewalls or ASA Next Gen Firewall Services (AVC, WSE etc.).

I'm not as expert with the new FirePOWER products (from the SourceFire acquisition) but I don't believe they can block them either - they are pretty good at reporting on them though.