Internet Quick Disconnect

Description

There are many types of network switches available and they’re only about $50.00. This is an “unmanaged network switch” which basically means that its the simplest type of network switch available, works, out of the box, with no configuration required. I wanted something where I could quickly pull the internet connection from my computer without having to physically pull the internet connector from my computer.

This setup consists of is a simple on/off switch which I wired inline to the switch power source. Simply cut one of the wires coming out of the transformer and put the switch in series. When the switch powers down, the internet connection dies instantly. As you can see in the first picture, I placed it on top of my router so I can instantly see the internet connection go down on line 2 when I activate the switch.

The purpose of course is to quickly disconnect the internet connection to your computer in case you notice something happening while online that you don’t like. Something like a locked screen from a bad website, unknown file download activity, or maybe you just want your computer offline for a few minutes or perhaps overnight or whatever.

A network switch such as this SMC EZ-6508TX, simply connects together everything that is plugged into its 8 input jacks. In my case, I only wanted my own computer to be occasionally offline, but wanted to leave everything else like the printer, router and other computer online.

This disconnect switch can also be used as a temporary privacy option. Windows 10 tracks almost everything you do at your computer and stores your activity on their servers in case someone might want to look at it some day. This includes keystrokes, files you open, websites you visit etc…. more info here:

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/617168/Windows-10-Tracking-Keylogger-Not-Stopped

Simply pressing this switch, which you can place under your desk, will quickly take you offline so no live information can be sent to Microsoft. In the last photo, you can see where I attached the switch on the edge of the desk… easy to get to, but out of the way.