[Web4lib] ethernet cable alarm

[helene bjorseth]

Hi.
We are having a problem with patrons who are bypassing our Internet
computer reservaton system.
They are logging into a computer and then unplugging the network cable.
This disconnects them from the time management server.
They then reboot the machine and reattach the cable after it boots up.
They can then sit all day and the clock that times the machine is frozen
(on the server) at the moment they unplugged the cable. They usually  do
it when there is 8 or 10 minutes left in their session so it is not really
obvious. Our policy is to extend extra time if there is no one waiting, so
it is not unusual to see several computers with 10 or so minutes left on
the clock. If we catch them they insist that "the clock just disappeared"
and they didn't do anything to cause the malfunction.

My question is -
Does anyone know of a security device that will make an audible alert if
the network cable is unplugged - or a device that will make it impossible
to re-connect to the network for 10 or 15 minutes?
Or can anyone think of another way to stop these guys?


-- 
Helene Bjorseth
Electronic Resources / Reference Librarian
Highland Park Public Library
494 Laurel Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-0216