I’ve noticed recently that when my computer and laptop are both off my modem 100 mtr light has been blinking a fair bit (not as much as when online though). I’m sure it didn’t used to, or only very occasionally.
Anything to be concerned about, and what might be causing it? Thanks for any advice.
Have you got security enabled? It might be a case of piggybacking.
Thanks, I don’t have a wi-fi point (or is that a router?) but connect laptop through router and modem, main computer just off modem.
Would a piggybacker have to be within ‘range’ eg 100 mtrs? (I have a vague idea if so who it might be!), and could they use my phoneline?
When i set up my router I made mistake of not securing it and don’t know how to alter that.
When i set up my router I made mistake of not securing it and don't know how to alter that.Take a look at [url=http://www.networkmagic.com/download/][b]Network Magic[/b][/url] Even the free version can help you protect your wireless connections
If you don’t have wireless, piggybacking won’t be an issue.
(Check for an aerial on the router: a sure give-away.)
If you do have wireless, it’s just a question of enabling security and entering a password.
(Check for an aerial on the router: a sure give-away.)A router without an aeriel could still be a wreless router. The Netgear router I use has no visible antenna.
However, a router with a visable antenna is always one that supplies wireless service. 
Thanks all, you are stars truly!
I have downloaded network magic and will be able to monitor internet traffic and get activity reports but it doesn’t support my router!
You should still follow FWF’s advice and change the password. Routers come with a generic factory password.
hawick,
You might also find the following link interesting:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=19387.msg282836#msg282836
I don’t seem able to change the name, wish I could!! however Network Magic has just found an intruder!!!
‘It’ linked through the router, and I have its name (urevc) and operating system and it is operating as a ‘workstation’. However I don’t have its IP address subnet etc as my gut reaction was to unplug everything and therefore I disconnected it too!
Ina sort of way I want them to connect again, so I can find more info.
How could I ‘use’ any info I get and is it much use to me??
What sort of connections can they make are they just using internet or could they be doing damage like silent dialling? I have spywareblaster.
Does fact they connected through router mean they are within say 100 mtrs? There are only probably two houses within reach. Might my ISP be able to advise on intruder?
Help and advice needed!! Thanks!
Exactly what router do you have?
TP-Link TL-W642G. I do have instructions but can’t seem to make them work for a reinstall!!!
hawick,
See if this is of any help to you:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=36&threadid=2159843&enterthread=y
Sure looks like a wireless router to me. Here’s a direct link to the user guide:
http://www.tp-link.com/english/soft/2007731040544.pdf
Go section 5.5, and tick the ‘Enable wireless security’ box. WPA2 is the most secure, option so select that and enter an 8 character password.
Also change the default password on the router itself.
If you use Wireless to connect, you’ll need to enter the 8 digit password.
Here the manufacturer’s page for the router:
Thank you again team. I’ve got to go out tonight (it’s evening here!) but I will try everything you’ve suggested to solve this and you are great. Will let you know and if I have continuing problems will ask again if any of you are around during the hols.
If not have a good one. Reckon my stress levels going to need the hol!!
So much for going out lol!! Tried for last couple of hours and simply cannot get the router up on screen (and yes I’ve followed to the letter Appendices designeds to help. I have unplugged etc as per instructions, run the CD and typed in the 192.168.1.1 info in, ad nauseam. But the onscreen log-in window just never appears, which has been my problem for weeks. It means I can’t get ‘at it’ to change passwords etc.
My intruder has yet to resurface though my modem light (square one lol) continues to flicker when offline so I unplug everything.
Is there any ‘conflict’ problem that might arise were I to buy another router, secure it and install it on the same computer? As a measure of last resort if I can find no other way to resolve? Cheers!
Anyway I will rest it now until tomorrow, and any advice meantime welcomed. Sorry i feel i am wasting your time, but am completely at wit’s end. Thanks for everything, team.
Hi hawick, have you tried resetting the router to the factory defaults? There should be a small reset button on the back of the router.
Hope this helps,tim