"Activity" light on modem on when computer's off!?

Question

Hi,

I noticed the "activity" light on my modem was blinking last night when my computer wasn't even plugged in! I got worried, does it mean someone could be trying to hack in or have another computer in the apartment building hooked up somehow to my ISP?

Or is it totally normal? I have never noticed it before, I don't think it does it always.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You have a cable modem and this is normal. The reason for the blinking is because the modem is always active because it's plugged in. I assure you that you don't need to be paranoid at this point. Only panic when it's blinking red 'cause that means you don't have a signal.

Answer 2

It is normal. That's just regular Internet traffic.
Your modem manual or the manual you got from your ISP should have stated something like that.
A hacker can't get into your computer if the computer is off because the modem can't relay any information to your computer.

Answer 3

It is normal to show an active feed to and from your modem. If your computer is off there is nothing to worry about, like hackers or unauthorized use.

Answer 4

to coach that there remains an energetic link on your ISP. additionally it is re-training (that's frequently what the flashing symbolizes). DSL modems could re-synchronise usually - usually each few hours. J

Answer 5

yes, the person before me is right.

your card has WOL (wake on lan) which allows your computer to be "woken up" if its "sleep" this way you can turn on computers remotely.

It's only listening for a command

Answer 6

Then there is the remote possibility that your NIC has 'wake on lan' capabilities and is turned on. This would be cause for concern.

Answer 7

u must have forgot 2 switch off the UPS