Why is my computer sending out packets constantly?

Question

My laptop is connected to my home network thru wifi. The little computer icon on the bottom right (task bar) blinks all the time, and when I open it, it shows that the wireless connection is sending out packets constantly. It also receives constantly, but at about half the rate of sending out. This happens even when I close Internet Explorer. This doesn't happen on my other laptop. Is there something wrong? Has my laptop been hijacked and used as a zombie?

Answer 1

Download wireshark (freeware) to monitor the packets - this will show detailed network activity in real time. From here you can see where the connections are going and which ports they are using. You'll have to do some research to find out what's going on. Plug the destination IP's into Arin.net to get detailed info on who owns the netblock. You can also google the TCP ports to see which services they're assigned to. Windows update services is one example of network communication that takes place in the background.

Answer 2

I doubt you have been hijacked. It is normal for system with a 24/7 connection to be active all the time. Your system is sending out broadcast messages all the time. These messages are normally sent to the servers of you connection, which in turn respond back letting the the system know everything is ok. If you feel you have been hijacked or are being hijacked shut the network connection down and investigate.

Answer 3

no, it is just how the internet communicates with your computer, letting you see websites and updating it in real time. if your computer is hijacked, you wouldn't be able to use your laptop. if it's used as a processing unit for other computers, then you will noticed that either your computer slowed down or it hangs. but it is better to see that the blinking 2 monitors in the icons are not blinking but has 2 constantly lit monitors. constantly lit means that you have a fast connections. blinking means that connection is slow and choppy.