Dumb(?) cable modem question>>

[samajm]

I have the Toshiba PCX1100U that came from TW w/ my hookup.
running win98
w/ Outpost Firewall set to Rules Wizard

my question is this, my data light blinks constantly on my modem, even when not on the net or doing any net related operations and just sitting idle on the desktop. is this normal? Not sure how long it's been doing this.

I don't think I have any apps that would be looking for updates or whatever...then again, you can't always know what companies add on to their stuff.

i only ask for fear of being hacked. My system has been acting a little strange in recent weeks and was just wondering if someone may have snuck through and is utilizing my PC for other things.

sorry if this is a dumb question, but i just don't know and if i have to call TW would rather do so somewhat informed.
thanks for any info.

 

[sohcrates]

pretty typical. all my cable modems have done that

why is a good question though

 

[spanky]

mine does that too. i think its the isp watching us.

try asking around in the networking forums

 

[Texun]

You say "constantly." Do you mean constant as in terms of a steady download or random, frequent blinks at the rate of a 4-6 times every 10 seconds or so.

The ISP does frequent port scans to see who is running FTP. Also, there are other frequent background operations going on such as polling by the UBR in the head end to get power levels and other performance or IP related information from the modem. This is all normal and is nothing to worry about. There is a BUT in here though... wannabe hackers often do a great deal of sniffing across a range of IP's to see who has open ports, servers, etc.

The 1100U is a great modem. Keep the firewall up and surf on!