flashing router light

Windows XP, sp2
Dell E1505
Actiontec MI424WR router

When I turn on my router and computer in the morning every thing is normal - the router lights work as they should, &c. But about 10: am the wireless light on the router begins to blink and it doesn't stop till I shut down everything in the late evening. At times the internet light blinks, but that could be the computer. Even if I turn the computer off, the router wireless light keeps blinking, so I am sure it isn't a computer problem.
However, I did check the computer for every 'infection' I could think of. I also checked the router - the only connexion that shows up is mine. Verizon also checked the router with the same results. And they found nothing wrong with the router or the connexion.
Any ideas as to what is going on, and how to stop it?

 

Have you checked for congestion in your local area on the channel you're on?

 

Sound like some one has connected. Make sure you setup security WPA on the wireless if your using it, if not disable it. If you connect to the admin you should see the MAC address of users connected. Make sure you changed the def admin password too.

 

lol that means someone is surfin on ur net. u sure ur secured?

 

I changed to a channel not use. No difference.

I am the only user listed.

According to what I can determine, and to Verizon, my protection is ok. The Verizon rep thinks it is some sort of local interference not related to computing.

 

Also, your computer has to constantly check and recheck to make sure it is still connected. This is the activity you see. Everything is fine.

 

Thanks, ever one, but, nizzy, why does this start about 10:am? the router is 'quite' before then except when I'm using it? This activity I speak of is constant.

Today I am using a wire and the Wireless light blinks only ocassionally - what you mention I assume.

 

Someone is probably leeching off ya. If it was checking itself then it would be flickering all the time. My brother had the notion his wireless router was secured until I tested it. I was able to log on with my wi-fi phone. Found out the router wasn't secured as the cable company said. And this was going on for a year! His router was constantly blinking like mad... and he was mad! After securing the router the flickers stopped and he said his laptop was faster. Funny thing is that he forgot the password to let others use the router.

 

Look out side and see if you see a car that does not belong there. I had someone that kept trying to break in mine 2:00-3:00 am 3 times a week. I notified the police and it went a way. My hardware captured the MAC address of the device.

Sound like a spammer. They hunt for free connections to send there junk out.

Since you know it's not your pc, by turning yours off and it still continues. I would 1st change the admin password ( non dictionary, random keys), disable pnp, Make sure remote admin is turned off. Either turn off the radio if not in use. And/or use the max WPA/WPA2 key (63 chr, all printable chr). Then change the SSID and hide it. Unless their using a scanner they want see it.

 

Now you said Verizon, DSL or FIOS? Verizon use a 2 hr lease on their FIOS. Meaning every 2 hrs yo will see activity. If FIOS the they use the internet for on screen programming

Now do you have a PS2 or other game station that has wireless?

You will also get activity is someone is trying to hack in. Will not show on connections unless it got it. But will show on logs as a failed attempt if you have it set to record. May want to turn logging on and check it when you see the activity.

Also start up netstumbler and have it scanning. If a new device shows up at the time the activity you now have it's mac address. Then start walking around to determine where its coming from. Even walk outside if you need to.

 

It hasn't been as much of late as it was a few days ago - very quite for the most part.
I have FiOS. It always shows a 24 hour lease. No PS2 or any games.
I think it is either someone trying to hack in (as blue says) and not getting through, or outside interference not 'computer' related.
I will try above suggestions and see what happens.

 

Some person know nothing about wireless settings. And MS is to blame for have the default to connect to any available network. But at least they give you the option to disable it. I have seen this activity many times. I had a driver provide by USR, that did it with no option to kill it without adding it into the location manager, then telling it not to connect. I removed it and with back to MZC. And Notified USR telling them that they need to add an option to kill it, just POOR Security.

If you locate the source, tell the user (neighbor) that a setting needs to be changed, because it falls into malicuse activity. Criminal Offense. And offer to show them how. If it some ones driving the neighbor hood, notify the authorities. I'm sure they will give them a visit.

 

blue, thanks for all your concern and help.
I think it is some one trying to hack in as the logs show a lot of denied activity. But they aren't getting through. I'll make suggested changes and see what happens.