Cable modem / router security

[MUKid]

Since I first got my cable modem a couple of years ago, I noticed that from time to time the access light would blink and flicker like crazy even when I wasn't doing anything to my computer. I just figured it was either the computer staying in touch with the network, or the cable company checking to see if I was still up and running, or whatever.

However, I just bought a new D-Link access point, and I've noticed that since installing it, my activity light is virtually always flickering -- much more so than in the past. The light that tells me when I'm transferring data from my computer to the router or vice versa does not flicker. So, the activity is happening completely between the router, the cable modem, and the WAN, with nothing coming from or going to my computer.

What the heck is going on? Am I being port scanned, or is somebody trying to hack me, or what? Or is this just completely normal?

Forgive me, I'm a networking novice.

 

[fatbaby]

the lights always flicker multiple times in my rt314, even when the cable modem and computers are off!!

Nothing to be afraid of, for me..

 

[NaughtyusMaximus]

That is just because you are on the same subnet as other people with the same cable service as you (in your area). They make requests for webpage x, and that request goes to all the computers on that subnet (which includes you). None of these computers will actually respond to the request other than the gateway, which goes out and finds the webpage for user x.

There are many people on your subnet, so the number of requests / minute is very high (leading to very high LED activity on your router).

 

[MUKid]

Hmm, I see. Thanks for the info, NM!