From Leo's mailbag:
> From: A Computer User
> Sent: September 23, 2006
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: why do I still end packets if my modem's off?
>
> Leo,
> Leo - why does my local area network connection still run
> when my cable modem is turned off - all lights off except for
> standby? You have answered this somewhat on your site, but
> not about it still running after turnin your modem
> off/standby mode) Only if I unplug the cable into the
> computer will it stop otherwise it keeps sending packets. I
> am not sure I understand the whole packet send thing - maybe
> you can explain - Thanks love your site - also this whole
> thing with the packet sending etc., seems to slow things down
> alot - I just purchased the Norten Internet Security 2006 -
> the updated version - we have had Norten before 2005
It's hard to answer specifically without knowing your exact
network topology, but in a nutshell: there's no way for your
computer to know that the modem's turned off. It still sees
a network even though there's no other machines connected to
it.
There's nothing wrong with your computer sending packets - it's
really just saying the computerish equivalent of "hello? anyone
out there? can you hear me now?" and not getting a response.
Thanks for asking,
Leo
Article 1408
| Category:
Networking
