I connect using a BT Voyager 2100 router/modem with a BT Voyager 1040 wireless desktop adapter.

Up until recently, the only thing that showed on my wireless utility is BT Voyager 2100.

For the first time in a while I was checking the wireless utility, and noticed that "linksys" seems to have been added. I don't actually know what linksys is, and can't figure out how to get rid of it. I've done a file and folder search, but can't find anything on my pc.

What's worrying me is that someone is connecting to my wireless network without my knowledge.

Anyone any ideas?

Ta.

linksys make wireless utlility's

It's another wireless router that somebody has just installed near to you.

I normally have 3/4 different ones around home and when out and about have picked up over a dozen simultaneously sometimes.

You should make sure that you have your wireless network encrypted.

Thanks Tony....that's a relief.

It makes sense in a way, I have new neighbours upstairs who probably have a pc on a wireless network, and I know my neighbours next door who have computers too.

What's the best way to encrypt - I already use TKIP, but is there anything else I can do?

One thing I have started doing, if I remember, is making sure that I turn the modem/router off during the day when I'm at work.

You don't need to turn the router or modem off during the day - I remember my dad used to keep his modem turned off until his computer had booted as he was sure someone would "hack" him before his Norton firewall loaded.

Then I bought him a router and made him replace Norton with AVG, His computer actually works now.. but that's off topic.

Right, you should be able to set the security setting on your router to WEP (preferably 128 bit encryption). It should let you either pick your own password or generate one for you.

What this will do is generate a 26 character alphanumeric password (letters *and* numbers) that anyone attempting to access your network will have to input. The chances of guessing the right one are, well, slim (pretty much impossible, actually).

You can then rest easy that noone is accessing your network without your knowledge.

The exact way of setting all this up depends on your router/modem but on most models I've seen it's pretty much the same. Your router should also have a firewall built in, so that's one less security worry!

If you're using WPA (which I think TKIP indicates) then you're good. Don't switch to WEP as it's considerably less secure than WPA.
If you're really security conscious then you can disable broadcast SSID in your router config, which will prevent your network showing up when people do a scan, and limit allowed connections to known MAC addresses. Probably not really necessary though.

Originally posted by Nazo
If you're using WPA (which I think TKIP indicates) then you're good. Don't switch to WEP as it's considerably less secure than WPA.
If you're really security conscious then you can disable broadcast SSID in your router config, which will prevent your network showing up when people do a scan, and limit allowed connections to known MAC addresses. Probably not really necessary though. Yes, I do have it set to WPA-PSK, and I've also hidden the wireless network (hidden SSID) in the configuration manager, so it seems I'm ok, thank goodness. :clap:

The main reason I try to switch the modem off during the day, apart from the security issue, is to save on electricity. I usually turn it on before the pc anyway, although I have been known to forget, and then am left wondering why I can't connect to the internet.....I can be such a silly moo at times:wink:

Thanks everyone for your advice:clap: