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networking @sh.itjust.works antlion @lemmy.dbzer0.com

I think my home network may be compromised, please advise

When I go to iknowwhatyoudownload.com, a bunch of stuff shows up for my IP that’s definitely not being downloaded by anyone in my house (foreign language torrents). Aside from that my router (AT&T Arris BGW210) needs to be restarted about once a week, due to some kind of dhcp issue. The most recent event seemed bad - none of my devices had internet, they could all talk to each other, and my ONT activity light was flickering steadily. During this time I had no access to the router, even plugged in directly to LAN. Fixed by a restart but no idea what was going on.

The DHT torrent thing has been happening for months and the router thing could just be that AT&T sucks. I have no other evidence that something is wrong.

I could buy a firewall and put it downstream of the AT&T equipment.

I could switch internet providers, get a new IP address and router, and see if that fixes it.

Should I try to figure out what’s going on or just keep restarting the router once a week and ignore the DHT hits from my static IP?

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  • Just off the top, the Arris router is probably trash. Even if you’re stuck with their modem, be sure that they’re separate (no modem/router combo box mess but if so, bridge mode) and you’re using your own (preferably high-end) router.

    Bonus points if you ditch what we colloquially call a “router” and get a network switch, a real router, and WiFi handled by a separate access point (AP).

    • I’d really like if there was a high end router and switch without WiFi. I already have all my wireless handled by 3 access points. Is there a high end router/switch with 4 ports?

      • Probably not, the closest I’ve come is ASUS gear but I moved to Ubiquiti a few years ago. The router is just an EdgeRouter X and the switch is Gigabit with 24 ports that I landed absurdly cheap. The nice thing about it though is that to upgrade WiFi standards I’ve only got to replace the access point. I’m in an apartment so just one is more than enough.

        Edit: I misread, you said without WiFi. I don’t think it’s common to have a router/switch combo in one box (without WiFi).

        • Thanks it looks like the Edgerouter X would meet my needs. I’m not sure I would need a switch though since it has 4 ports.

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