Router connected to internet without settings.

myhooose

I recently bought a Billion BiPAC 7800N router. When trying to set it up I had trouble accessing the router setup pages via a laptop connected to the the router with a Ethernet cable. I tried a different computer, different browsers, but just could not log in.

The thing that is puzzling is that during this time I had access to the internet. As I could not access the router settings I had not entered my broadband username and password, so how come I was connected, and to what?

I eventually got access to the router settings by pulling out the DSL phone line cable, rebooting everything and then logging in.

Any ideas?

debitcardmayhem

Could be the lappy was using wireless to another router eg BT Openzone, neighbours or another open wifi? .Go to network and sharing centre control panel, select manage wireless and see if any of the are set to auto connect?

myhooose

I'm pretty sure I turned the laptop wireless off and the desktop without wireless connected too.

I'm not worried about this just curious.

ChiefGrasscutter

Some ISP's have a fancy system that will autosense the router on your line and "fill in the data" for you if it's in a totally new/unused state (unless its a wierd router they have never heard of and it's not on their database)

It reduces the number of calls to the help line

InsideInsurance

Where did you get the router from?

Certainly havent heard of any ISP that can listen to your line and detect any router/ modem connected to it but an ISP supplied router tends to be presetup with a "call home" type setting which then downloads your personal settings automatically when it is first connected.

When you logged in to the routers admin pages it will have shown you the details of what it was connecting to.

myhooose

I got the router new from Amazon.
When I entered my broadband settings it was set to a default, can't remember exactly what and did not appear to have my details loaded. However previously I reset the unit by holding the reset button down for more than 1 second.

Incidentally, the new router has increased my speed from 12Mbps to 17Mbps, however I do live opposite the exchange.

System

I have that router too, great bit of kit if not the prettiest thing!! (really have no further input to the discussion tho sorry!)