I have recently checked my DHCP clients table on my WRT54G Linksys router and I notice an unknown client attached to my network. Here are the details

Host Name: root-0
IP address: 192.168.1.113
MAC Address: 00:14:6C:39:85:CE
Expires: 15:07:27

I'm running a linux box, windows box and wireless laptop, a storage device and a VOIP phone.

I have absolutely no idea what this root-0 host is, it is not something I am running. I deleted this entry from the clients table yesterday but they have reappeared today. Can anyone tell me what is going on?

Thanks

sounds like someone broke your wireless security... what are you using on it?

That's right. Disable wireless and see if it appears again.

I'm using 128 bit WEP Encryption. I find it somehwat hard to beleive that I have been hacked based on the fact that there are multiple "open" networks in my area and the sheer fact that I'm in a very very remote neighborhood. But then again, you never freaking know.

Are any of your neighbors within range of your network? They may have decided they'd rather not pay for broadband.

I think I figured it out, it is some storage device attached that I didn't initially think was assigned this IP. Thank you to everyone that provided their 2 cents. It was greatly appreciated.

Don't forget that a lot of people like to do things just because they can!

An FBI agent attended a conference and gave a presentation on wireless security. As he was speaking, to other agents attempted to break into a web-128 wireless network. It took them 3 minutes.

Updated commenced! Thanks everyone for igniting the flame from within.

A nice way for diagnosing these issue is to look up the rogue MAC address by its vendor. For the above mac, it belongs to a netgear device. While MACs are easily forged, it can often give you a starting point for where to look.

Link: http://www.coffer.com/mac_find/