What is this network device?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 38
    Windows 10
       #1

    What is this network device?


    I woke my desktop PC from sleep this morning, clicked on Network and immediately spotted a Phone in the device list that doesn't belong to anyone here (a Blu brand phone which is unusual enough that I would know about it).

    I clicked on the device and was able to view the MAC address, but nothing else useful. A couple minutes later it disappeared from the network list.

    Then a few minutes later I went and looked at another PC on the same home network and saw the same phone in its Network list. It also disappeared a couple minutes after I clicked open 'Network'.

    Scanned both PCs with various anti-malware programs including Malwarebytes - they look clean.

    Any suggestions on what I was seeing, and if it's malicious how to deal with it?


    UPDATE: It popped back up again. I checked my router's connection list and don't see it there. For now I blocked the MAC address in my router but would still like to know where this is coming from.
    Last edited by Carnivore; 21 Jun 2016 at 15:07.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,128
    Windows 10 Pro Insider
       #2

    Could it be a neighbors phone with Wi-Fi turned on?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 38
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    That was a thought but my WiFi has a pretty strong WPA2 password so I don't think he should be able to jump onto my WiFi and show up in my Windows network list.

    I was wondering if it's some kind of hack.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,128
    Windows 10 Pro Insider
       #4

    I think that just stops them from access. I don't think that stops them from showing up on your network. If I'm wrong someone will come along that knows for sure.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    This is a weird problem I've been seeing in windows for years now (not just windows 10). I've been unable to figure out what it is, but we're not alone in this, I did some research a while back and a lot of other people were seeing it as well.

    Some suggest it's a bug in the network stack. Some suggest it's neighbors who are connecting somehow, but not able to use the network. Regardless, it's not an uncommon problem and doesn't seem to be anything worry about. Here's some examples:

    Solved Strange phones in network - Windows 10 Forums
    Strange phones listed on Network heading
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 38
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks Mystere, that is strange but helpful.

    I haven't seen that phone make another appearance since I blocked its MAC address in my router. Based on those previous threads I'll keep an eye on it but not worry too much for now.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13,899
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #7

    One other issue some folks have is with computers [usually Notebooks] that have a Bluetooth adapter and are seeing cellphones when they get within range, usually not a problem if they don't get paired.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 7,128
    Windows 10 Pro Insider
       #8

    Berton said:
    One other issue some folks have is with computers [usually Notebooks] that have a Bluetooth adapter and are seeing cellphones when they get within range, usually not a problem if they don't get paired.
    Doesn't the pairing have to be OK'd on both devices?
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 13,899
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #9

    Winuser said:
    Doesn't the pairing have to be OK'd on both devices?
    I've had a cellphone show up in Devices and Printers without having been paired, apparently just telling me it was available.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 5,286
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #10

    Those are probably just devices on discoverable mode. The owner of the device should be worried. Not you.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:17.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums