ifdown. is it really down?

[g]

John Cornelius wrote:
>> I think you misunderstood. I was suggesting that normally ifdown won't 
>> turn
>> a device off, so it will still see ethernet traffic sent to it.
>>   
> Even if it is powered down it is likely that one of the LEDs will flash
> when traffic appears on the line. If both LEDs flash then it hasn't come
> down and you can be concerned but many NICs' LEDs will flash even if the
> computer is powered off if it is attached to an active Ethernet.
> 
> You are correct, however, that 'ifdown' does not power the device off,
> it only takes the interface down.

i have 2wire configured so that nothing comes in unless i initiate.

running test at grc.com and thru bellsouth.net, i show to be full stealth,
as ping reply is also disabled.

only way, to my understanding, my ip address does not show. i may be wrong,
but i do not know where it leaks, if it does.

if i have nothing up, ie, 'ifdown' has run, or fresh boot, no tbird or ffox,
or any other internet connecting program, i see no flicker. i have sat and
watched for this for 15 - 20 minutes.

if during this time, i run 'yum update' or any derivative, or ping, i get
back a message that ethernet is disconnected or unable to connect.

if i start tbird and still 'ifdown', i will get a flicker from ethernet led
on dsl modem at a 2 minute intervals, as i have it set to check every 2
minutes, and there is no other flicker.

this is where i need something to watch ethernet port. when i used mandriva,
i used 'network monitor' and would like something of this type to watch.

i am considering using wireshark for this and i guess should set it up and let
it run to capture what is happening. but i would like some that uses less
screen space.

my mind is still open for suggestions.

thanks for you help and i will stay with you and this 'problem', mind stumper.


-- 

tc,hago.

g
.

in a free world without fences, who needs gates.