"Stop AsusWRT/Merlin from contacting Microsoft every 2 seconds:"

[unclebuk]

Is this true, if so, what does it mean and why does this occur?

"Other recommended hardening tips for the AsusWRT / Merlin router:

Stop AsusWRT/Merlin from contacting Microsoft every 2 seconds:

Turning off DNS probe breaks dual wan, so if using dual wan:
Set dns_probe_content using:
nvram set dns_probe_content=127.0.0.1
(or 0.0.0.0 as I prefer actually just leave it bank turns it off)
Save these entries: nvram commit

Or just disable it completely:
nvram set dns_probe_host="" Save these entries: nvram commit

 

[AndreiV]

The DNS probe checks the WAN is up, it's just a ping. You can find the settings in the GUI.

 

[unclebuk]

oh...okay, thats interesting.

tools...(other settings)?

Is this ping /test necessary?
Thanks.

 

[AndreiV]

Administration > System> Basic Config > Network Monitoring

 

[Krvicch]

What is the purpose of the Network Monitoring check? Is it just for displaying a message on the Network Map page that the Internet is down or does it actually restart some service on the router if it finds that there is no Internet connection?

 

[Gar]

The DNS probe checks the WAN is up, it's just a ping. You can find the settings in the GUI.

Both were unchecked by default in mine.