Asus Router Data Usage Mystery Solved!

Unraveling the MSFT 50 Riddle

Have you noticed your Asus router showing "MSFT 50" under the "Device Type" column in the "Light Cat" view? It's a puzzling sight, especially if you're not familiar with the term. In this article, we'll delve into the mystery of "MSFT 50" and help you understand its significance.

What is MSFT 50?

MSFT 50 is the stock symbol for Microsoft Corporation. When your router displays "MSFT 50," it simply means that a device on your network is accessing Microsoft's servers. This could be any device, such as a computer, laptop, smartphone, or gaming console, that's connected to the internet.

Why is the Device Type Shown as "MSFT 50"?

The "Device Type" column in your router's Light Cat view typically shows a general category for the device connected to your network. For example, you might see "PC," "Laptop," or "Smartphone." However, in this case, the router is unable to categorize the device that's accessing Microsoft's servers, so it defaults to the stock symbol "MSFT 50."

Is this a Security Threat?

No, seeing "MSFT 50" in the Light Cat view is not a security threat. It's simply an indication that a device on your network is communicating with Microsoft's servers. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as downloading updates, browsing the web, or using Microsoft services like OneDrive or Office 365.

How to Resolve the Issue

If you're concerned about the amount of data being consumed by the device with the "MSFT 50" designation, you can identify the device on your network using Fing or another network scanning tool. Once you know the device, you can monitor its data usage and take action if necessary, such as limiting its access to certain websites.

Additionally, you can update the firmware on your Asus router to the latest version (38066 or later) as it includes a new DNS probing feature that can help prevent this issue from occurring in the future.