Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Modem/Router Status LEDs
Status LEDs are found on most external broadband devices, such as broadband modems
and routers. The signal lights indicate whether the unit is receiving signals from the com-
puter, sending data to the network, or receiving data from the network as well as whether
the unit can “see” the network—even if no data is currently flowing through the unit.
On many units, the power light also indicates problems. If the light is normally green, for
example, a red light might indicate the unit has failed. Other lights flash when data is be-
ingsentorreceived.Oncablemodemorwirelessbroadbandrouters,lookforasignallock
light; this light flashes if the unit is trying to lock on to a signal from the cable network or
wireless transmitter.
Learn themeaning ofthelights onyourbroadbanddevice tohelpyoudiagnose problems;
the user manual or vendor's website provides the troubleshooting information you need
for the particular broadband device you use.
If you are having connection problems, one of the first things you should try is to power
offthe modem, router,and any switches onyournetwork and then power them back onin
the following order: Turn on the modem first, wait about one minute, then the router, and
finally any and all of the switches. In some cases, you may need to restart your systems
afterward for them to recognize the network and Internet connections.
