Understanding your DSL Modem Lights

Understanding Your DSL Modem Lights

Each of the LEDs on your DSL modem serve a purpose, but understanding what they indicate can be confusing. It’s good to know what they’re for, as this can help you troubleshoot connectivity issues if and when they happen.

Power Indicator

• Lights up and stays solid when there is power to the modem

DSL Light

• Goes solid when the modem finds the signal from your telephone line
• Modem then connects to the signal using your username and password (also known as your Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet or PPPoE credentials.

Internet Light

• Lights up and starts flashing when you are successfully signed in
• Becomes solid green when the connection is complete
• A different colour (such as red) means there’s a problem, such as a bad username/password or an improper configuration
• Note: the connection process can take longer than expected, so give it a few minutes

Bridge Mode

• Some DSL modems are configured to work in bridge mode
• Bridge mode lets the modem manage the telephone line connection while passing the rest of the work (such as logging in) to the router
• Internet light may not turn on at all if the modem is in bridge mode