Wi-Fi users are just realizing what the 8 router symbols really mean – and ‘flashing’ lights you must never ignore
WI-FI users have been urged not to ignore certain symbols on their routers.
You have probably noticed that your Wi-Fi router features several symbols and light notifications.
Most people aren't aware of what these symbols mean – but they're important for troubleshooting your router.
To help you out, we have shared some explanations below, per High-Speed Internet.
POWER
The power symbol is usually the first light in a row or column on your router.
If this symbol is activated or lit up, it signifies that the modem or router is turned on and has power.
DOWNSTREAM DATA
The downstream data indicator is labeled with a down arrow and indicates a modem's ability to receive information from the internet.
This light will blink slowly while your router boots up and quickly as you download data.
However, if your downstream light is red or off, you may not be connected to the internet.
"Typically, a rapidly blinking light means your connection is working and transmitting data, but this can vary for different manufacturers," High-Speed Internet explained.
UPSTREAM DATA
Right next to the downstream data indicator, you can find the upstream data light.
This indicates your modem or gateway can send information to the internet.
The upstream data light will work similarly to the downstream data light.
INTERNET / WAN
The internet light is sometimes labeled WAN and features a globe icon.
When lit up, it signifies a consistent connection to the internet.
"The internet light should be solid green or white when the equipment is functioning normally," High-Speed Internet explains.
"It’s normal for the internet light to be blinking during boot up, but if it never goes solid, your equipment is having trouble connecting to the internet," it continued.
Also, if the light is red or off, this could indicate a problem with your internet connection.
WI-FI
Depending on your router, you might have one or two Wi-Fi indicators.
Each of these lights represents a different Wi-Fi network in your home – one will represent the 2.4 GHz frequency and the other 5 GHz.
The Wi-Fi lights will typically flash quickly, indicating that your Wi-Fi is in use.
"Some routers or gateways may also show a solid green or white Wi-Fi light, which indicates that the Wi-Fi is functional," High-Speed Internet said.
"A red Wi-Fi light usually indicates a problem."
ETHERNET / LAN
The Ethernet light, often labeled LAN, indicates a connection between the equipment and a device connected via an Ethernet cable.
When functioning properly, the Ethernet lights may flash or remain solid.
"If you have a device connected to your router or gateway via Ethernet and the light is red or off, you have a problem with your Ethernet connection," High-Speed Internet said.
"It could be with the Ethernet port on your router, the Ethernet cable, or the Ethernet port on your device."
LINK
High-Speed Internet explained that the link light represents a connection between a standalone modem and router and can be found on both.
"It’s similar to the Ethernet light, but it represents a connection between two networking devices, not a connection between the networking equipment and a user device like a laptop," they added.
A link light may be solid or flashing when in use.
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If you have a separate modem and router, there’s an issue with the connection between your modem and router if the link light is red or off.
It could be a bad Ethernet cable or a problem with an Ethernet port.