If you connect to the internet, it is essential that you understand the technology behind the way that you establish your connection. One of the most popular methods of connecting includes doing so by DSL modem. Each DSL modem that is available today has a standard set of lights that you can use to implement various technical issues that the modem may be experiencing. Prior to leaving a previous position in the call center industry that provided technical support to various businesses using DSL connections, I gathered some great knowledge regarding the lights on a Westell DSL modem. Here, I will share that information with you so that you, too, can effectively troubleshoot issues that you may encounter.
The first light that I will review is the “power” light. This is the most standard light of all. It is as simple as you either have power to your modem, or you do not. If the power light on the Westell DSL modem is green, then, of course, you have power. If there is not a light on the power indicator, then you should ensure that the modem is properly connected to an electrical outlet. Once you know that there is electricity running to the device, you should then attempt to turn it on. If it fails to turn on, you may consider trying a different outlet. If the next outlet fails to provide power to the modem, it is important to contact the service provider of your internet connection and have the modem replaced.
The “ready” light is the next section that we will review for the Westell DSL modem. There are many different responses that you can receive with this particular indicator. If the DSL modem is in the process of connecting, it will often display a light that is green in color and flashes in a slow way. Many times, once you connect to the internet, there may be information and/or updates that are required to be sent to your device. If the modem is experiencing this, you will see that the light is green. Only this time, that light will be experiencing blinking in a fast manner.
The Westell DSL modem is connected to the internet and ready to be put to use when the ready light is solid green. However, once you are connected, there are many issues that can occur. The light status of the modem will help you to identify these issues. One of the main issues that may occur is that the Westell may actually fail the test that is required when powering on when it connects to the internet. You will know that this is the case by a red light that flashes in the “ready” section. This indicates that the power on failed. If it is solid red, the general testing of the modem failed. If the modem expresses flashing light that is normally red and/or green, then it has failed to effectively communicate with your internet service provider.
This leaves us with two lights to review for the Westell DSL modem. Those are the “link” and “activity” light. The link light on this particular type of modem basically means that there is an active connection that will allow you to send and receive items with your service provider. If this light is green, of course, all is well. If it is off, all is not well. This is basically the same as the activity light. If it is flashing yellow, information is being sent. If it is off, no data is being sent. If you experience these issues, it is important to contact your internet company.
This article contains basic information on understanding the lights on a Westell DSL modem. If you use this type of modem, it is essential that you understand what these lights mean. This way, if you experience issues, it is likely that you will know how to fix these problems, or whether to call the company for technical support that provides you with access to the internet.
