External Modem Indicator Lights.

MODEM INDICATOR LIGHTS.

The majority of external Modems feature LED indicators on the front panel that report the modem
status. Your modem may not have ALL these lights and could even use different identifying letter
for them. These indicators are normally coloured red, although this in not standard and could differ.

Marking Meaning Modem function

PWR Power On On when power is applied to the modem

MR Modem Ready On when the modem has completed it's self-check.

TR (DTR) Terminal Ready On when DTR signal (from PC) is active

Send (Transmit)
SD (TD) On when modem is transmitting data to a remote modem
Data

RD Receive Data On when modem is receiving data from a remote modem

OH Off Hook On when modem is off hook

HS High Speed On when connected to High speed link.

AA Auto Answer On when modem is set to accept calls for Answering M/C.

CD Carrier Detect On when remote carrier has been detected

RS Request to Send On when RTS signal is active

CS Clear to Send On when CTS signal is active

DSL Modem Light Status

DSL Modems display lights (LEDs) to indicate the status of that modem. Lights will vary
by make and model of the modem, but have similar qualities. At minimum, the Power,
WAN/Internet/DSL/Sync, LAN/Ethernet/Link and Activity lights should be lit

Colors

a. Red blinking or steady lights nearly always indicates failure.

b. Green and steady generally is the normal "Good" state.
c. Amber indicates a problem state in most modems, but normal in a few.

Blink/Steady

a. Most lights will normally be steady.

b. Blinking lights usually indicate problems-- though it is normal for a light to blink
while resetting, and many modems have an 'activity' light that flickers while
actively passing data. The Ethernet also might blink for activity on some modems.

Indicators

a. "Power" - This light indicates whether the modem is turned on and functioning. If
this light is not lit, the modem isn't on, and nothing is going to work.
1. Verify the modem it switched on, and plugged in.
2. Verify the outlet it's plugged into is functioning (plug in a lamp or
something?)
b. "WAN/Internet/DSL/Sync" - This light indicates connection with the outside
world. If this light is steady green, the customer is in Sync.
c. "LAN/Ethernet/Link" - This light is for the connection between the customer's
computer and their DSL modem. If this light is in a failure state, the problem is in
between the computer and the DSL modem. Check the Ethernet cable is the
proper type, and properly connected.
d. "Activity/RX/TX"- This light indicates traffic. This one normally does blink.
e. 'Wireless/WLAN" - some modems have wireless built in, and this light indicates
the status of the wireless network.