Indicator lights that do not light up when you connect a computer to a port on a Linksys switch are caused by several factors. To resolve problems with unlit lights on a Linksys hub or switch, follow the instructions below:
The Linksys switch is not powered ON
Before checking the cable connections, make sure that you have connected the power adapter of the switch to its power port located on the back panel and that it is plugged into a power outlet.
The Linksys SE1500, SE2500, SE2800, and SE4008 models have a light button that turns the device ON or OFF. The switch will still work even if the lights are switched OFF.
To check if the cable is working, try connecting the cable from one port on the switch to another and check if the corresponding status indicator lights lit up. Otherwise, use another cable to isolate the issue. Make sure that the cable is tightly inserted when connecting to any of the ethernet ports on the switch.
If you do not have an extra ethernet cable, you may purchase one from a local electronics shop.
The ethernet cable is not detected due to incompatibility
Some of the previous models of switches don’t have the capability to automatically detect the type of cable being used, whether crossover or straight-through. If you have this type of switch, a straight-through ethernet cable is used to connect a computer to a switch or a router to a switch. For switch-to-switch connections, a crossover cable is used.
The numbered ports on the Linksys SE1500, SE2500, and SE2800 switches have auto MDI/MDI-X (straight-through or crossover) cable detection capabilities. This means that you can use any type of cable and it will automatically be detected.
Defective or disabled ethernet adapter on the computer
Another possible reason why the indicator lights on the port do not light up is that it does not detect a connection from the ethernet adapter on your computer. To check if the ethernet adapter of your computer is functioning properly, follow the steps below:
1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
2. Select Network adapters.
3. Under Network Adapters, you will see the ethernet adapters installed on your computer. Right-click on a particular adapter and select Properties.
You will see from this window the status of your network adapter and whether it is working properly or not. For ethernet adapter driver problems, refer to the adapter manual or contact the manufacturer’s product support.
The indicator lights of the switch are defective
The status lights on the ports may not be functioning. However, this does not mean that the switch port itself is defective.
The Linksys switch is defective
When you’ve checked all the possible reasons why the indicator lights do not light up, and the problem persists, your device may be defective. For help regarding this issue, you may visit the Linksys Support Site.
