The lights on an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) are crucial indicators of its operational status, connectivity, and data flow. Knowing what each light signifies helps in quickly diagnosing network issues and ensuring your internet, phone, and TV services are functioning correctly.
Understanding ONT Indicator Lights
An ONT acts as a bridge between your home network and your service provider's fiber optic network. Its various indicator lights provide immediate visual feedback on the device's power, network connection, and active services. Ideally, most active lights should be solid green, indicating a stable and healthy connection. For instance, there should always be a green network light, which confirms the ONT is successfully communicating with the service provider's central office network.
These lights are invaluable for troubleshooting, helping to pinpoint whether an issue lies with the power supply, the fiber optic line, or the connection to your internal devices.
Common ONT Lights and Their Meanings
While specific light names and behaviors can vary slightly between different ONT models and service providers, the core functions remain largely consistent. The table below outlines the most common ONT lights and their typical status during normal operation:
| Light Name (Common Examples) | Color (Normal) | State (Normal) | Meaning (Normal Operation)