Use the Linklight


Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 9x >Improving Your Network >How do I use the linklight?
Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 2000 >Improving Your Network >How do I use the linklight?
Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 9x >Improving Your Network >5 Tips For Any Network >Use the Linklight
Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 2000 >Improving Your Network >5 Tips For Any Network >Use the Linklight

  Step 1:  Defining Linklights

Open a Report
Linklights, as the name suggests, means that you have a link to the network. If you are purchasing a new network card for a PC make certain that card has link lights. Some cheaper cards don't include this timesaver. Go for a card that has a linklight - it will save you tons of time.
  Step 2:  Link Activity

Open a Report
On the back of the network card there's a simple light that represents different types of network activity: green is good; flashing amber - network activity; red means collisions or failure; no light means no power or link.
  Step 3:  Link At the Hub

Open a Report
Most hubs have link lights there as well. When troubleshooting with a user you can check the hub linklight for the user's cable to see if the link is missing. If the link is missing you can confirm the secure connection at the hub and then check at the users' NIC. Chances are, one end of the other is not connected.
  Step 4:  Working Without Linklights

If you have purchased a NIC that does not have a linklight you can always use the hub to see if a connection is present. Most hubs have a linklight for activity on that represented jack, even if a network card does not.