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CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

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Figure 19-20 Multispeed lights

A properly functioning link light is steady on when the NIC is connected

to another device. No flickering, no on and off, just on. A link light that is off

or flickering shows a connection problem.

Another light is the activity light. This little guy turns on when the card

detects network traffic, so it makes an intermittent flickering when operating

properly. The activity light is a lifesaver for detecting problems, because in

the real world, the connection light sometimes lies to you. If the connection

light says the connection is good, the next step is to try to copy a file or do

something else to create network traffic. If the activity light does not flicker,

you have a problem.

No standard governs how NIC manufacturers use their lights; as a result,

LEDs in NICs come in an amazing array of colors and layouts. When you

encounter a NIC, take a moment to try to figure out what each LED means.

Although different NICs have different ways of arranging and using their

LEDs, the functions are always the same: link, activity, and speed.

EXAM TIP Though no real standard exists for NIC LEDs, the CompTIA

A+ exams will test you on some more-or-less de facto LED meanings. You

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