Modern modems and routers are equipped with DS/US lights to indicate the Upstream and Downstream connection. These lights blink when you turn on the internet connection. They also blink when the router tries to connect to a server.
However, if the US/DS lights blink for a long time, it indicates an issue with your modem or router. It could mean that your device is unable to establish a connection with the server.
US DS lights blinking can happen because of various reasons, including cable fault, device fault, or internet outage. In this post, we will tell you how to fix DS/US light blinking.
What is Exactly US/DS Light Blinking Means?
US/DS stands for Upstream and Downstream. Every time your router connects to a server you will see these lights blinking, which is normal. The blinking will stop as soon as the connection is successful.
Solid US/DS lights mean the internet is available. But the problem starts when the US/DS don’t stop blinking. If the lights keep blinking, it means that there’s no signal or the signal received is low-quality.
Why is The Us/Ds Light Blinking On My Modem
There are many reasons why US/DS light blinking. Some of those reasons are:
- Internet outage
- Low-quality cable signal
- The coaxial cable is loose or disconnected
- Firmware download
- Faulty router or modem
How to Fix Us/Ds Blinking Light [Best Solution]
Knowing the reason behind the US/DS blinking light makes it easier to solve the issue. In this section, we will explain some easy fixes that will help you to resolve the issue. So without wasting time, let’s get to the details.
Solution 1: Check For An Internet Outage
US/DS light starts blinking whenever there is a poor connection or service outage. Before trying out any other solution, you should check if there’s an internet outage.
You can get it confirmed by directly calling your ISP. Ask them if there’s an issue on their side. Or you can log into the official app or site and check for an internet outage.
You can also take the help of Downdetector. For this, you will need to visit: https://downdetector.com/ and enter the name of your service and check if there’s a problem.
If the US/DS lights are blinking for service outage, there’s nothing much you can do about it, except for waiting patiently. In most cases, service outages are fixed within an hour or so. But in severe cases, you may have to wait longer.
If the US/DS lights continue to blink even after the outage is resolved, then proceed to try the following solutions.
Solution 2: Make Sure The Splitter Is Fine
If you have a damaged or defective splitter, it can cause connection issues. If that happens, the US/DS will start blinking.
One easy way to check your splitter is to remove it and plug in the coax cable directly into the modem. If the lights stop blinking, it means the splitter was the culprit. For a smooth internet connection, you should get a new splitter.
Solution 3: Check If The Connections Are Loose
Over time, the coax cables can get loose, resulting in connection issues. So before jumping to conclusions, you should check if the cables are plugged in properly.
To tighten the connection, disconnect and reconnect the coax cables. This way you can make sure that the connection is firm.
Solution 4: Power Cycle Your Router/Modem
This is an effective solution to resolve most modem or router-related issues. But you need to make sure that it’s done properly.
To power cycle your modem, you need to unplug it along with your computer. Then wait for a minute or so, before plugging both the devices back in.
When the modem lights stop blinking, connect the router, and wait for the lights to stabilize. After that, you can connect your computer.
This should solve the US/DS light blinking issue. If the problem stays, move on to the next step.
Solution 5: Try An Alternative Power Outlet
You should also check the power outlet where the modem is plugged in. Whenever there’s an issue with the power outlet, the US/DS lights on your modem will start blinking. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the wall outlet is working fine.
A faulty wall outlet can also prevent the modem from connecting to the server. If you have an alternate coax outlet, try that one out. If the US/DS lights stop blinking, then you know the wall outlet was the problem.
Solution 6: Restart Your Router/Modem
A simple restart can solve multiple issues, including US/DS blinking lights. You don’t need to do much to restart or reboot your router/modem.
Just unplug the device from the main power outlet and wait for a few minutes. After that plug in the device and allow it to establish a connection. This should fix the US/DS light blinking.
Solution 7: Pay Network Fees
If you haven’t paid your internet service fee, then it’s a problem. Some ISPs will disconnect your modem if the payment is pending. To avoid that from happening, you should pay your bills on time.
You can pay your internet bills online by logging into your ISP’s website. Go to the payment section and pay the pending amount.
Solution 8: Update Your Firmware
If your modem is using outdated firmware, then it may create connection issues. Another thing to note is that whenever your modem installs a firmware update, the US/DS lights start blinking.
It doesn’t take more than a few minutes for the firmware update to get complete. Once that is done, the lights should stop blinking. Make sure not to turn off the device during the firmware update as it may cause issues with your modem.
To check for firmware updates, connect the device using an Ethernet cable to your PC. Then go to your modem’s official portal and check for updates. If there’s an update available, download it.
Solution 9: Factory Reset Your Modem/Router
You should treat this method as a last resort. If none of the above methods work, you should try factory resetting your modem or router.
This can be done by pressing the tiny button on your router. It is usually located on the back or bottom of the router. Use a pin to press the button and it will factory reset the device.
Once that is done, it will return the router to its original state. Now you can proceed to reconnect it to the server for a solid internet connection.
Solution 10: Contact Customer Support
If you have tried every method but the US/DS light is still blinking, then you should consider contacting customer support. In such a situation only a professional can provide you with the right solution.
It is possible that your router is faulty and you will have to replace it with a new one.
Related | How Long Does the Typical Wireless Router Last?
Final Words
US/DS light blinking for a long time indicates connection issues. If you notice anything similar with your router, you should try the solutions explained in the post. Even if you are not successful in the first attempt, you shouldn’t give up.
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I am Editor, in charge of designing content for Routers Network. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information related to Networking.