If you’re using a DrayTek modem and are wondering what the various lights mean, we have the answers.
Why use a separate modem?
What’s the point of a seperate modem when your router already has one built in? Well, there are 3 good reasons…
- A separate modem means that you don’t need to change your router if you move between cable and ADSL/VDSL (i.e. switching from an OpenReach to Virgin Media or back), as it’s only the modem component that needs to change.
- Many mesh devices don’t have a modem built-in. Most people will use their existing router to act as a modem, but using a fully-featured router for this purpose is over-kill and adds additional security and performance issues to your set-up.
- Pro-gamers will often have separate components, allowing them to choose the best of each type, rather than a “jack all of trades, master of none” solution. A good quality modem can make a difference to your incoming connection.
One of the best modem-only solutions is DrayTek, who sell both the Vigor 130 and Vigor 166.
What do the lights mean?
Vigor 130
ACT
Flashing – the modem is ready and working normally
Off – the Vigor is not powered on or is not working correctly
LAN
On – Ethernet is connected
Off – Ethernet is disconnected
Flashing – Data is being transmitted via Ethernet
DoS
This light isn’t used on the Vigor 130, so should always be off
DSL
On – your DSL connection is active
Flashing – your DSL connection is synchronising
Vigor 166
ACT
Flashing – the modem is ready and working normally
Off – the Vigor is not powered on or is not working correctly
P1/P2
The Vigor 166 has 2 LAN ports, so these relate to each of these.
On – Ethernet is connected
Off – Ethernet is disconnected
Flashing – Data is being transmitted via Ethernet
DSL
On – your DSL connection is active
Flashing – your DSL connection is synchronising
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