What odes the ADSL Light on Your Router Mean

radderfire · 23 Feb 2009 at 20:27

Sorry for the slightly random question

, but I would like as technical explanation as possible as to what is happening on an ADSL modem/router when the ADSL router light goes on.

My understanding is that it means the router has negotiated an ADSL communication protocol and therefore the line is syncced, ADSL-enabled or whatever, but what is that protocol being negotiated with?

Am I right in saying that establishment of the ADSL light alone is still not enough to surf web pages, you still need an additional factor, like DNS availability or something?

Thanks :cool:

DJMK4 · 23 Feb 2009 at 20:31

Usually means that there is an active connection there and (or) your router has sync'ed up with the exchange.

pennywise · 23 Feb 2009 at 21:04

DSL light generally means sync with the exchange. You need to authenticate with your ISPs RAS servers in order to utilise this service though.

radderfire · 23 Feb 2009 at 21:43

So the exchange it's syncing with is the local BT exchange, normally within a mile or so from home? Then what happens?

Rgds

Rainmaker · 23 Feb 2009 at 21:49

Clicky. Is this homework?

radderfire · 23 Feb 2009 at 21:55

Rainmaker said:
Clicky. Is this homework?

No, homework is just a hazy memory of pain for me now. This is research known as "How to realise when you are getting fobbed off by broadband tech support".

Rgds

Rainmaker · 23 Feb 2009 at 21:56

Fair play mate

EDIT: Forgot to say, Kitz.co.uk has some decent info about ADSL tech. I hope you find it useful.

pennywise · 23 Feb 2009 at 22:56

Rainmaker said:
Fair play mate

EDIT: Forgot to say, Kitz.co.uk has some decent info about ADSL tech. I hope you find it useful.

Aye definitely, kitz is probably one of the most informative websites on the net for ADSL related learnings.

errata · 24 Feb 2009 at 13:58

As far as I know the dsl light confirms you have a valid synchronised connection to the exchanges dsl equipment. That equipment may or may not be BT kit depending on your ISP. you get a separate light if you succesfully log onto the internet via the isp's athentication servers.

You shouldbe able to check some DSL stats for connection even if your not logged into the isp.

There used to be at least a BT test site you could access without logging in as well, not sure this works with unbundled exchanges though.