How To Fix Centurylink Internet Light Blinking Red And Green?
Introduction It can be quite annoying to have your Internet connection blinking with a red and green light on your CenturyLink modem. This means that your modem has some connection problems that are making it difficult for you to connect to the internet. Fortunately, this issue can usually be resolved by identifying and addressing some specific aspects and restarting your devices. Below, I have outlined some basic steps that you can follow to try and resolve your CenturyLink service issues.
What The Blinking Lights Mean CenturyLink modem lights indicate various status of the modem and it is important to understand what each light means. Here is a quick guide.
- Solid Green Light - This means that your modem is connected to the internet. This is the kind of light you want to see.
- Blinking Green Light – This is an indication that the modem is attempting to establish a connection with the CenturyLink network. It is normal especially when the modem is new or has been restarted by either power or through a reset.
- A steady red light – The modem is on but cannot connect to the internet. This usually suggests a problem with connectivity.
- Blinking Red Light – The modem is unable to start the connection process and is already in the recovery process. The modem will try to reconnect on its own, but one may have to intervene if the problem continues.
- Red and Green Flashes – This typically indicates PPP authentication failure. In other words, the username and password you enter on your modem are not accepted by the CenturyLink network, thus no internet connection.
Thus when you find a blinking pattern of red and green, that last condition is usually happening – an authentication error. Fortunately, this is usually quite correctable and does not take much effort.
Troubleshooting Steps Here are some basic troubleshooting steps to get your CenturyLink service back up and running if you see blinking red and green lights.
- First, ensure that the problem is not common, and it is not affecting other people in the same region. Visit the CenturyLink outage map to determine whether your area is experiencing any known service disruption. If so, it might have to wait until CenturyLink technicians are through with repairs.
- Turn off your modem and router, then turn them back on after 30 seconds with a full reboot. Sometimes, connection issues can be solved by simply turning off the devices and turning them back on. Wait until your routers and modem lights have returned to their normal patterns after being plugged in before proceeding.
- Double-check all the cable connections are tight from the wall jack to the modem and if you have a router from the modem to the router. Such links can be loose to the extent that an internet link can be stopped. Secure any connection points that you see are not well secured.
- Go into your modem and reset the PPP username and password. The modem admin screen can be accessed in the browser by typing an IP address such as 192. 168. 0. 1. The default login details can often be seen on the sticker that comes with your modem box or in the user manual. To change your credentials, after login, go to the user management setting options.
- Additional support can be accessed through the CenturyLink digital assistant inside of your account or by contacting technical support at 1-888-243-2999. Tech support can verify if there is a problem with your account information or if they find a provisioning issue with your line that is affecting connectivity.
Getting a Technician Visit If you still cannot get the blinking lights resolved with the above steps, CenturyLink can send a service technician.
- Schedule an appointment either through the CenturyLink portal or via customer service.
- Check that home services are available and appliances such as telephone and television are working - This enables the technician to determine the problems.
- Describe the blinking light sequence and any troubleshooting that has been done so far.
- Inquire about any service charges – Some truck roll fees are charged but may not be required if the problem is on their side.
An ideal technician should be able to determine what other issue is causing the modem not to sustain an internet connection. Requesting another pair of eyes on the scene is usually the only way you can get help to fix those technical issues that you cannot figure out on your own.
Preventing Future Connection Dropouts Once your connection is restored, implementing a few best practices can help avoid blinking light errors recurring.
- Make sure electrical power is clean to the modem - Do not allow electrical surges that are likely to cause fluctuations in the signal.
- This ensures that the modem firmware is up to date so that it can adequately interface with the CenturyLink network infrastructure.
- Diagnose and clear modem and router memory – Do this at least once every 3 months doing it monthly if necessary.
- To increase your modem performance and reliability, try using the latest modem model – Ensure compatibility with a retail modem.
Following the common troubleshooting techniques, seeking assistance from a technician whenever required, and ensuring that the equipment is updated should help you reduce the frustration of seeing that red and green blinking pattern on a CenturyLink modem. Keep on searching and you will most probably come across a step-by-step process on how to get as well as maintain an active internet connection.