networkled

Networkled is a colloquial term used to describe the light-emitting diode indicators embedded on networking equipment to convey port and link status. In practice, these indicators are commonly referred to as link LEDs, activity LEDs, or port LEDs, and they appear on switches, routers, network interface cards, and other Ethernet devices.

Functionally, network LEDs provide at-a-glance diagnostics without software tools. Typical indicators include a link status LED that turns on when a physical connection is established, an activity LED that blinks during data transfer, and a speed or duplex LED that signals the negotiated network speed (for example, 10/100/1000 Mbps) or duplex mode. Some devices combine two indicators per port (for example, color change or dual-color LEDs) to represent multiple conditions.

Color schemes vary by vendor and device family. Common conventions include green for active links or high speed, amber for slower links or activity, and blue or white for power or PoE status, but there is no universal standard. Multi-color LEDs and RGB indicators are increasingly used on higher-end equipment to convey more states in a compact form.

Placement is typically on the front panel near each port, allowing technicians to monitor many connections quickly. LED longevity and brightness are design considerations to ensure visibility in bright or dark environments.

See also: Link LED, Activity LED, Ethernet port indicators.