If you are an Optimum user and you want to buy a modem that will work perfectly well with your Optimum internet plan, we have to say that the Arris Surfboard SB8200 modem is an excellent choice. It really doesn’t matter which Optimum internet plan you are using, it will work well with any of the plans.
In case you already have this modem, it is good to know what is the meaning of your Optimum Arris modem lights. They tell us more about the current status of our network and our internet connection, so knowing what each light means is useful in case you start experiencing any problems with your network.
So, let’s see what each LED light on your Optimum Arris modem means.
CONTENTS
What Do The Optimum Arris Modem Lights Mean?
When you take a look at the front lights of your Arris modem, you will see four lights that can be either solid color or flashing.
Power Light
There is no need to give a detailed explanation about the Power light. You won’t see this light flashing. It can be either ON or OFF. When it’s ON, it is a sign that the modem is properly connected to power.
In case this light is OFF, the modem is either unplugged or it isn’t properly plugged into the electrical outlet. In that case, you can check the cables or if you are using power strips or surge protectors, try to connect the modem directly to the electrical outlet.
Receive Light
If this light is flashing, it indicates that the modem is searching for a downstream channel internet connection. Once the connection is established you should see this light solid blue or green.
If it’s solid green it indicates that the modem is connected to the downstream channel in DOCSIS 3.0 mode. However, if there is a high-speed internet connection this light will be blue if the connection has been made in DOCSIS 3.1 mode.
However, if the Receive light flashes for a longer period of time then it either indicates that there is a problem connecting or that the downstream connection has been lost.
Send Light
The blinking SEND light means that the router is searching for the upstream channel. Just like the RECEIVE light, when it’s green it indicates that a connection has been made in DOCSIS 3.0 mode, and if it’s solid blue, it’s connected in DOCSIS 3.1 mode.
Please note that DOCSIS 3.1 is not available everywhere, so you would have to check with your ISP whether it is available.
In case you notice that the SEND light is flashing longer than usual it usually means that the modem is having problems connecting to the upstream channel or that the upstream connection has been lost.
Online Light
The blinking online light will appear when the modem is searching for an internet connection. However, when the modem connects to the internet the light should turn green.
If the Online light is flashing continuously it is a sign of a failed IP registration or it has been lost.
Optimum Arris Modem Lights – Basic Troubleshooting
If you have noticed that the light color and behavior are unusual you can start with some basic troubleshooting. Here are some tried and tested solutions to the most common problems.
1. Are the cables and connectors damaged, and firmly and properly connected? Although it doesn’t happen very often it is still possible to have loose or damaged connections. Also, when we replace a piece of equipment it is possible to connect a cable to the wrong port. So, check each cable separately and check both ends of it. If necessary disconnect and reconnect everything, or replace the cable.
Recommended reading:
- My Arris Modem Keeps Rebooting (5 Ways To Fix It)
- Why Is Arris Modem DS Light Blinking Orange? And 5 Easy Solutions
- How to Reset Arris Router Password?
- How to Update Firmware on Arris Router?
2. Restart your Arris modem. This is a simple and highly effective solution to most networking problems. Just unplug the modem’s power cable from the power source, wait a little and then plug it in again. When you turn on the router again the problem should be fixed in most cases.
3. Get in touch with your ISP support. Maybe your ISP has made some network configuration changes that need to be updated or they are having some technical issues. Getting in touch with them will clear all your doubts that a service outage or something else is the cause of the problem. You can also ask for their help to check what the problem is and help you fix it.
4. Reset the modem to factory defaults. We hope that the problem you are experiencing will be fixed by the time you reach this step. However, if you decide to try it you need to know that you will have to set up your network again, so don’t do it if you don’t have the default modem login details and the required settings from your ISP as well.
5. Is your modem defective? If you have tried everything and still have no luck, there are high chances that the modem is defective. In that case, we hope it is still under warranty, so you can expect to get a replacement
Final Words
Now you know what the Optimum Arris modem lights mean and what to do in case you experience some problems with the modem and your network in general. Knowing what the LED light’s normal behavior and color is, and how they behave when there is a problem is really important when you have some network issues.
Hey, I’m David. I’ve been working as a wireless network engineer and a network administrator for 15 years. During my studies, I also worked as an ISP field technician – that’s when I met Jeremy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering. I’m also a Cisco-certified service provider.
In my professional career, I worked for router/modem manufacturers and internet providers. I like to think that I’m good at explaining network-related issues in simple terms. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this website – I’m making simple and easy-to-follow guides on how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your networking hardware. I also review new network equipment – modems, gateways, switches, routers, extenders, mesh systems, cables, etc.
My goal is to help regular users with their everyday network issues, educate them, and make them less scared of their equipment. In my articles, you can find tips on what to look for when buying new networking hardware, and how to adjust your network settings to get the most out of your wi-fi.
Since my work is closely related to computers, servers, and other network equipment, I like to spend most of my spare time outdoors. When I want to blow off some steam, I like to ride my bike. I also love hiking and swimming. When I need to calm down and clear my mind, my go-to activity is fishing.
