Understanding Your Fibre ONT Lights

• This article explains the meaning of the lights on your Fibre Optical Network Terminal (ONT) device. Your ONT is the box that connects your home to the fibre network and provides your internet service. Different service providers in South Africa use slightly different ONT models, but the basic principles are the same. This guide will help you understand the common light patterns and what they indicate.
• While this guide covers common ONT models and light indicators, the specific layout and names of the lights on your ONT might be slightly different.
  
  Always refer to the user manual provided by with your device for the most accurate information about your specific device. If you can't find your manual, check the Mweb Help Center or contact us.

• General Light Indicators and Meanings:

  Most ONT devices have several lights, often labelled with icons or abbreviations. Here's a breakdown of what they usually mean:

• Power:

  This light indicates whether the ONT is receiving power.

  Solid Green/Blue: Power is on and the ONT is functioning correctly.

  Off: The ONT is not receiving power. Check the power cable and power outlet.

  Flashing: May indicate a power issue. Try restarting the ONT.

  

• PON/Optical/Fiber:

  This light indicates the status of the fibre connection.

  Solid Green/Blue: The fibre connection is active and working.

  Flashing Green/Blue: The ONT is trying to establish a connection.

  Red/Orange: Indicates a problem with the fibre connection. This could be due to a cut cable, issues at the exchange, or a problem with the ONT itself. Contact your ISP.

  Off: No fibre signal is detected. Check the fibre cable connected to the ONT.

  

• LOS (Loss of Signal):

  This light, if present, also indicates fibre connection issues. It often mirrors the behaviour of the PON/Optical/Fiber light.

  Red: Loss of signal. Contact your ISP.

  Off: Normal operation.

  

• LAN/Ethernet/Data:

  This light indicates the connection between your ONT and your router or computer.

  Solid Green/Blue: A device is connected and data is being transmitted.

  Flashing Green/Blue: Data is being transmitted.

  Off: No device is connected, or the connection is inactive. Check the Ethernet cable connecting the ONT to your router or computer.

  

• Internet/WAN:

  This light indicates the status of your internet connection.

  Solid Green/Blue: Your internet connection is active and working.

  Flashing Green/Blue: Data is being transmitted.

  Red/Orange: Indicates a problem with your internet connection. Try restarting your router and ONT. If the problem persists, contact your ISP.

  Off: No internet connection. Check your router and ONT.

  

• Wi-Fi (If applicable):

  Some ONTs have built-in Wi-Fi.

  Solid Green/Blue: Wi-Fi is enabled and working.

  Flashing Green/Blue: Wi-Fi data is being transmitted.

  Off: Wi-Fi is disabled.

  

• Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Restart your ONT and Router: Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug in the ONT first, wait for it to power on completely, then plug in your router.

  2. Check Cables: Ensure all cables are securely connected to both the ONT and your router.

  3. Check for Outages: Check the Mweb website reported outages in your area.

  4. Note the Lights: Pay close attention to the lights on your ONT. Which lights are on, off, or flashing? This information will be helpful when contacting us.

• If you are still experiencing issues after troubleshooting, contact us. Be prepared to provide us with the following information:

  • Your account number or email address.
  • The model of your ONT and Router.
  • A description of the problem you are experiencing.
  • The status of the lights on your ONT and Router.