What does it indicate when the activity light on a NIC blinks?

The blinking of the activity light on a Network Interface Card (NIC) is a clear indication that data is actively being transmitted or received over the network. Each blink represents the flow of data packets; when the light is flashing, it indicates that the NIC is functioning properly and participating in network traffic. This can include sending requests, receiving responses, or any other data communication taking place over the network.

In contrast, a steady light typically indicates a stable connection, while no light may suggest there is no traffic or communication occurring. Therefore, observing the blinking activity light is crucial for diagnosing network activity and understanding the operational status of the NIC. It confirms that the device is engaged in the data transfer process.