Which light color on a NIC typically indicates a 1000 Mbps connection speed?

The green light on a Network Interface Card (NIC) typically indicates a 1000 Mbps (or Gigabit Ethernet) connection speed. In the context of NICs, these status indicator lights serve an important role in communicating the operational state and speed of the network connection.

A green light generally suggests that the device is connected to a network and that the link is established at the highest speed supported by the connection. For many NICs, a solid green light confirms a successful link at 1000 Mbps, while an orange or amber light usually indicates a lower speed, such as 100 Mbps. This visual cue is particularly useful for troubleshooting and diagnosing network issues or confirming connection capabilities without requiring additional tools or software.

Other light states, like red or off, typically indicate problems with the connection or that the NIC is not receiving power or is otherwise malfunctioning. Therefore, recognizing a green light as indicative of a 1000 Mbps connection speed is crucial for networking professionals.