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Amber Light(s) not Coming On or Flashing
Background
The Vertex is a network packet monitoring device that inspects all traffic flowing through its VoIP
bridge ports which connect two endpoints, such as a router and a network switch. Packet "sniffing" is
achieved by Ethernet controllers connected in parallel to both the transmit and receive pairs of a
10/100BaseT connection. The controllers duplicate all VoIP packets seen on the wire for internal
inspection and processing.
Being in parallel, these two Ethernet controllers can only detect a connection to the wire by sensing
the carrier sine wave. When a controller sees the carrier wave, the corresponding Amber light
remains steady and packet sniffing commences.
Problem
Network appliances such as routers and switches send Fast Link Pulses (FLP) for auto-configuration
of common network parameters such as speed, duplex, and flow control. These FLPs are usually
sent only when the device boots up. But, some devices continuously send FLPs whenever the wire
is idle (i.e. between network packets). When this is the case, the carrier wave is not present for the
Vertex controllers to sense.
Both Amber lights on the Vertex VoIP bridge ports must remain steady on for proper operation. If
one Amber light is off, then chances are, only one endpoint (router or switch) on either side of the
Vertex is problematic. If both amber lights are off on the VoIP bridge ports, then most likely both
network appliances are incompatible. Three options are available to help correct this issue.
Solutions
Option 1:
Many higher end routers and managed switches allow the flexibility to configure individual ports to
static settings. If possible, set the port of the router or managed switch connected to the Vertex to
the following:
•
100BaseT, Half Duplex
Instead of constant FLPs, a normal carrier wave will be present for the VoIP bridge controller to
sense a connection.
Option 2:
Connect a particular type of network switch between the Vertex and the offending device. We have
found that the TP Link switches listed below, work in many cases. Try one of these switches on one
side of the Vertex. If unsuccessful getting the amber light steady on, try placing the switch on the
other side of the Vertex.
•
TL-SG105 (Metal enclosure, 10/100 switch)
•
TL-SG108 (Metal enclosure, 10/100/1000 switch, will run at 100)
•
TL-SF1005D (Plastic enclosure, 10/100 switch)
•
TL-SG1005D (Plastic enclosure, 10/100/1000 switch, will run at 100)
Option 3:
Use our alternative Vertex 2P device. This is a viable solution, but it does have drawbacks; whereas
a standard Vertex is a passive packet sniffer, this is a 2-port switch. Therefore, it presents another
point of failure, as would any network switch. The Vertex 2P reduces the throughput speed of the
Ethernet connection. VoIP phones will not be affected, but we do not recommend computers be
daisy-chained off the phones.
