When the BGW210 Broadband light blinking red it means that the signal is there but the connection could not be detected.
There are quite a few possibilities here and in this post, we’re going to review all of them as well as the respective solutions.
The very first thing to do is to ensure all cables are connected correctly to your broadband. Then you need to enter the BGW210 control panel and configure all settings rightfully. Lastly, try hard resetting the gateway to solve the problem.
The best way to explain the issue is by looking at some of the causes that might be triggering the flashing red light so let’s take a look.
Why AT&T BGW210 Broadband Light Blinking Red?
In a quick overview, the red blinking light on your gateway means that there is a signal but also a connection problem.
The blinking red light could be caused by a variety of reasons so let’s find out what might be causing your issue.
Here is a summarized list of all potential problems:
1. Bad Weather
Internet signals are usually split into areas/regions, and if there are extreme weather conditions near or at your place, the signal will be interrupted.
2. ISP Problem
Ongoing maintenance or outage in your area, conducted by the ISP, might cause the signal to drop temporarily.
3. Faulty Cables
A problem with the cables going in your gateway might make the broadband light flash in red.
4. Bad Settings
If the broadband settings are not set correctly, you might see the red light blinking.
5. Broadband Problem
A hardware or software problem with your gateway might cause trouble, including blinking red lights.
These are the potential suspects that we’ll be targeting with the solutions above.
Familiarize yourself with them and proceed with resolving the problem.
How To Fix BGW210 Router Broadband Light Blinking Red?
Before we proceed, make sure all cables are attached to their respective slots in your configuration.
You might also perform a reboot on your router, as well as the gateway to clear out any temporal bugs & glitches.
Solution #1 Configure BGW210 Network Settings
As with any other combo device, to enter the BGW210 control panel and configure the settings you would need another device to work with.
It can be any device as long as it’s connected to the getaway.
Here is how to configure the settings rightfully:
- Insert “http://192.168.1.254” into your web browser.
- To acquire the login credentials you might need to call AT&T.
- Go to Home Network, then choose WiFi.
- Insert the Access Code on the side panel of the getaway.
- Set Security to WPA.
- Set Bandwidth to 20Mhz.
- Set Channel to Automatic.
- Set the Power Level to 100.
- Hit Save and exit the control panel.
If the blinking red light is still there, proceed with hard resetting the device to apply all changes and resolve the issue.
Solution #2 Hard Reset The Gateway
We suggest hard resetting your gateway’s electricity to resolve temporal power glitches or bugs that have developed.
The connection is on its way during the conversion in the gateway, so make sure to apply a hard reset before you continue.
To power cycle/hard reset your gateway, follow the steps down below:
- Turn OFF your gateway.
- Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 5 minutes and re-attach the cable to the outlet.
- Turn on your gateway and test.
Allow your gateway to run for a couple of minutes and identify if the red blinking light is still there.
If the red light is still there maybe the problem is coming from your network terminal.
Solution #3 Troubleshoot The ONT
Some users might have an ONT (Optical Network Terminal), which works with their BGW210 gateway.
Any warning lights on the given device can be indicating an interruption in the supply to your gateway, therefore causing the broadband light to flash in red.
We suggest giving your terminal a good inspection for any potential faults. Try hard resetting your ONT by unplugging its power supply for 5 minutes and re-attaching it once the time has elapsed.
Note: In case the ONT has a red light, this issue is not yours to resolve.
The best way to deal with it would be to reach out to the supplier and determine what is going on with your broadband connection.
Solution #4 Inspect The Wiring
Next, we recommend giving your wiring a good functionality inspection, to determine any faults.
If your gateway is working via optical conversion, the cable in your ONT might have loosened up, causing the blinking light on your device.
Note: Not every AT&T user has an ONT to their gateway.
Follow the steps down below to inspect the wiring in your configuration:
- Disconnect ALL cables.
- Reconnect the Data cable in the green input of your getaway.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable connectors are flickering. If not, replace the cable.
- Screw the optical cable in your ONT tightly (if you’re using one).
- Connect the power adapters to your network devices.
- Check the Ethernet connection to your PC.
Avoid using power dividers and if possible plug your getaway in a standalone power outlet. If the read flickering continues proceed with resetting the getaway.
Solution #5 Reset Your Gateway
If nothing worked for you so far and BGW210 Broadband light blinking red, we suggest factory resetting your gateway.
This process will refresh all of the data within your gateway, therefore resolving any broadband connectivity issues.
To factory reset your gateway, follow the steps down below:
- Locate the button for the factory reset on the rear panel of your gateway.
- Hold the button down for about 10 seconds.
- Release the button once the LED status of your gateway turns OFF.
The gateway will reboot now. You can tell when the reset is over by looking at the lights.
When they are lit up, the reset is complete and you can test if the red blinking light will appear.
Solution #6 Unplug & Wait
It is possible that the issue is occurring due to maintenance or an outage in your area.
If nothing resolved your issue so far, the best you can do is unplug your gateway and wait for an hour or two.
In the meantime, you can reach out to AT&T to help you with the troubleshooting.
You can always check the broadband connection in your area of internet service to determine if there are ongoing issues.
Quick Recap:
To fix a red light on your BFW210 broadband, hard reset the device and reconnect all cables. Check the ONT status and factory reset the gateway. If nothing helped, unplug your gateway, wait for an hour or so and contact AT&T customer service.
Read Next: Can I Use a VPN With AT&T Internet?
Last Thoughts:
After all these solutions, the BGW210 Broadband light blinking red issue should be gone for good.
Even if the troubleshooting didn’t work out, you can always reach out to AT&T for additional assistance.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.