Loop detection is an always-on feature of your switch that helps you identify and remove loops on your network. Network loops can slow down or stop normal traffic on your network. When your network has a loop, the switch is connected to itself and network traffic is looping and growing continuously instead of reaching its destination and stopping.
To check for a loop in your network, check the port LEDs of your Nighthawk switch. If your port LEDs for all connected devices are blinking blue rapidly, your network has a loop.
To remove a network loop and restore normal operation:
- Check each cable that is connected to your Nighthawk switch until you find the cable that is connected at both ends.
- If you did not find a cable that is connected at both ends, look for two or more cables that are connected to the same device.
If you do not set up link aggregation on both devices first, connecting network devices to your switch with more than one cable creates a network loop. - Unplug one or both ends of the cable that is causing the loop.
The port LEDs stop blinking and your switch resumes normal operation.
For more information about setting up link aggregation on your Nighthawk switch, see What is link aggregation and how do I set it up on my GS808E Nighthawk S8000 Gaming & Streaming Switch?.