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Why Sys-Admins Are Disabling The Lights on WiFi Access Points (networkworld.com)
More than a dozen IT professionals said they've disabled the LEDs on wireless access points, according to a Network World article shared by Slashdot reader alphadogg:
Some users don't want a beacon shining in their eyes as they try to get to sleep and others worry about the health effects of a blue light glowing all night. Some even resort to unplugging the gear when they're not using it.... "It seems when you are sick and laying in a hospital bed and have trouble sleeping, the single LED shining in your eyes is an issue," [says the wireless network staff specialist for Penn State College of Medicine]. "I get it and understand it..."
Network pros say they have begun asking vendors such as Cisco if they can provide an easier way to dim, rather than turn off the lights on the access points entirely, via wireless controllers. And some would like to see more granular control, such that the power light could be left on to comfort end users that the device is working, but blinking lights could be turned off or dimmed to avoid bothering them.
End users have tried "all sorts of makeshift fixes -- from Post-it notes to bandages to condom wrappers," but one network architect complains that when they disable the LEDs altogether, "I invariably get a ticket (or more) that the access point is offline and wireless is broken because there are no lights on..." On the plus side, when they then re-enable the LED lghts, "magically the wireless performance and coverage is perfect!"
Network pros say they have begun asking vendors such as Cisco if they can provide an easier way to dim, rather than turn off the lights on the access points entirely, via wireless controllers. And some would like to see more granular control, such that the power light could be left on to comfort end users that the device is working, but blinking lights could be turned off or dimmed to avoid bothering them.
End users have tried "all sorts of makeshift fixes -- from Post-it notes to bandages to condom wrappers," but one network architect complains that when they disable the LEDs altogether, "I invariably get a ticket (or more) that the access point is offline and wireless is broken because there are no lights on..." On the plus side, when they then re-enable the LED lghts, "magically the wireless performance and coverage is perfect!"
I just use a black marker to darken the surface. You can essentially black them out or leave a little light passing through.
There is a problem. You can solve it or ignore it.
The light bothers some people however the light indicated useful info. Switching from led lights to an lcd strip can be an affordable solution to fix both problems.
You can ignore the problem but the problem still exists. Sure it doesn't bother people enough to speak so if they are at the hospital and filling mizerable that blue LED may be annoying but they are experiencing far more annoying things. However it absence will just help the person out a little more get that extra 20 minutes of sleep.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Have you actually tried this? I've got a case fan with them and I tried multiple layers of different kinds of tape and they're still shining through.
The darn things aren't recessed either so there's not much clearance to stick a big blob over them without fouling the fan. Plus they glow on both sides, which is an issue because the case is one of those 733t ones with a window in it. I suppose I could fit it with blinds.
I will add that I can't actually find one of the side panels now. I was installing a new HDD and toying with changing the heatsink. How I can lose something that's half a yard square is a mystery. Should probably tidy up the lab...
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."