Is My Airport Extreme Model A1143 Kaput?
The status light on my AirPort Extreme A1143 (2nd generation = Gigabyte Ethernet) does not light at all — although the green "Ethernet Activity lights" blink on and off, suggesting power is reaching the device. But the AirPort Extreme is not functioning. Before I drop another $200 on a new AirPort Extreme, thought I'd ask for advice on whether the AirPort Extreme or its AC adapter are dead &/or for troubleshooting suggestions.
Two mornings ago, I awoke to no Internet access on my MacBook Pro. Airport Extreme not "seen" by the AirPort menu or the AirPort Utility. I checked, and neither my cable modem activity light nor the status light on my AirPort Extreme were lit. Both devices were about 5-6 years old, and had operated without any problems. I tried "power-cycling" both devices; to no effect. To make a long story short, I replaced my cable modem with a newer model — which is now working fine as evidenced by direct Ethernet connection to my MacBook Pro. But, despite trying a different Ethernet cable and three different AC outlets, my AirPort Extreme's status light does not come on, and the network isn't seen by the AirPort Utility. I also tried using a paper clip to operate the reset button while plugging in the AirPort Extreme: no luck. I can't seem to find any troubleshooting advice for if the status light does not come on. Seems puzzling that the "Ethernet Activity lights" blink, though...
Suggestions? Do I have to spend the $200?