My internet went down for hours before I noticed—so I built an internet status light with an ESP32
We rely on the internet for almost everything, yet we often fail to notice when the connection drops until it is too late. After a faulty router update left me without service for hours, I decided to build a simple, dedicated status monitor using an ESP32 microcontroller.
The project is straightforward and relies on basic components. The ESP32 is a low-cost, compact device that features built-in Wi-Fi, making it ideal for checking connectivity in real-time. By writing a small script in ESPHome, I configured the board to perform a routine check every ten seconds.
The logic is simple. If the ESP32 cannot connect to the router, an onboard LED flashes rapidly. If the device connects to the network but fails to reach the internet, it switches to a slow blink. This provides an immediate, visual confirmation of network health without requiring me to check my phone or computer settings.
Since implementation, the light remains solid while the connection is stable. Having this hardware on my desk allows me to troubleshoot network issues instantly. It serves as a practical, always-on diagnostic tool for anyone who needs to know the state of their home network at a single glance.