On a Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch, what does an amber SYST (system) LED typically indicate about the switch status?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to interpret front-panel LEDs on a Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch. These visual indicators provide quick information about the device status without needing to log in, which is especially helpful during initial installation or when troubleshooting hardware issues in a wiring closet or data center.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The device is a Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch.
- We are looking specifically at the SYST (system) LED on the front panel.
- The LED is amber in color, not off or green.
- The question asks what this amber state typically means for the switch.

Concept / Approach:
According to Cisco documentation, the SYST LED indicates overall system status. On many Catalyst switches, a green SYST LED means the system is receiving power and operating normally. An off SYST LED usually means there is no power. An amber SYST LED generally indicates that the switch has detected a system problem, such as failing its power-on self-test (POST) or experiencing a major hardware or software fault. This status signals that the switch is not operating correctly and requires attention.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the common meanings of SYST LED colors: green for normal operation, off for no power, and amber for fault conditions.Step 2: Understand that POST is a series of diagnostics run when the switch boots; failing POST often causes the SYST LED to remain amber.Step 3: Recognize that a persistent amber SYST LED means the switch is not in a healthy, fully operational state.Step 4: Rule out interpretations that suggest normal operation or minor issues, because hardware failure or serious faults are more strongly indicated by amber.Step 5: Choose the option that describes the switch having encountered a problem, such as failing POST or another system fault.

Verification / Alternative check:
When deploying or troubleshooting a 2960, you can observe the SYST LED during boot. It may briefly show different states, but if it settles on green, the switch is generally fine. If it remains amber, documentation and field experience confirm that the switch has encountered a hardware or software issue, often requiring further diagnostics, a power cycle, or even replacement. This behavior aligns with the meaning expressed in the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A incorrectly states that amber means normal operation; in fact, green indicates normal status. Option B confuses system status with spanning-tree port LEDs; bridging loops are detected via STP but not indicated purely by the SYST LED in this way. Option C suggests that IOS loading is represented by amber, which is not the standard documented meaning for a steady amber SYST LED. Option E invents a low-power mode status that is not represented by the SYST LED on a 2960.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any light being on must be good, when in fact the color and whether it is blinking or steady matter greatly. Another pitfall is to misinterpret port LEDs as system LEDs or vice versa. Reading the hardware installation guide for your specific switch model and remembering that amber on the SYST LED usually signals a fault helps avoid misdiagnosis during troubleshooting.

Final Answer:
An amber SYST LED on a Catalyst 2960 switch typically indicates that the switch has encountered a system problem, such as failing its POST or another serious fault, and is not operating normally.