ARRIS and the ARRIS logo are all trademarks of ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. Other trademarks and
trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks
and the names of their products. ARRIS disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and
names of others.
ARRIS provides this guide without warranty of any kind, implied or expressed, including, but
not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
ARRIS may make improvements or changes in the product(s) described in this manual at any
time.
The capabilities, system requirements and/or compatibility with third-party products
described herein are subject to change without notice.
Patent Notice
Protected under one or more of the following U.S. patents: http://www.arris.com/legal
Other patents pending.
Page 3
Table of Contents
1. Important Safety Instructions .................................................................................. 5
Read This Before You Begin — When using your equipment, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including
the following:
Read all of the instructions listed here and/or in the user manual before you operate this
device. Give particular attention to all safety precautions. Retain the instructions for
future reference.
This device must be installed and used in strict accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, as described in the user documentation that is included with the device.
Comply with all warning and caution statements in the instructions. Observe all warning
and caution symbols that are affixed to this device.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this device to rain or moisture. The device
must not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on the device.
This device was qualified under test conditions that included the use of the supplied
cables between system components. To ensure regulatory and safety compliance, use
only the interface cables and install them properly.
Do not overload outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric
shock. Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked
wire insulation, and broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard.
Do not connect the plug into an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the plug
can be fully inserted with no part of the blades exposed.
Postpone installation until there is no risk of thunderstorm or lightning activity in the area.
Do not use this product near water: for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink
or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
Do not cover the device or block the airflow to the device with any other objects. Keep the
device away from excessive heat and humidity and keep the device free from vibration
and dust.
Wipe the device with a clean, dry cloth. Never use cleaning fluid or similar chemicals. Do
not spray cleaners directly on the device or use forced air to remove dust.
For added protection, unplug the device from the wall outlet and disconnect the cables to
avoid damage to this device due to lightning and power surges.
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this device, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the device is in safe operating condition.
Do not open the device. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the
installation and troubleshooting instructions. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
This device should not be used in an environment that exceeds 40º C (104º F).
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the device.
Increase the separation between the device and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Chapter 1: Important Safety Instructions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by ARRIS for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 3871 Lakefield Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024, 1-215-323-1000, declares
that the SURFboard SBX-1000P Network Extender complies with 47 CFR Parts 2 and 15 of the
FCC rules as a Class B digital device.
When you see this symbol on an ARRIS product, do not dispose of the
product with residential or commercial waste.
Recycling your ARRIS Equipment
Please do not dispose of this product with your residential or commercial
waste. Some countries or regions, such as the European Union, have set up
systems to collect and recycle electrical and electronic waste items. Contact
your local authorities for information about practices established for your
region.
The SURFboard SBX-1000P Network Extender lets you transmit and receive data over power
lines in your home. The SURFboard SBX-1000P Network Extender connects directly to any
outlet in your home to extend and enhance your network connectivity.
Chapter 2
About The Network Extender
The SBX-1000P Network Extender has the following features:
RipCurrent™ Gigabit home networking (G.hn) transmits and receives data over your home
power lines.
Supports multiple extenders on the same network.
Easy plug-and-play installation.
Compatible with most routers, gateways, and cable modems.
SURFboard RipCurrent is a technology that allows you to set up a high-speed home network
that uses existing AC wiring and outlets. There's no need to run additional cables; your
devices can communicate at data rates up to 1 Gbps using the network of power lines that
already exists in your home.
The SBX-1000P uses its power plug to connect to the power lines that already exist in your
home. RipCurrent is based on G.hn Power Line Communication (PLC), which is an ITU
Specification managed by the HomeGrid™ Forum. This technology allows the SBX-1000P to
distribute all data to each of the AC power outlets in the home. With a corresponding G.hn
router, your network can be extended to any room, including basements, garages, or far
reaching bedrooms. Connect entertainment devices, security cameras, gaming consoles,
managed appliance, anything that uses IP (Internet Protocol).
The G.hn technology is more robust than previous home power line communication
implementations to give you better ‘real world’ throughput and stability. G.hn proves much
more efficient in an environment with multiple power line networks (such as apartment
buildings or office buildings) with the capability of recognizing up to 250 other networks to
avoid interference. G.hn communications are encrypted using the advanced standard AES
128-bit encryption for secure transmissions.
Chapter 2: Product Overview
In order to ensure the best performance of your G.hn network, we recommend that you only
use 3-prong grounded outlets. A 2-prong outlet will operate sufficiently, but with a lower
throughput speed.
What's in the Box?
Make sure you have the following items before proceeding:
This manual covers the SURFboard SBX-1000P Network Extender. The model number is on the
label affixed to the back of the Network Extender.
Chapter 2: Product Overview
1. MAC address.
2. QR Code.
3. Serial number.
4. Model number.
Contact Information
Please visit the ARRIS Support website http://www.arris.com/consumers for self-help
technical support and product documentation. We can also provide technical assistance via
chat and email on the support website. ARRIS Support is available by phone at 877-466-8646.
Please be prepared to provide your product's model number and serial number, which can be
found on the Network Extender's label.
For information on additional SURFboard products, or to purchase SURFboard products
(including other RipCurrent-enabled devices), visit http://www.surfboard.com.
For informational videos and tutorials about this and other ARRIS products, visit the ARRIS
Everywhere YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ARRISmarketing/featured.
Caution: This product is for indoor use only. Do not route the Ethernet cable(s) outside of the
building. Exposure of the cables to lightning could create a safety hazard and damage the
product.
If you are installing a Gigabit home networking router (SURFboard or a third-party router) with
your SBX-1000P, please refer to the Installation and Configuration documentation for your
device for setup instructions.
LED Indicators
Chapter 3
The Network Extender has the following indicators:
1. G.hn Link Quality LED: indicates the signal quality of the G.hn link.
2. G.hn Pairing LED: indicates the logical network connection status (not connected,
connecting/pairing, connected/paired) and status of data transmission.
3. 10/100 Mbps LED: indicates the status of the Ethernet 10/100 Mbps link.
4. 1 Gbps LED: indicates the status of the 1 Gbps link.
Note: If you hold the Pairing button for more than 10 seconds, the Network Extender
resets its pairing defaults (that is, it loses its connection to any securely paired devices).
3. Reset button: Can be used either to reset the Network Extender to its factory settings or
to restart the Network Extender. Use a pointed non-metallic object to press and hold this
button.
• Press and hold this button for three to five seconds to restart the Network Extender
as if you power cycled the device.
• Press and hold this button for more than 10 seconds if you want to reset the Network
Extender to its factory default settings and restart the device. Any customized settings
that you have set will be lost.
Configuring and Installing the Network Extender
In order to use Gigabit home networking (G.hn), you must have at least two G.hn devices
connected to your power grid. The devices will begin to communicate with each other as soon
as they detect each other over the power grid. You can add additional devices later to expand
your network.
You can use the RipCurrent network by just plugging in two or more G.hn-enabled devices into
the electrical outlets in your home. However, this network will not be secure. We recommend pairing the devices to add security to the RipCurrent network.
Once you have paired the devices, you can move them to their permanent locations
throughout the house. The devices will not lose their network settings unless they are reset.
In order to create a secure network, you must securely pair the devices with each other.
Secure pairing creates a secure connection between two or more G.hn devices on a power
grid. It also allows you to help secure your local area network (LAN) by randomizing your
domain name and password. Once your devices are securely paired, then devices that have
not been securely paired will not be able to connect to your network. We recommend that
you securely pair your devices to secure your network.
Important: If your Network Extender is not securely paired to another device, then the G.hn
Pairing LED will appear red to indicate that the device is not securely paired.
Follow these steps to securely pair and install your first G.hn devices:
1. Plug in both devices in a location where you can see and easily access both devices.
Power up both devices and wait for two minutes for the devices to fully boot before
proceeding.
2. Press the Pairing button on your SBX-1000P to initiate pairing on your SBX-1000P. Hold
the button for two to three seconds. The Pairing LED (2 in the illustration shown below)
begins to flash green.
3. Go to the second device and follow the steps required to initiate pairing on that device.
(These steps may be different, depending on the model number and manufacturer of the
second device.)
• When the devices begin communicating with each other, the Pairing LED 2 on the
SBX-1000P begins to flash green.
• When the Pairing LED stops flashing and becomes solid green (in secure mode) or solid
red (if paired without encryption), the pairing process is complete. It may take up to
60 seconds for the pairing process to complete.
4. Once the pairing process is complete, you can unplug the devices from the wall and move
them to their permanent locations throughout the house. Use the enclosed Ethernet cable
to connect to the client device, such as a computer, TV, or game console.
Repeat these steps to add additional devices to an existing G.hn network.
Note: The Link Quality LED 1 indicates the signal quality of the G.hn link. Green indicates an
excellent link, amber indicates a fair link, and red indicates a poor link. If the Link Quality LED
is red, you may want to move your SBX-1000P to a new location to see if you can improve the
quality of your G.hn link.
Note: If your pairing is not successful, you can return the Network Extender to the non-secure
state by pressing and holding the pairing button for at least 10 seconds. Then, test your
connection in non-secure mode before trying to pair again.
Creating a G.hn Network with a Non-G.hn Router
If your router is not G.hn-capable, you can still create a G.hn network in your home using your
SBX-1000P and another Network Extender. Use the enclosed Ethernet cable to attach your
SBX-1000P to a LAN port on your router. The SBX-1000P will transmit data from your router
over your home's electrical wiring.
You will need a second Network Extender to complete your G.hn network. Follow the
instructions in Configuring and Installing the Network Extender SBX-1000P (page 13) to pair
the devices securely and complete your G.hn network.
Use the Network Extender Web Manager to view and monitor the configuration settings and
operational status of your SBX-1000P. You can also configure your network connections and
security settings. See Protecting and Monitoring Your Network (page 24) for more
information.
Note: To be sure that you access the Web Manager on the correct device, please unplug all
other Network Extenders on the network. Attach each unit directly and configure each one
individually. See Setting Up Unique IP Addresses (page 26) for more information.
Setting Up a Static IP Address
Chapter 4
In order to use the Ethernet port on your SBX-1000P to view the Network Extender Web
Manager, you must set up a static IP address on the computer that you will use to access the
Network Extender Web Manager. Use the following procedures to set up a static address of
192.168.100.253 to the computer that you will use to access the configuration screens.
Important: When you have finished configuring your Network Extenders, you must also follow
these procedures to return your computer to its original IP and subnet settings.
Setting Up a Static IP Address in Windows 7, Windows 8, or
Windows 10
1. Click the Start menu and type network and sharing into the Search box.
2. Select Network and Sharing Center when it appears.
3. Click Change adapter settings from the left-side menu.
4. Right-click on your local area connection icon and select Properties.
Note: You may have more than one Internet connection listed here. If so, you will need to
determine which adapter is your connection to the Internet.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Click Use the following IP address and enter the following values:
• In the IP address field, enter 192.168.100.253.
• In the Subnet mask field, enter 255.255.255.0.
7. Click OK, and then click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
Important: When you have finished configuring your Network Extenders, you must also follow
these procedures to return your computer to its original IP and subnet settings.
Setting Up a Static IP Address in Mac OS X
1. From the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Network.
2. Click Advanced.
3. Click TCP/IP.
4. In the Configure IPv4 field, select Manually.
5. In the IPv4 Address field, enter 192.168.100.253.
6. In the Subnet Mask field, enter 255.255.255.0.
7. Click OK, and then click Apply.
Important: When you have finished configuring your Network Extenders, you must also follow
these procedures to return your computer to its original IP and subnet settings.
Logging In to a Router After the Network Extender is
Paired
Once your Network Extender has been paired (securely or unsecurely) with a G.hn router, you
can check the router Web Manager screens to see the address that has been assigned to your
Network Extender.
On a SURFboard RipCurrent router, go to the DHCP screen to view the IP address, name, MAC
address, and type of connection for your Network Extender.
Start the Network Extender Web Manager
Important: Before you can start the Network Extender Web Manager, you must set up a static
IP address on the computer that you want to use to access the Network Extender Web
Manager. See Setting Up a Static IP Address (page 16) for more information.
Important: If you access the Web Manager through the default IP address (192.168.100.254),
you should unplug all of your SBX-1000P devices except for the one you are trying to manage.
This will help to ensure that you are communicating with the correct device.
1. Use the enclosed Ethernet cable to connect to the Ethernet port on the bottom of the
Network Extender. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's
Ethernet port.
To open the Basic - IP screen, click Basic from the configuration screen and select IP from the
drop-down menu.
Set Up Multicast Configuration
You can use the Advanced - Multicast screen to view and change the multicast settings for
your SBX-1000P Network Extender.
To open the Advanced - Multicast screen, click Advanced from the configuration screen and
select Multicast from the drop-down menu.
View the Advanced Configuration Settings
Use the Advanced - Configuration screen to view and change configuration information such
as the language of the configuration screens and the login password for your network.
To open the Advanced - Configuration screen, click Advanced from the configuration screen
and select Configuration.
Update Your Network Extender Firmware
You can update the firmware on your SBX-1000P Network Extender when ARRIS releases new
firmware versions. The new firmware releases may contain updates for operational
improvements or resolutions to problems. These updates will not delete or overwrite your
personal user settings such as your password.
You can download the latest firmware release from http://www.arris.com/consumers. To load
the new firmware release onto your SBX-1000P Network Extender:
1. Download the latest firmware release and save the firmware file to your hard drive.
2. Click Reboot from the Device Reboot section of the screen.
3. Follow the prompts on the screen to restart your Network Extender and log back in.
Reset Your Network Extender to Factory Settings
If necessary, you can reset or restore the SBX-1000P configuration settings, including your
password, back to the default factory settings. There are two methods for resetting the
configuration on the SBX-1000P:
Reset the Network Extender Using the Reset Button (page 22)
Reset the Network Extender Using the Network Extender Web Manager (page 22)
Caution: This action will delete your current configuration settings (including your login
password) and restore the configuration back to the factory defaults.
Note: After the configuration settings are restored, the Network Extender will reboot, and you
will have to log on using the default login password (password).
Reset the Network Extender Using the Reset Button
Caution: This procedure will delete your current configuration settings (including your login
password) and restore the configuration back to the factory default settings.
To reset your Network Extender to factory default settings:
1. Insert a pointed, non-metallic object into the indented Reset button on the bottom of the
SBX-1000P. See Connectors and Controls (page 13) for more information.
2. Press and hold for at least 10 seconds, and then release.
Reset the Network Extender Using the Network Extender
Web Manager
Caution: This procedure will delete your current configuration settings (including your login
password) and restore the configuration back to the factory default settings.
To reset your Network Extender to factory default settings:
1. Click Advanced from the configuration screen and select Configuration.
2. In the Factory Reset to Default section, type your login password and click Apply.
The SURFboard SBX-1000P Network Extender uses a default level of security when you set up
your G.hn network. This level of security is sufficient in most situations. However, you may
want to set up custom security if:
you are concerned that physical access to the Pairing button might compromise your
security (for example, if you are a small business or an adapter is being used in public area
where there is a lack of security).
you need to set up more than one separate network in a household or common area to
avoid pairing mistakes.
you are using your SURFboard Network Extender with an extender from another
manufacturer.
Chapter 5
Note: In situations where more than one G.hn network is set up in the same area, the
networks will coordinate and share bandwidth, but security remains isolated.
If you need to set up custom security, you must first set up a static IP address on the computer
that you will use to configure the Network Extender. Then, you will need to define custom
security values for each extender in your network.
Defining Custom Security Values
On the RipCurrent page, the Domain Name and Pairing Password work together to establish
the keys for network security. By default, the Domain Name is HomeGrid until the device is
paired, and the Pairing Password is blank. After the device is paired using the G.hn Secure
Pairing button, the Domain Name and Network Password will contain random characters.
If you add custom values to the Domain Name and Pairing Password fields, then the device
will only pair with other devices if the values in those fields match exactly.
Important:
Once you have entered custom security values for the Domain Name and Pairing Password
fields, you do not need to press the Pairing button to initiate the pairing process. However,
you will need to enter the same Domain Name and Pairing Passord on any additional devices
that you wish to be a part of this G.hn network.
Before you complete these steps, you must set up a static IP address on your computer. For
more information, see Managing Your Network Extender (page 16).
Note: Once you have entered custom security values for the Domain Name and Pairing
Password fields, you do not need to press the Pairing button to initiate the pairing
process. The devices will discover each other and begin to pair automatically.
• When the devices discover each other, the Pairing LEDs will begin to flash green.
• When the Pairing LEDs stop flashing and become solid green, the pairing process is
complete.
8. Once the pairing process is complete, you can unplug the devices from the wall and move
them to their permanent locations throughout the house. Use the enclosed Ethernet cable
to connect the client device, such as a computer, TV, or game console.
Setting Up Unique IP Addresses
In order to reach the configuration screens for a particular Network Extender, you must use an
Ethernet cable to connect your computer to that Network Extender and then use a browser to
navigate to http://192.168.100.254. This is the standard factory configuration for each
Network Extender.
Note: To be sure that you access the Web Manager on the correct device, please unplug all
other Network Extenders on the network. Attach each unit directly and configure each one
individually.
Advanced users may want to consider setting up a unique IP address for each extender on the
network. By doing so, you can connect your computer to any Network Extender in the
network and then configure any Network Extender by navigating to the unique IP address for
that device. The procedure to set up unique IP addresses for each Network Extender is outside
the scope of this guide.
Changing the Login Password
The default password is "password" (lower case). You should change the login password to
something other than the default password.
Perform the following steps to change the password.
1. Access and log into the configuration interface.
2. Click the Advanced tab, then click Configuration.
3. In the Change Login Password section, enter the new password in both the Enter New
Password field and the Re-enter New Password field.