CHAPTER
2
Preparing for Installation
This chapter describes the equipment and site requirements for installing the Cisco uBR904
cable modem. The chapter contains the following sections:
• Safety Recommendations
• Site Requirements
• Tools for Installation
• Configuration Information
• Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Checklist
• Site Log
Before installing the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, you should consider the power and
cabling requirements that must be in place at the installation site, the equipment you will
need to install the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, and the environmental conditions the
installation site must meet to maintain normal operation. This chapter guides you through
the process of preparing for the Cisco uBR904 cable modem installation.
Note The Cisco uBR7246 universal broadband router installed at the cable headend must
be properly configured to successfully install the Cisco uBR904 cable modem. Additional
configuration information is downloaded from the Cisco uBR7246 to the Cisco uBR904
cable modem.
W e highly recommend that a cable headend technician be av ailable, or on-call, to assist you
with troubleshooting Cisco uBR904 cable modem installations; especially during the early
field installations. Contact your cable service provider for more information.
Preparing for Installation 2-1
Safety Recommendations
Safety Recommendations
The following guidelines will help to ensure your safety and protect the equipment. This
list does not cover all potentially hazardous situations, so be alert.
• The installation of your Cisco uBR904 cable modem should be in compliance with
national and local electrical codes. In the United States, National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 70, United States National Electrical Code. In Canada, Canadian
Electrical Code, part I, CC22.1. In other countries, International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) 364, part 1 through part 7.
• The cable system must be in accordance with Article 820-40 of the National Electric
Code. This code specifies that the shield of the coaxial cable must be connected to the
grounding system of the building where it is installed, as close to the point of cable entry
as practical.
• Always unplug the power cable before installing or removing a Cisco uBR904 cable
modem.
• Keep the Cisco uBR904 cable modem area clear and dust free during and after
installation.
• Keep tools and Cisco uBR904 cable modem components away from walk areas.
2-2
• Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry (including rings and chains), or other items that
could get caught on the Cisco uBR904 cable modem. Fasten your tie or scarf and roll
up your sleeves.
• The Cisco uBR904 cable modem ships with a three-wire electrical grounding-type plug,
which will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. The
equipment grounding should be in accordance with local and national electrical codes.
• The Cisco uBR904 cable modem operates safely when it is used in accordance with its
marked electrical ratings and product usage instructions.
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Safety with Electricity
Follow these basic guidelines when working with any electrical equipment:
• Disconnect all power and external cables before installing or removing a Cisco uBR904
cable modem.
• Do not work alone when potentially hazardous conditions exist.
• Never assume that power has been disconnected from a circuit; always check.
• Do not perform any action that creates a potential hazard to people or makes the
equipment unsafe.
• Never install equipment that appears damaged.
• Carefully examine your work area for possible hazards such as moist floors,
ungrounded power extension cables, and missing safety grounds.
In addition, use the guidelines that follow when working with any equipment that is
disconnected from a power source, but still connected to cable wiring.
• Never install coaxial wiring during a lightning storm.
• Never install cable jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet
locations.
Safety with Electricity
• Never touch uninsulated cable wires or terminals unless the line has been disconnected
at the network interface.
• Use caution when installing or modifying cable lines.
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, which occurs when electronic cards or components
are improperly handled, can result in complete or intermittent system failures. The
Cisco uBR904 cable modem consists of a printed circuit board that is housed in a metal
enclosure. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and connectors are integral
components of the enclosure. Although the enclosure helps protect the boards, use an
antistatic strap (if one is available) whenever handling the Cisco uBR904 cable modem.
Preparing for Installation 2-3
Safety Recommendations
Following are guidelines for preventing ESD damage:
• If you use an ESD wrist strap or ankle strap, ensure that it makes good skin contact and
that the equipment end of the ESD strap is attached to an unfinished surface of the
Cisco uBR904 cable modem.
• Always place the Cisco uBR904 cable modem on an antistatic surface or in a static
shielding bag. If you are returning the item to the factory , immediately place it in a static
shielding bag.
Caution For safety, periodically check the resistance value of the antistatic strap. The
measurement should be between 1 and 10 megohm.
FCC Requirements
For Class A Equipment
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
For Class B Equipment
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 installation. 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
2-4
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment 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 receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment 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.
Note If the system contains several subsystems/cards then the warning notice has only to
appear in the main control systems user manual/guide.
CISPR 22 Requirements
Specifications covered:
• EN55022:1994 - EU requirements
CISPR 22 Requirements
• AS/NZS 3548:1995 - Australia
Site Requirements
To assure normal operation and avoid unnecessary maintenance, plan your site
configuration and prepare your site before installation. After installation, make sure the site
maintains an ambient temperature of
chassis as free from dust as is practical.
The following sections address the site environment requirements for the Cisco uBR904
cable modem.
23° to 113°F (-5° to 45°C), and keep the area around the
Preparing for Installation 2-5
Site Requirements
AC Power
The AC-input power supply in the Cisco uBR904 cable modem uses a power factor
corrector that allows the Cisco uBR904 cable modem to operate on input voltage and
frequency within the ranges of 100 to 240 VAC and 50/60 Hz.
Refer to Table 1-1 in the chapter “Product Overview” for system power specifications,
including input voltage and operating frequency ranges.
Wiring and Cabling
Following are guidelines for setting up the wiring and cabling at the installation site. When
planning the location of the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, consider the issues of
electromagnetic interference (EMI), coaxial cable quality, and distance limitations for
signaling, as described in the following sections.
Interference Considerations
When wires are run for any significant distance in an electromagnetic field, interference can
occur between the field and the signals on the wires. This fact has two implications for the
construction of plant wiring:
2-6
• Bad wiring practice can result in radio interference emanating from the plant wiring.
• Strong EMI, especially when it is caused by lightning or radio transmitters, can destroy
the signal drivers and receiv ers in the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, and can ev en create
an electrical hazard by conducting power surges through lines and into equipment.
(Review the safety warnings in the section “Safety with Electricity” earlier in this
chapter.)
Note To predict and remedy strong EMI, you might also need to consult experts in radio
frequency interference (RFI).
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
If wires exceed recommended distances, or if wires pass between buildings, give special
consideration to the effect of a lightning strike in your vicinity. The electromagnetic pulse
caused by lightning or other high-energy phenomena can easily couple enough energy into
unshielded conductors to destroy electronic devices. If you have had problems of this sort
in the past, you might want to consult experts in electrical surge suppression and shielding.
Coaxial Cable Quality
CATV coaxial cable quality can vary dramatically at each installation site. Poor insulation,
improperly installed additional outlets, the condition and length of the cable’s center
conductor, and the quality of the cable can negatively affect the connectivity and
performance of the Cisco uBR904 cable modem for digital data transmission. Coaxial cable
tolerances for the transmission of two-way digital data are much lower than the tolerances
for the transmission of downstream-only video. Coaxial cable used to carry two-way digital
data must be of very high quality.
Note A 5 dB reduction in signal quality for analog downstream video might cause a slight
degradation of picture clarity, which might or might not be noticeable to a subscriber.
A small reduction in signal quality for digital data might completely disrupt service to a
Cisco uBR904 cable modem user.
Wiring and Cabling
Check the cables for general quality level, tears or cuts in the insulation, insulation that is
at least 80% braid with foil, a broken or bent center conductor at the conductor ends, the
length of the center conductor, and splitters or amplifiers that have been added to extend
video connectivity at the installation site.
Note The center conductor should extend 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) beyond the end of the
conductor.
Preparing for Installation 2-7
Site Requirements
W e recommend that you replace an y cable that is in question to begin the installation with
clean, two-way digital data transmission media. If the cable is of high-quality and was
recently installed, replacing the connectors with high-quality connectors can also improve
performance.
Caution If you replace a connector, be careful not to score the center conductor. A
scored conductor can reduce or impair performance for channels broadcast between 550
and 860 MHz.
Distance Limitations
The size of your networks and the distances between connections on the CATV network
can affect the successful installation of a Cisco uBR904 cable modem.
When preparing a site for network connections to the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, you
must consider several factors related to the cabling:
• The number of amplifiers from the installation site to the nearest node
• The number of outlets and amplifiers at the installation site
• Cable pinouts if you plan to build your cables
2-8
Potential distance limitation problems in the CATV network can be reduced by ensuring the
following factors:
• A correct, linear unity gain two-way sweep procedure is in place
• Industry-standard configuration practices are used at the headend
• The downstream frequency is known at the time of installation
• The absolute downstream signal level can be measured where it enters the
Cisco uBR904 cable modem
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Personal Computer Hardware and Software
Personal Computer Hardware and Software
The Cisco uBR904 cable modem must be connected to a personal computer at the
installation site. We recommend a personal computer with the following configuration:
• A Pentium or 486 processor-based personal computer running the Windows 95
operating system.
• Ethernet 10BaseT network interface card and applicable drivers installed in the
computer.
• Web browsing software, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
installed in the computer.
• Internet Protocol (IP) set as the networking protocol; as opposed to Point-to-Point
Protocol (PPP), which is common l y used in dial-up Internet connection. See the user
guides that accompanied your computer and your network interface card for more
information on how to set this option.
• Network settings configured to enable DHCP service for dynamic IP address
assignment; as opposed to manual IP address assignment. See the user guides that
accompanied your computer and your network interface card for more information on
how to set this option.
Installing the Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem at the Headend
You can mount the Cisco uBR904 cable modem on an equipment shelf at the headend
provided that the rack dimensions allo w you to secure the router to the shelf, and the overall
configuration permits safe installation and access.
Note We recommend that you install at least one cable modem at each headend site to
assist field troubleshooting and to detect potential problems at subscriber installation sites.
Figure 2-1 shows the Cisco uBR904 cable modem footprint and outer dimensions.
Preparing for Installation 2-9
Site Requirements
11615
n.
Figure 2-1 Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Footprint and Outer Dimensions
9.50 in.
Site Environment
Table 2-1 lists the operating and nonoperating environmental site requirements. The
following ranges are those within which the Cisco uBR904 cable modem will continue to
operate; however , a me asurement that is approaching the minimum or maximum of a range
indicates a potential problem. You can maintain normal operation by anticipating and
correcting environmental anomalies before they approach a maximum operating range.
13.30 in.
Cisco uBR900
SERIES
2.30 i
2-10
• Operating temperature range: 32° though 114°F (0° through 40°C).
• Operating humidity range: 5 to 95%, noncondensing.
• Airflow: Keep the back, sides, and bottom of the Cisco uBR904 cable modem clear of
obstructions and away from the exhaust of other equipment.
Caution To prevent chassis overheating, never install the Cisco uBR904 cable modem
in an enclosed rack or room that is not properly ventilated or air conditioned.
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Preventive Site Configuration: Maintaining Normal Operation
Table 2-1 Specifications for Operating and Nonoperating Environments
Specification Minimum Maximum
Temperature, ambient operating 32°F (0°C) 114°F (40°C)
Temperature, ambient nonoperating and storage –13°F (–25°C) 95°F (70°C)
Humidity, ambient (noncondensing) operating 5% 95%
Humidity, ambient (noncondensing) nonoperating and
storage
Altitude, operating and nonoperating Sea level 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
Vibration, operating 10 to 200 Hz, 0.0005 g (1 oct./min.) –
Vibration, nonoperating 10 to 100 Hz, 0.0065 g (1 oct./min.) –
5% 95%
Preventive Site Configuration: Maintaining Normal Operation
Planning a proper location for the Cisco uBR904 cable modem is essential for successful
system operation. Equipment placed too close together or inadequately ventilated can cause
system overtemperature conditions. In addition, poor equipment placement can make
system maintenance difficult. Following are precautions that can help avoid problems
during installation and ongoing operation.
General Precautions
Follow these general precautions when planning your equipment locations and
connections:
• We recommend keeping the Cisco uBR904 cable modem off the floor and out of any
area that tends to collect dust.
• Follow ESD prevention procedures to avoid damage to equipment. Damage from static
discharge can cause immediate or intermittent equipment failure.
Preparing for Installation 2-11
Tools for Installation
Power Considerations
Follow these precautions and recommendations when planning power connections to the
Cisco uBR904 cable modem:
• Check the power at your site before installation and during installation to ensure that
you are receiving clean power. Install a power conditioner if necessary.
• Install proper grounding to avoid damage from lightning and power surges.
Tools for Installation
Each Cisco uBR904 cable modem chassis is fully assembled at the factory; no assembly is
required. However, you will need the following tools and equipment to install the cable
modem:
• High-quality coaxial cable with at least 80% braid with foil
• Coaxial cable crimping tool
• Replacement coaxial cable connector ends
• Ethernet straight-though cable with RJ-45 connectors (one included)
2-12
• Console cable with RJ-45 connectors (light blue) (one included)
• Tape measure (optional)
In addition, you might need the following external equipment:
• CATV field strength meter (power meter)
• CATV house amplifier
• Portable, hand-held console terminal
• Ethernet transceiver
• Ethernet crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors (only if connecting the Cisco uBR904
cable modem to a hub)
• Network interface card (if the computer at the installation site does not have one
installed)
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Making a Crossover Ethernet Cable Connection
H2936
RJ-45 connector
Making a Crossover Ethernet Cable Connection
The RJ-45 receptacle supports standard straight-through an d crossover Category 5 UTP
(RJ-45) cables. Cisco Systems does not supply Category 5 UTP cables; these cables are
available commercially.
Figure 2-2 shows the RJ-45 receptacle and plug. T able 2-2 lists the pinouts and signals for
the RJ-45 receptacle.
Figure 2-2 RJ-45 Receptacle and Plug
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Warning To avoid electric shock, do not connect safety extra-low v oltage (SELV) circuits
to telephone-network voltage (TNV) circuits. LAN ports contain SELV circuits, and WAN
ports contain TNV circuits. Some LAN and WAN ports both use RJ-45 connectors. Use
caution when connecting cables.
Table 2-2 RJ-45 Receptacle Pinouts
Pin Description
1 Receive Data + (RxD+)
2 RxD–
3 Transmit Data + (TxD+)
6 TxD–
Preparing for Installation 2-13
Configuration Information
Note Referring to the RJ-45 pinout in T able 2-2, proper common-mode line terminations
should be used for the unused Category 5 UTP cable pairs 4/5 and 7/8. Common-mode
termination reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI).
To identify the RJ-45 cable type, hold the two ends of the cable next to each other so you
can see the colored wires inside the ends, as shown in Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3 RJ-45 Cable Identification
Examine the sequence of colored wires to determine the type of RJ-45 cable:
• Straight-through—The colored wires are in the same sequence at both ends of the cable.
• Crossover—The first (far left) colored wire at one end of the cable is the third colored
wire at the other end of the cable.
Configuration Information
After you install the Cisco uBR904 cable modem, verify that all the hardware is operating
properly , verify that the computer is conf ig ured for IP and DHCP services, and establish a
connection to the headend, the Cisco uBR904 cable modem will be configured by software
downloaded from the Cisco uBR7246 universal broadband router installed at the headend.
You do not need to perform any manual configuration on the Cisco uBR904 cable modem
unit itself.
2-14
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Checklist
Note If an error message is displayed on the uBR904, you can find its explanation in the
Cisco Cable CPE Error Messages book, viewable online at
www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/cable/cab_modm/ubcmerrs.pdf .
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Checklist
T o assist you with your installation and to provide a historical record of what was done and
by whom, use the Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Checklists in Table 2-3 and
Table 2-4. Make a copy of this checklist and indicate when each procedure or verification
is completed. When the checklist is completed, place it in your site log (described at the end
of this chapter) along with the other records for your new Cisco uBR904 cable modem.
Table 2-3 Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Site Checklist
Installation Site Information
Subscriber’s Name:
Address:
Service account number:
Serial number and MAC address of Cisco uBR904 cable modem:
Personal computer make and model number:
Network interface card type:
Table 2-4 Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation Task Checklist
Task Verified by Date
Date Cisco uBR904 cable modem delivered to installation site
Cable modem and all accessories unpacked
Safety recommendations and guidelines reviewed
Installation Checklist copied
Site log established and background information entered
Site power voltages verified
Existing coaxial cable at the installation site inspected and replaced, if necessary
Personal computer hardware, software, and configuration meet site requirements
Site environmental specifications verified
Required passwords, IP addresses, and so on, available
Required tools available
Power cable connected to AC source
Preparing for Installation 2-15
Site Log
Task Verified by Date
Ethernet cable connected (straight-through for single computer, crossover for hub)
Console port set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 2 stop bits (9600 8N2)
System power turned on (power LED is on)
System configuration complete (cable and Ethernet LEDs are on)
Internet browser running and a test web page can be accessed on the computer
Console screen displays correct hardware configuration (displayed after system banner)
Site Log
A site log provides a historical record of all actions relevant to the Cisco uBR904 cable
modem operation and maintenance. Keep the site log in a common place where anyone who
performs tasks has access to it. Site log entries might include the following:
• Installation progress—Make a copy of the Cisco uBR904 cable modem Installation
Checklist and insert it into the site log. Make entries on the Installation Checklist as each
procedure is completed.
• Upgrades and removal/replacement procedures—Use the site log as a record of system
maintenance and expansion history. Each time a procedure is performed on the system,
update the site log to reflect the following:
2-16
— Corrective maintenance procedures performed
— Intermittent problems
— Related comments
T able 2-5 shows a sample site log page. Make copies of the sample or design your o wn site
log to meet the needs of your installation site and equipment.
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Table 2-5 Site Log Example
Date Description of Action Performed or Symptom Observed Initials
Site Log
Preparing for Installation 2-17
Site Log
2-18
Cisco uBR904 Cable Modem Installation and Configuration Guide
Loading...