RCA TCM XXX User Manual
CABLE MODEM
TCM XXX
Safety Information
CAUTION
Disconnect power
before servicing.
CAUTION
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent
overheating, provide adequate ventilation for
this modem and keep it away from heat sources.
Do not locate near heat registers or other heatproducing equipment. Provide for free air flow
around the cable modem and its power supply.
DOCSIS (TCMXX5) or EURO-DOCSIS (TCMXX0) Compliant
The Euro-DOCSIS product (model number that ends in “0”) is designed according to
Euro-DOCSIS Specifications but can also receive DOCSIS signals (U.S. standards used
by some cable operators in Europe), if the received frequencies are between 112 - 858
MHz. The DOCSIS (model number - - “5”) is designed according to DOCSIS screen
features.
Power Cord Requirement
This product must be operated with the supplied line cord or with a line cord meeting
IEC227 H03 VV-F or IEC227 H03 VVH2-F having conductors with a cross-sectional area
not less than .75mm2.
This product is not intended for use in the USA and Canada.
Operating Information
Operating Temperature:0˚ - 40˚ C
Storage Temperature:-30˚ to 65˚ C
If you purchased this product at a retail outlet, please read the following:
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card that came with this product and return it immediately. Returning
the card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record
the serial and model numbers in case you need them. The numbers are located on the back of the product.
Model No. ____________________________________ Serial No _____________________________________________
Purchase Date: _________________________________ Dealer/Address/Phone: _______________________________
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Cable Modem Features .................................................................................................................................................. 2
What’s on the CD-ROM .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Accessing the Diagnostics Display through the CD-ROM ............................................................................................. 2
Computer Requirements ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Cable Modem Overview ..................................................................................................................... 4
What the Modem Does .................................................................................................................................................. 4
What the Modem Needs to Do Its Job .......................................................................................................................... 5
Before You Begin ................................................................................................................................. 5
Contact Your Local Cable Company .............................................................................................................................. 5
Connecting the Cable Modem ............................................................................................................ 7
Connecting the Cable Modem to a Single Computer .................................................................................................. 7
USB Connection .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Using Windows 98 SE for USB Connection ................................................................................................................. 10
Using Windows 2000 for USB Connection .................................................................................................................. 14
Using Windows Me for USB Connection ..................................................................................................................... 18
Using Windows XP for USB Connection ...................................................................................................................... 20
Ethernet Connection to One Computer ...................................................................................................................... 22
Connecting More Than Two Computers to the Cable Modem .................................................................................. 23
Activating the Cable Modem ............................................................................................................ 24
Initialization Mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Using the Cable Modem .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Indicators – Operational Mode .................................................................................................................................... 25
Buttons .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Reset Switch .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Other Status Indicators ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................ 27
General Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 29
USB Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................... 31
Quick Reference ................................................................................................................................. 43
Service Information ........................................................................................................................... 44
Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 45
1
Introduction
Cable Modem Features
• Capable of receiving data at rates of up to 38Mbps‡ (38 Megabits per second).
• Able to send and receive data over the cable line
• Able to connect 2 computers through Ethernet and USB at the same time
• Plug-and-play operation for easy setup and installation
• ON/OFF button to connect and disconnect access to the internet
• Message waiting notification capability (if allowed by the cable operator)
• Diagnostics via LED or HTTP server (if allowed by the cable operator)
• Able to receive automatic software updates, if initiated by your cable company
‡
The following may affect the speed of your cable modem: your computer equipment and
configuration (processor speed, amount of RAM, available disk space); the number of
programs you are running at the same time; the capacity of your ISP; network traffic levels;
the number of Ethernet or USB devices in use on your computer. Your cable company may
or may not fully support the speed capabilities of this modem.
What’s on the CD-ROM
Insert the cable modem CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive to view troubleshooting tips, the
internal diagnostics, and other valuable information.
Note: You will need to use the CD-ROM to install the USB driver if you are connecting via the
USB port.
CD-ROM Contents:
• Electronic file of the instruction book in additional languages
• Usage and troubleshooting tips
Accessing the Diagnostics Display through the CD-ROM
A button on the CD-ROM menu called “Look at Diagnostics” (found under the “About My Cable
Modem” menu) launches your browser and displays status and diagnostic information stored
within the modem in HTML format (if allowed by the cable operator).
2
Introduction
Please note that before this page can be displayed, your PC must receive an IP address
assignment from the Cable company’s server, over the cable network. You may want to
“bookmark” the IP address in your browser after the diagnostics page is displayed.
Computer Requirements
Personal computer with the following minimum system requirements (note that the minimum
requirements may vary by cable company):
IBM PC COMPATIBLE MACINTOSH**
CPU Pentium preferred PowerPC or higher
System RAM 16MB (32MB preferred) 24MB (32MB preferred)
Operating System Windows* 95/NT/98SE/2000/Me/XP, Mac OS** 7.6.1 or higher
Available Disk Space 125MB 50MB
Sound Card Required N/A
Video VGA or better (SVGA preferred) VGA or better (SVGA built-in preferred)
CD-ROM Drive Required Required
Ethernet 10BaseT or 100BaseT 10BaseT or 100BaseT
USB Port USB (Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP and Mac OS8/0S9 only)
Linux
†
An Ethernet card makes it possible for your computer to pass data to
and from the internet. You must have an Ethernet card and software
drivers installed in your computer. You will also need a standard
Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet card to your cable modem.
The Universal Serial Bus is a high speed bus that enables your
computer to communicate simultaneously with a variety of
peripherals. However, if you have other peripherals that send and
receive a lot of information, such as speakers, printers or scanners,
we recommend using an Ethernet card to support this modem.
*Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
**Macintosh and the Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
3
Introduction
Placing the Rubber Feet on the Cable Modem
A set of rubber pads have been packaged with your
modem. These pads (or "feet") can be attached to keep the
modem from sliding around on your desktop. You have 2
options for placing the pads:
Option 1: Attach the pads to the four slight
indentations on the back of the modem.
Option 2: Attach the pads to the “rudders” on the
bottom of the cable modem. Be sure to equally space
the pads for best results.
Cable Modem Overview
Option 1:
Attach the
pads to the
indentations
on the back
Option 2: Equally space the feet
on the bottom of the unit
Computer Internet
This illustration shows a cable company that offers DOCSIS-compliant or
EuroDOCSIS compliant internet services
CableModem
Cable Company
What the Modem Does
The Thomson digital cable modem serves as a two-way high-speed bridge between your personal
computer and a cable Internet Service Provider (ISP). It converts information that originates from
the Internet or your computer into electronic messages that can be transported over the same
wires your cable company uses to transport video signals.
4
Cable Modem Overview
What the Modem Needs to Do Its Job
• The Right Cable Company: Make sure your local cable company provides data services
that use cable TV industry-standard that is compliant with your cable modem.
• The Internet Service Provider (ISP): Your cable company provides you access to an
Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is your gateway to the Internet. It provides you with
a pipeline to access Internet content on the World Wide Web (WWW).
Check with your cable company to make sure you have everything you need to begin; they’ll
know if you need to install special software or re-configure your computer to make your
cable internet service work for you.
Before You Begin
Contact Your Local Cable Company
You will need to contact your cable company to establish an internet account before you can use
your modem. You should have the following information (which you will find on the sticker on
the modem) ready:
• The serial number
• The model number of the modem
• The Media Access Control (MAC) address
Record your information here:
Serial Number:
Model Number:
MAC Address:
5
Before You Begin
Please verify the following with the cable company:
• The cable service to your home supports DOCSIS-compliant or EuroDOCSIS-compliant twoway modem access.
• Your internet account has been set up.
• You have a cable outlet near your PC and it is ready for cable modem service.
Note: It is important to supply power to the modem at all times. Keeping your modem
plugged in will keep it connected to the Internet. This means that it will always be ready
when you are. To disconnect just your computer from the Internet, use the ON/OFF button.
Important Information
Your cable company should always be consulted before installing a new cable outlet. Do not
attempt any rewiring without contacting your cable company first.
Note: Graphics used within this publication are for representation only.
6
Connecting the Cable Modem
Connecting the Cable Modem to a Single Computer
This section of the manual explains how to connect your cable modem to the USB or Ethernet
port on your computer and install the necessary software. Please refer to figure 1 to help you
connect your cable modem for the best possible connection.
Attaching the Cable TV wire to the Cable Modem
1. Locate the Cable TV wire. You may find it one of three ways:
A. Connected directly to a TV, a Cable TV converter box, or VCR. The line will be
connected to the jack which should be labeled either IN, CABLE IN, CATV, CATV IN,
etc.
B. Connected to a wall-mounted cable outlet.
C. Coming out from under a baseboard heater or other location. See Figure 1 for the
wiring example.
Cable drop
Notes: For optimum
performance, be sure to connect
your cable modem to the first
point the cable enters your home.
The splitter must be rated for at
least 1GHz.
TV TV
TV converter
TV
= Splitters
Fig. 1: Basic Home Wiring
TV converterTV converter
Modem
PC
New cable wire
7
Connecting the Cable Modem
Important Connection Information
• The cable modem supports both Ethernet and USB connections simultaneously.
• This modem does not support “Hot Swapping” of cables. For example, if you want to
temporarily connect your laptop where your desktop PC was previously connected, follow
these steps:
1. Unplug power supply from the AC outlet.
2. Switch connection type (USB or Ethernet).
3. Plug power back into the AC outlet.
Note: Only use the power
supply provided with this unit.
Using other power supplies may
damage the unit.
8
AC Power Supply
Coaxial Cable
Fig. 2: USB Connection
9
V
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8
0
0
m
A
RESET
ETHERNET
USB
CABLE
Connecting the Cable Modem
Below are important points to remember before you connect the cable modem:
• You should have a Windows® 98 SE (Second Edition), Windows Me (Millennium Edition),
Windows 2000, Windows XP operating system, Mac OS8 or Mac OS9 to use the Universal
Serial Bus (USB) connection.
• For Ethernet connections, go to page 22.
USB Connection
The cable modem CD included with your modem contains the drivers and other information you
need to install your cable modem. Follow instructions 1 through 5 to connect the cable modem to
the USB port on your computer. Instructions must be followed in the order they appear.
1. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the cable connection in the wall. Attach the other end
of the coaxial cable to the connector on the cable modem labeled “CABLE” (Fig. 2) on page 8.
2. Insert the plug from the AC power supply into the power AC jack on cable modem and the
two-prong plug into the AC outlet.
3. Insert the supplied cable modem CD-ROM. Wait momentarily for the cable modem CD
window display.
4. Close all open applications and dialog boxes, including the cable modem CD window.
Note: Open applications may interfere with your cable modem installation.
5. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port located on the back of your computer.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the cable modem’s back panel.
Note: Use only the power supply that accompanied this unit. Using other power supplies may
damage the unit.
Next, you need to install the USB driver for your operating system:
• If you have Windows 98 SE, go to step 6 on page 10.
• If you have Windows 2000, go to step 6 on page 14.
• If you have Windows Me, go to step 6 on page 18.
• If you have Windows XP, go to step 6 on page 20.
9
Connecting the Cable Modem
Using Windows 98 SE for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 14 if you have a Windows 98 SE operating system:
6. When the “Add New Hardware Wizard” appears, click “Next” to initiate the search for drivers
for your USB device. (Fig. 3)
Note: If the “Add New Hardware Wizard” did not automatically appear, Windows 98 SE does
not recognize the cable modem’s presence because your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
settings may not permit USB and/or Plug-and-Play devices. Please contact your computer’s
customer service department.
7. Choose “Search for the best driver (recommended)” option, and click “Next.”
(Fig. 4).
8. Choose ONLY the “CD-ROM drive” option and click “Next” (Fig. 5).
9. Choose “The updated driver (recommended)” option, and click “Next” (Fig. 6).
Fig. 3
Fig. 5
10
Fig. 4
Fig. 6
Connecting the Cable Modem
10. The search should find the driver for the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” (Fig. 7). To
confirm that this is the case, click “Next” to continue and proceed to step 12. Otherwise, see
step 11.
Important: Do NOT continue if the search finds “USB Composite Device” driver. Proceed to
step 11.
11. Follow these instructions only if the driver found was NOT the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable
Modem.”
A. Click “Back” to return to the previous window.
B. Ensure that you have selected the “CD-ROM” option.
C. In addition to the CD-ROM selection, choose “Specify a location” (Fig. 8 ).
D. In the location box, type in your CD-ROM drive. For example, if your CD-ROM is
located on the E: drive, type “E:\.”
E. Click “Next” to continue.
The search should find the driver for the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem.”
F. Confirm that this is the driver selected, and click “Next” to continue.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
(continued on next page)
11
Connecting the Cable Modem
12. Windows should now prompt you to install the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” driver.
Click “Next” to install the driver.
At this point, your PC needs to copy Windows 98 SE specific files. If these files are not
located on your hard drive, you may need to insert your Windows 98 SE installation media
(i.e., Windows disks or Windows CD-ROM), but first remove the cable modem CD-ROM.
13. After the Windows specific files are copied, you may be asked for another USB driver file
named “NETRCACM.SYS”, located on the cable modem CD-ROM. Remove the Windows 98
SE CD-ROM (if necessary), and reinsert the cable modem
CD-ROM that accompanied your cable modem.
14. Windows now informs you that the installation is complete. Click on “Finish” to finalize the
process (Fig. 9). When the “System Settings Change” window appears, click “Yes” to restart
your computer.
Fig. 9
12
Connecting the Cable Modem
15. The cable modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation, perform the
following instructions:
A. Click on the “Start” icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
B. Select “Settings,” followed by “Control Panel.” The “Control Panel” window appears.
C. Double-click on the “System” icon, and select the “Device Manager” tab.
D. Scroll down the list until you come to “Network Adapters.” Double-click on “Network
Adapters.”
If the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” does not exist, the cable modem was NOT
installed correctly, go to Solution 2 on page 35.
13
Connecting the Cable Modem
Using Windows 2000 for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 14 if you have a Windows 2000 operating system:
6. When the “Found New Hardware Wizard” appears, click “Next” to initiate the search for
drivers for your USB device (Fig. 10).
Note: If Windows 2000 does not recognize the cable modem’s presence, your BIOS settings
may not permit USB and/or Plug-and-Play devices. Please contact your computer’s customer
service department.
7. Choose the “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” option, and click
“Next” (Fig. 11).
8. Choose ONLY the “CD-ROM” option and click “Next” (Fig. 12).
Fig. 10
Fig. 12
14
Fig. 11
Connecting the Cable Modem
9. The search should find the driver for the “RCA or Thomson DCM 2xx Cable Modem”
(Fig. 13). To confirm that this is the case, click “Next” to continue and proceed to step 11.
Otherwise, see step 10.
Important: Do NOT continue if the search finds “USB Composite Device” driver. Proceed to
step 10.
10. Follow these instructions ONLY if the driver found was NOT the “RCA or Thomson DCM 2xx
Cable Modem.”
A. Click “Back” to return to the previous window.
B. Ensure that you have selected the “CD-ROM” option.
C. In addition to the CD-ROM option, choose “Specify a location.” Click on “Next” to
continue (Fig. 14).
D. In the location box, type in your CD-ROM drive. For example, if your
CD-ROM is located on the E: drive, type “E:\.” Click on “Ok” to continue.
E. Click “Next” to continue.
The search should find either “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” or “RCA or
Thomson DCM 2xx Cable Modem.”
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
(continued on next page)
15
Connecting the Cable Modem
11. Windows should now prompt you to install either the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem”
or “RCA or Thomson DCM 2xx Cable Modem.” Click “Next” to install the driver.
At this point your PC needs to copy Windows 2000 specific files. If these files are not located
on your hard drive, you may need to insert your Windows 2000 installation media (i.e.,
Windows 2000 CD-ROM), but first remove the cable modem CD-ROM.
12. After the Windows specific files are copied, you may be asked for another USB driver file
named “NETRCACM.SYS,” located on the cable modem CD-ROM. Remove the Windows
2000 CD-ROM (if necessary), and reinsert the cable modem
CD-ROM that accompanied your cable modem.
13. Click on “Finish” to complete the process (Fig. 15).
Fig. 15
16
Connecting the Cable Modem
14. The cable modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation, perform
the following instructions:
A. Click on the “Start” icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
B. Select “Settings,” followed by “Control Panel.” The “Control Panel” window appears.
C. Double-click on the “System” icon, select the “Hardware” tab, and choose “Device
Manager.”
D. Scroll down the list until you come to “Network Adapters.” Double-click on “Network
Adapters.”
The “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” should exist. If the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable
Modem” does not exist, the cable modem was NOT installed correctly. Go to Solution 2 on
page 35.
17
Connecting the Cable Modem
Using Windows Me for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 9 if you have a Windows Me operating system:
6. Windows Me will briefly display the “Found New Hardware Wizard,” and automatically
proceed to the “Add New Hardware Wizard” (Fig. 16).
Choose the “Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended)” option, and click “Next.”
Note: If Windows Me does not recognize the cable modem’s presence, i.e., the “Add New
Hardware Wizard” did not automatically appear, your BIOS settings may not permit USB and/
or Plug-and-Play devices. Please contact your computer’s customer service department.
7. The automatic search should find and install the driver for the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable
Modem” (Fig. 17). Click on “Finish” to complete the process.
8. When the “System Settings Change” window appears, click “Yes” to restart your computer
(Fig. 18).
Fig. 16
Fig. 18
18
Fig. 17
Connecting the Cable Modem
9. The Thomson cable modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation,
perform the following instructions:
• Click on the “Start” icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
• Select “Settings,” followed by “Control Panel.” The “Control Panel” window will appear.
• Double-click on the “System” icon, and select the “Device Manager.”
• Scroll down the list until you come to “Network Adapters.” Double-click on “Network
Adapters.”
• The “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” should exist. If “RCA or Thomson USB Cable
Modem” does not exist, the cable modem was NOT installed correctly. Go to Solution 2 on
page 35.
19
Connecting the Cable Modem
Using Windows XP for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 9 if you have a Windows XP operating system:
6. Windows XP will briefly display the “Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard,” (Fig. 19)
and ask you to insert the installation CD-ROM that came with the unit.
Choose the “Install the software automatically (Recommended)” option, and click “Next.”
Note: If Windows XP does not recognize the cable modem’s presence, i.e., the “Welcome to
the New Hardware Wizard” did not automatically appear, your BIOS settings may not permit
USB and/or Plug-and-Play devices. Please contact your computer’s customer service
department.
7. Your computer will install the drivers for the “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” (Fig. 20).
Click on “Next” to complete the process.
Fig. 19
20
Fig. 20
Connecting the Cable Modem
8. When the “Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard” window appears, click “Finish” to
complete the process (Fig. 21).
9. The Thomson cable modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation,
perform the following instructions:
• Click on the “Start” icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
• Select “Settings,” followed by “Control Panel.” The “Control Panel” window will appear.
• Double-click on the “System” icon, and select the “Device Manager.”
• Scroll down the list until you come to “Network Adapters.” Double-click on “Network
Adapters.”
• The “RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem” should exist. If “RCA or Thomson USB Cable
Modem” does not exist, the cable modem was NOT installed correctly. Go to Solution 2 on
page 35.
Fig. 21
21
Connecting the Cable Modem
Ethernet Connection to One Computer
Make the connections to the modem in the following sequence (Fig. 22):
1. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the cable connection in the wall, and the other end to
the connector on the modem labeled “CABLE.”
2. Insert the plug from the AC power supply into the power AC jack on the cable modem and the
two-prong plug into the AC outlet.
Note: Use only the power supply that accompanied this unit. Using other adapters may damage
the unit.
3. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable (straight-wired, see below) to the Ethernet port on the
back of your computer, and the other end to the ETHERNET port on the cable modem’s back
panel.
Make sure that the Ethernet cable is straight-wired (not “null” or crossover -wired). However,
you will need a crossover-type cable if you are connecting the modem to a hub, or a hub
within a port switch that provides the same function.
AC Power Supply
9
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2
ETHERNET
USB
CABLE
22
3
1
Fig. 22: Ethernet Connection
Coaxial Cable
CABLE jack
Connecting the Cable Modem
Connecting More Than Two Computers to the Cable Modem
If you need to connect more than two computers or if you need to connect two computers, but
USB is not available, you’ll need the following additonal equipment (if supported by your cable
operator):
• Crossover-wired, or “null,” category 5 Ethernet cable for the cable modem to be connected
to the hub
• 10BaseT or 100BaseT Hub or Switch
• Straight through, or standard, category 5 Ethernet cable (one for each computer to be
connected)
If you have a hub with an uplink port*, a straight through cable can be used in combination
with that port in lieu of the crossover cable.
9
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ETHERNET
“Null” cable (not supplied)
USB
CABLE
Ethernet Hub
Standard Ethernet cables (one supplied)
Fig. 23: Ethernet Hub Connection
*An uplink port has a small switch on it to change the polarity of the connection. It can accept
either a crossover or a straight cable, depending on the setting.
23
Activating the Cable Modem
X
Initialization Mode
After you install the cable modem and turn it on for the first time (and each time the modem is
reconnected to the power), it goes through five steps before it can be used. Each of these steps is
represented by a different pattern of flashing lights on the front of the modem.
Note: All indicators flash once prior to the initialization sequence.
24
1. Tuning – The cable
X
X
X
X
X
X
modem is functional
and searching for a
downstream cable
modem service
channel on your cable
system.
3. Connecting – The
cable modem is now
commun-icating
start-up data both
down-stream and
upstream.
The cable company is
establishing IP
connectivity with
your modem.
5. Registering – The cable modem configuration is complete. It is
registering its “as-configured” settings with your Cable Operator.
Once complete, the POWER (INTERNET)*, PC LINK, and CABLE
(CABLE ACTIVITY)* indicators stop flashing and remain on.
2. Ranging – The modem
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
* Actual button or LED names may vary per model.
X
X
Legend Off On Flashing
is now tuned to a
downstream cable
modem channel and
can now receive data.
Now it searches for an
upstream channel so
that it can send data.
4. Configuring – The
cable modem received
its IP address and is
downloading its
configuration file from
the Internet Service
Provider (ISP).
Additional Information
Buttons
ON/OFF (INTERNET ON/OFF)* – Turns the Internet connection ON and OFF for additional
security. In OFF mode, the CABLE ACTIVITY LED is also disabled.
Important: Do not press this button when transmitting data over the internet. The
information will be lost and your Internet connection disabled.
Indicators – Operational Mode
POWER (INTERNET)* – Indicates whether the Internet Connection is
active.
PC LINK – Indicates whether the connection between the computer and
the modem is active (ready to transmit/receive) or actually transmitting/
receiving. The light is off when no carrier is present (or the modem is in
standby mode), on when the carrier is present but there’s no transmit/
receive activity, and flashing when there is transmit/receive activity.
CABLE (CABLE-LINK)* – Indicates the status of your cable connection.
The light is off when no cable connection is detected and fully lit when
the modem is registered with the network and data can be sent.
ACTIVITY (CABLE ACTIVITY)* – Indicates the existence of data traffic
in the cable lines. The light is off when no data traffic is present and
flashing when data activity exists.
EMAIL (MESSAGE)* – This light flashes when you have mail or message
(if available through service provider).
Note: If all of the lights are flashing sequentially, it means the cable modem is automatically
updating its system software. Please wait for the lights to stop flashing. You cannot use your
modem during this time. Do not remove the power supply or reset the cable modem during
this process.
* Actual button or LED names may vary per model.
25
C
Using the Cable Modem
X
Reset Switch
The reset switch can be found behind a “toothpick hole” on the back
panel. It performs two functions:
• Basic Reset – Press and release the switch to make it perform the
same function as disconnecting the power from the modem. It will
start up again in Initialization Mode, see page 24.
• Factory Default Reset – Unplug the modem from the AC power.
Press and hold the reset switch while plugging the modem into AC
power. Continue holding the switch. Release the switch when all
lights come on (about 6 seconds). This will return the modem to a
factory “out of box” condition. This should only be done if the
cable modem has been taken out of service in one location and
is being reconnected to a different service, or if instructed to
do so by your cable company.
Other Status Indicators
Three other status light patterns you may see are:
800mA
RESET
ETHERNET USB
Reset switch
De-Activated – Cable
Service Operator has
deactivated the cable
modem. The cable light
flashes slowly.
X
Software downloading or
X
update in progress. Lights
flash sequentially from top to
X
bottom.
X
X
X
All lights are off. The cable
modem is in security mode.
* Actual button or LED names may vary per model.
Legend Off On Flashing
26
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I don’t subscribe to cable TV?
A. If cable TV is available in your area, data service may be made available with or without
cable TV service. Contact your local cable company for complete information on cable
services, including high-speed internet access.
Q. How do I get the system installed?
A. Professional installation from your cable provider is strongly recommended. They will ensure
proper cable connection to the modem and your computer. However, your retailer may have
offered a self installation kit, including the necessary software to communicate with your
cable ISP.
Q. Once my cable modem is connected, how do I get access to the Internet?
A. Your local cable company provides your internet service*, offering a wide range of services
including email, chat, and news and information services, and a connection to the World
Wide Web.
Q. Can I watch TV and surf the Internet at the same time?
A. Absolutely! And your phone line won’t be tied up while you’re online.
Q. Can I run more than one computer on the modem?
A. Yes – a single cable modem can support up to 32 computers using Ethernet connectivity.**
Q. What do you mean by “Broadband”?
A. Simply put, it means you’ll be getting information through a “bigger pipe,” with more
bandwidth, than a standard phone line can offer. A wider, “broader” band means more
information, more quickly.
* Monthly subscription fee applies.
** Additional equipment required. Contact your cable company and ISP for any restrictions or
additional fees.
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