ARRIS SBX-AC1200P AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender with RipCurrentTM Technology User Manual User Guide
ARRIS Group, Inc. AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender with RipCurrentTM Technology User Guide
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Contents
- 1. User manual
- 2. Users Manual
User manual
SURFboard SBX
-AC1200P Network
Extender
User Guide
PN 365
-095-
28246
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4 December 2015
December 2015
SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender User Guide
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4
ARRIS Copyrights and Trademarks
©ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as
translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from ARRIS
Enterprises, Inc. (“ARRIS”). ARRIS reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of ARRIS to provide
notification of such revision or change.
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.
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4 December 2015 SURFboard SBXAC1200P Network Extender User Guide
Copyright ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015. All Rights Reserved. 3
Table of Contents
1. Important Safety Instructions .................................................................................. 5
Temperature Requirements .............................................................................................. 6
FCC STATEMENTS .............................................................................................................. 6
FCC Interference Statement ..................................................................................... 6
FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................................................ 7
INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) STATEMENT ................................................................................ 7
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY RECYCLING .............................................................. 8
2. Product Overview ................................................................................................... 9
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 9
About The Network Extender ............................................................................................ 9
What is RipCurrent? ........................................................................................................ 10
What's in the Box? ........................................................................................................... 10
System Requirements ...................................................................................................... 10
About this Manual ........................................................................................................... 11
Contact Information ........................................................................................................ 11
3. Installing the Network Extender ............................................................................ 12
LED Indicators .................................................................................................................. 12
Indicator Lights for the SBX-AC1200P ............................................................................. 13
Connectors and Controls ................................................................................................. 14
Pairing and Installing the Network Extender ................................................................... 14
4. Managing Your Network Extender ......................................................................... 16
Setting Up a Static IP Address .......................................................................................... 16
Setting Up a Static IP Address in Windows 7 or Windows 8 .................................. 16
Setting Up a Static IP Address in Windows Vista .................................................... 17
Setting Up a Static IP Address in Mac OS X ............................................................. 17
Start the Network Extender Web Manager..................................................................... 17
View the Network Extender Product Information .......................................................... 18
View the Network Extender Network Settings................................................................ 18
Set Up Multicast Configuration ....................................................................................... 19
View the Advanced Configuration Settings ..................................................................... 19
Update Your Network Extender Firmware ...................................................................... 20
Restart Your Network Extender ....................................................................................... 21
Restart the Network Extender Using the Reset Button .......................................... 21
Restart the Network Extender Using the Network Extender Web Manager ......... 21
Reset Your Network Extender to Factory Settings .......................................................... 22
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4 December 2015 SURFboard SBXAC1200P Network Extender User Guide
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Reset the Network Extender Using the Reset Button ............................................ 22
Reset the Network Extender Using the Network Extender Web Manager ............ 22
Exit the SBX-AC1200P Web Manager .............................................................................. 23
5. Protecting and Monitoring Your Network .............................................................. 24
Setting Up Custom Security ............................................................................................. 24
Defining Custom Security Values ............................................................................ 24
Setting Up Unique IP Addresses ............................................................................. 26
Changing the Login Password .......................................................................................... 26
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Copyright ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015. All Rights Reserved. 5
Chapter 1
Important Safety Instructions
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).
SAVE THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS
Chapter 1: Important Safety Instructions
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Temperature Requirements
The Network Extender is capable of operating in an ambient temperature range of 0° - 40°C,
without any functional performance degradation.
FCC STATEMENTS
FCC Interference Statement
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.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 30cm
between the radiator & your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Country Code selection feature to be
disabled for products marketed to the US/CANADA Operation of this device is restricted to
indoor use only.
Chapter 1: Important Safety Instructions
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4 December 2015 SURFboard SBXAC1200P Network Extender User Guide
Copyright ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015. All Rights Reserved. 7
FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 3871 Lakefield Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024, 1-215-323-1000, declares
that the SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender complies with 47 CFR Parts 2 and 15 of
the FCC rules as a Class B digital device.
INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) STATEMENT
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; et 2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter
tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre
le fonctionnement.
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3 (B)
IC Warning:
This radio transmitter (IC: 6670A-SBXAC1200P) has been approved by Industry Canada to
operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain indicated.
Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated
for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Antenna Peak gain (dBi)
Type Connector 2400~2483.5MHz 5150~5250MHz 5725~5850MHz
Dipole I-pex 3.1 3.34 2.7
Dipole I-pex 2.85 2.37 3.44
IC Avertissement:
Le présent émetteur radio (IC: 6670A-SBXAC1200P) a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible
maximal. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, et dont le gain est supérieur au gain
maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
Antenne Gain de crête (dBi)
Type Connecteur 2400~2483.5MHz 5150~5250MHz 5725~5850MHz
Dipôle I-pex 3.1 3.34 2.7
Dipôle I-pex 2.85 2.37 3.44
Chapter 1: Important Safety Instructions
Release 33 ISSUE 1.4 December 2015 SURFboard SBXAC1200P Network Extender User Guide
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CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY RECYCLING
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.
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Chapter 2
Product Overview
Introduction
The SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender lets you transmit and receive data over
power lines in your home. The SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender connects directly
to any outlet in your home to extend and enhance your network connectivity.
About The Network Extender
The SBX-AC1200P 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.
Chapter 2: Product Overview
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What is RipCurrent?
SURFboard RipCurrent is a technology that allows you to set up a high-speed home network
over existing AC wiring and outlets. There's no need to run additional cables; your devices can
communicate at data rates up to 1 Gb/s using the network of power lines that already exists in
your home.
The SBX-AC1200P uses the power cable connected to the Network Extender to connect to
your home AC power grid. RipCurrent is based on G.hn, which is an ITU Specification managed
by the HomeGrid™ Forum (http://www.homegridforum.org/ ). This technology allows the
SBX-AC1200P to distribute all data to each of the AC power outlets in the home. With a
corresponding G.hn Extender, the Wi-Fi or wired 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 also 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.
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:
SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender
Quick Start Guide
Ethernet cable
Warranty card
System Requirements
Two or more Ethernet-enabled computers, printers, smart TVs, or other devices that you
want to connect.
120VAC home wiring.
Two or more G.hn-capable devices, such as two SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network
Extenders, or any SURFboard Router with G.hn capability with a SBX-AC1200P Network
Extender.
Chapter 2: Product Overview
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About this Manual
This manual covers the SURFboard SBX-AC1200P Network Extender. The model number is on
the label affixed to the back of the Network Extender.
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.
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Chapter 3
Installing the Network Extender
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-AC1200P, please refer to the Installation and Configuration documentation for your
device for setup instructions.
LED Indicators
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 10/100 Mbps link.
4. 1 Gb LED: indicates the status of the 1 Gb link.
Chapter 3: Installing the Network Extender
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Indicator Lights for the SBX-AC1200P
The Network Extender has several LED indicator lights to assist in troubleshooting.
LED Color/Behavior Description
G.hn Link
Quality
Solid green Excellent link.
Solid amber Fair link.
Solid red Poor link.
Flashing green
(every five seconds)
Sleep mode.
Flashing green
(erratic)
Receiving/transmitting data, excellent link.
Flashing amber Receiving/transmitting data, fair link.
Flashing red Receiving/transmitting data, poor link.
Off No link.
G.hn Pairing Solid green Secure pairing complete. Connected to G.hn network
with encryption enabled.
Flashing green Secure pairing in progress. Trying to connect to G.hn
network.
Solid red Non-secure pairing complete. Connected to G.hn
network without encryption.
Flashing red Non-secure pairing in progress. Trying to connect to
G.hn network.
Off No link, or sleep mode.
Ethernet
10/100 Mbps
link/activity
Solid amber 10/100 Mbps link activated, but no activity.
Flashing amber 10/100 Mbps activity.
Ethernet 1 GB
link/activity
Solid green 1 Gb link activated, but no activity.
Flashing green 1 Gb activity.
Note: If SBX-AC1200P does not need to communicate with other devices on the G.hn network
for a few minutes, then it may enter Sleep Mode. When this occurs, the G.hn Pairing LED
switches off, and the G.hn Link Quality LED begins to flash steadily (every five seconds). The
SBX-AC1200P will wake from Sleep Mode as soon as there is network traffic again.
Chapter 3: Installing the Network Extender
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Connectors and Controls
The Network Extender has the following connectors and controls:
1. Ethernet: used to connect the Network Extender with a client device such as a computer,
printer, gaming console, router, and so on.
2. G.hn Secure Pairing button: Initiates secure pairing.
Note: If you hold the Pairing button for more than five seconds, the Network Extender
resets its pairing defaults (that is, it loses its connection to any paired devices).
3. Reset button: resets the Network Extender as if you power cycled the unit. Use a pointed
non-metallic object to press this button and hold this button for more than three seconds.
Note: If you hold the Reset button for more than ten seconds, the Network Extender
will be reset to the factory default settings and will reboot.
Pairing and Installing the Network Extender
In order to use Gigabit home networking (G.hn) home networking, 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 pair the devices with each other. Pairing the
devices creates a secure connection between two or more G.hn devices on a power grid.
Pairing also allows you to help secure your local area network (LAN) by randomizing your
Chapter 3: Installing the Network Extender
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domain name and password. Once your devices are paired, they will only be able to connect
to other paired devices. We recommend that you 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 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 until all of the LEDs become solid.
2. Press the Pairing button on either device. Hold the button for about two seconds but less
than five seconds. The Pairing LED flashes red.
3. Press the Pairing button on the second device. Hold the button for about two seconds but
less than five seconds. The Pairing LED flashes red.
• When the devices begin communicating with each other, the Pairing LEDs will begin to
flash green.
• When the Pairing LEDs stop flashing and become 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 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: 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 10 seconds. Then, test your connection in
non-secure mode before trying to pair again.
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Chapter 4
Managing Your Network Extender
Use the SBX-AC1200P to view and monitor the configuration settings and operational status of
your SBX-AC1200P. 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 SBX-AC1200P devices 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
In order to use the Ethernet port on your SBX-AC1200P 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 or Windows 8
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:
• For IP address, enter 192.168.100.253.
• For Subnet mask, 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.
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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Setting Up a Static IP Address in Windows Vista
1. Click the Start menu, then right click on Network and select Properties.
2. Click Manage network connections from the left-side menu.
3. 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.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
5. Click Use the following IP address and enter the following values:
• For IP address, enter 192.168.100.253.
• For Subnet mask, enter 255.255.255.0.
6. 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.
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-AC1200P 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.
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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2. Open a browser window on your computer and navigate to http://192.168.100.254. The
login screen appears.
3. Type your password in the Password field and click Apply.
Note: Your default password is password, and it is case-sensitive. We strongly recommend
that you change the login password to prevent unauthorized access. See Changing the Login
Password (page 26) for more information.
View the Network Extender Product Information
The Status - Device screen provides product information, including the serial number, MAC
address, and firmware version.
To open the Status Device screen, click Status from the configuration screen.
View the Network Extender Network Settings
You can use the Basic - IP screen to view and change the IP address assigned to this device.
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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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-AC1200P 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.
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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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-AC1200P 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-AC1200P Network Extender:
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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1. Click Basic from the configuration screen and select FW Upgrade from the drop-down
menu.
2. Click Browse to locate the new firmware file.
3. Select the new firmware file and click Open.
4. Click Apply to load the new firmware onto your SBX-AC1200P Network Extender.
Restart Your Network Extender
At some point during operation, you may have to restart or reboot your SBX-AC1200P. This
will not affect your configuration settings.
There are two methods for restarting your Network Extender:
Restart the Network Extender Using the Reset Button (page 21)
Restart the Network Extender Using the Network Extender Web Manager (page 21)
Restart the Network Extender Using the Reset Button
1. Insert a pointed, non-metallic object into the indented Reset button on the bottom of the
SBX-AC1200P. See Connectors and Controls (page 14) for more information.
2. Press the button and release in less than five seconds.
WARNING: Be sure that you release the button in less than five seconds. If you hold the
button for more than 10 seconds, the SBX-AC1200P resets and restores all of its factory
default settings.
Restart the Network Extender Using the Network Extender
Web Manager
To restart your Network Extender:
1. Click Advanced from the configuration screen and select Configuration.
2. Click Reboot from the Device Reboot section of the screen.
Chapter 4: Managing Your Network Extender
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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-AC1200P configuration settings, including your
password, back to the default factory settings. There are two methods for resetting the
configuration on the SBX-AC1200P:
Reset the Network Extender Using the Reset Button (page 22)
Reset the Network Extender Using the Network Extender Web Manager (page 22)
WARNING! 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
WARNING: This procedure will delete your current configuration settings (including your login
password) and restore the configuration back to the factory default settings.
1. Insert a pointed, non-metallic object into the indented Reset button on the bottom of the
SBX-AC1200P. See Connectors and Controls (page 14) 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
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.
3. Follow the prompts on the screen to reset your Network Extender. Do not power off the
Network Extender while it is resetting. The Network Extender will automatically reboot
when the reset is complete.
4. Log back in using the default password (password).
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Exit the SBX-AC1200P Web Manager
To log out and close the SBX-AC1200P Web Manager:
Click Logout located in the upper right corner of the screen above the SBX-AC1200P Main
Menu.
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Chapter 5
Protecting and Monitoring Your Network
Setting Up Custom Security
The SURFboard SBX-AC1200P 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.
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 RipCurrent until the device is
paired, and the Pairing Password is blank. After the device is paired, 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.
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.
Important: 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).
Follow these steps to define custom security values:
1. Plug in both devices in a location where you can see and easily access both devices.
Power up both devices and wait until all of the LEDs become solid.
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2. Use the enclosed Ethernet cable to connect to the Ethernet port on the bottom of the first
device. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port.
3. Open a browser window on your computer and navigate to http://192.168.100.254.
4. Type your password in the Password field and click Apply.
5. Click the RipCurrent tab.
6. On the Basic - RipCurrent screen, enter the Domain Name and Pairing Password that you
want to assign to this device. Then click Apply.
Important: Make note of the Domain Name and Pairing Password values that you use. You
will need to enter these values again for every device that you add to this network.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 with the second device and any additional devices that you may
have. Be sure to enter the same Domain Name and Network Password values that you
entered for the first device.
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.
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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 SBX-AC1200P devices 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.
Note: Passwords are case-sensitive. Valid characters are the numbers 0 to 9, the letters a
through z (both upper and lower case), and printable special characters (such as $, !, ?, &,
#, @, and others.)
4. Click Apply.
5. Record the new password here: ______________________________
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