Consumers - mAX WC4T: Cable Modem Internet Setup
FAQs

ARRIS Consumer Care

Article

mAX WC4T: Cable Modem Internet Setup

« Go Back

Information

 
Question
How do I setup the mAX Router to my existing Cable Internet service?
Answer
The SURFboard Central app is require to onboard the mAX router during first time installation and to manage the home network.  The mAX router will work with a cable modem to connect to your Internet service.  This document describes how to install the mAX router with a cable modem.  

The SURFboard Central app is available on both App Store and Google Play store at no charge.
 
Before the Installation

Verify that the following items were included with the ARRIS mAX Router.  The mAX Router, power supply and Ethernet cable are necessary to perform the installation. 
  • mAX Mesh Wi-Fi Router
  • Power Adapter
  • Ethernet Cable (Cat 5e or higher)
  • End User License Agreement
Requirements:
  • Cable modem with active Cable Internet Service (For new modems, the serial number and MAC address is required to activate online or with the service provider).
  • Wi-Fi enabled on iPhone or Android device (mobile or tablet) with Internet access.
  • Power ON only 1 mAX Router during setup.

First Time mAX Installation
  1. Access the App Store or Google Play Store to search for SURFboard Central and download the app. 
     
  2. Tap the SURFboard icon then tap the Get Started button.  The mAX notifications pop-up will appear. 

    User-added image
     
  3. It is required to enable Location services in the SURFboard Central app to perform first time setup installation.  The steps and screens in iOS may vary from Android OS.  For more information on the location services or change the Location Service in the mobile device settings, refer to article # 18476 - SURFboard Central: Location Services. 

    For iOS: Tap the Allow While Using the app button and then tap the Continue button. 
    Allow Once -  Location services is enabled during this instance and will be asked again when the app is hard closed and reopened.
    Allow While Using the app - Location services is enabled only when the app is in use.

    User-added image

    For Android: Tap the Continue button.  Tap the Allow button on the access device's location services and access photos, media, and files on your device message prompts.  These permission are mandatory to perform first time setup installation of the mAX router. 

    User-added image User-added image User-added image
     
  4. Tap the box for SURFboard Mesh SURFboard mAX, then tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  5. Tap the box for mAX Dash AC3800, then tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  6. If this is a first time setup tap the Sign Up button.

    NOTE: If the mAX router was factory reset, enter the email address that was used to onboard the mAX router into the Email address field, then tap the Sign In button.  Click here to proceed to step 9.

    User-added image
     
  7. Enter a new email address into the Email address field for the mAX account.  Enter a first name in the First Name field and enter a last name in the Last Name field.
     
  8. Tap the box for I agree to the Terms and Conditions, then tap the Sign Up button.

    User-added image
     
  9. A verification code email will be sent to the email used.  Enter the verification code into the blank field.

    NOTE: Tap the Resend link to resend the verification code email if not received.

    User-added image
     
  10. Once the code is verified, tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  11. Tap the Help Me Optimize My Network button.

    User-added image
     
  12. For this setup there is a Cable modem only.  Tap the Cable Modem Only + button to expand the card.

    User-added image
     
  13. Tap the I Have This Configuration button.

    User-added image
     
  14. Tap the Continue button.

    User-added image
     
  15. Tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  16. Unpack a router, then tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  17. Unplug the power from the cable modem.  Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the yellow Ethernet port labeled WAN on the bottom of the mAX Router.  Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the cable modem.
     
  18. Plug in the power to the cable modem and verify the cable modem Online/Internet LED is solid.  Plug the mAX Router into the power outlet.
     
  19. When the LED ring alternates flashing green and white tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  20. Tap the Next button to connect to a Wi-Fi network without Internet access.

    User-added image
     
  21. The mobile device is connecting to the mAX Router.

    User-added image
     
  22. Tap the Join button.   

    NOTE: It may be required to access the Wi-Fi Setting in the mobile device to connect to the SURFboard-Onboarding Wi-Fi network.

    User-added image
     
  23. The mAX Router successfully connected.  Tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  24. The mAX Router is connecting to the Internet. 

    User-added image
     
  25. The mAX Router successfully connected to the Internet.

    User-added image
     
  26. The mAX Router is searching for new updates.

    User-added image
     
  27. The mAX Router is up to date, tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  28. Enter a wireless network name in the SSID Name field.  The SSID character must be alphanumeric (letters and numbers) between 1 to 32 character long.
     
  29. Enter a wireless password in the Password field.  The password needs to be 8 to 64 character long.  Use upper and lower case letter, number, and symbols for strength.
     
  30. Tap the Next button.

    User-added image
     
  31. The mAX Router is creating the Wi-Fi network.

    User-added image
     
  32. Tap the Join button to connect to the Wi-Fi network. 

    NOTE: It may be required to access the Wi-Fi Setting in the mobile device to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

    User-added image
     
  33. The mAX Router is registering the device to ensure the features stay up to date.

    User-added image
     
  34. Congratulations, the mAX Router Home network is successfully configured.  Tap the Continue button.

    User-added image
     
  35. The Wi-Fi management features are being setup.  Tap the Get Started button.

    User-added image
     
  36. A few items moved from the Home screen to the My Network tab, tap the > icon.
     
  37. A new My Experiences tab has been created, tap the > icon.
     
  38. Parental Control and smart devices are managed in the My Experiences tab, tap the That's it icon.

    User-added image
     
  39. To install the satellite mAX unit, tap the Install Now button or to setup later, tap the Install Later button (e. the Install Later button was tapped). 

    NOTE: To install additional satellite, refer to article # 18871 - mAX WC4T: Add Additional mAX Satellite Setup.

    User-added image
     
  40. The Network is being optimized, tap the OK button. 

    NOTE: The Wi-Fi network connection may be disconnected during this time.  Please reconnect to the Wi-Fi network through settings if not connected.

    User-added image
     
  41. The mAX Home screen, displays the My Network, My Devices, My Experiences, Network Speed, and Network Health.
     
  42. Connect all client devices to the mAX Router.

    User-added image

Feedback

 

Was this article helpful?


   

Your feedback is appreciated.

Characters Remaining: 255

 

Print
-->