SB6121: First Time Installation

What is the installation process for my SB6121 Cable Modem?

This document describes the basic installation process for the SB6121 cable modem.

Before Installation

Before beginning the installation, check that the following items were included with the SB6121 cable modem:

• Power Supply
• Software License & Regulatory Card
• Install Sheet

Additional Item Needed (Not Included)

• Coaxial (coax) cable, if one is not already connected to a cable wall outlet.
• RF splitter (for additional coaxial cable connections, such as a set-top box or Smart TV)
• Ethernet cable for each additional Ethernet-enabled device

System Requirements

• High-speed Internet access account
• Web browser access - Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
• Compatible operating systems:
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8, 8.1
  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
    
    NOTE: Although older versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems are no longer specifically supported, they should still function with the SB6121 cable modem.
     
  • Macintosh 10.4 and higher
  • UNIX
  • Linux

Install the SB6121

1. Connect the coaxial cable to a cable wall outlet (if not connected) and the Cable connector on the rear of the SB6121 cable modem.  Hand-tighten the connectors to avoid damaging them.
    
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the computer or router and to the Ethernet port on the back of the SB6121 cable modem.
   
   NOTE: A typical setup for Internet access consist of connecting one computer or a Wi-Fi router directly to the cable modem.  Connecting a Wi-Fi router to the SB6121 is recommended when there are multiple client devices in the home network.
    
3. Connect the power supply to the Power port on the rear of the SB6121 cable modem and then plug it into an electrical wall outlet that is not controlled by a wall switch.
   
   NOTE: This automatically powers ON the SB6121 cable modem.
   
   
    
4. Check for the solid LED on the front panel of the SB6121 cable modem.  The LED will flash during the initial startup. 
   
   
    

   LED Icon	Blinking	On (Solid)
   	Not applicable - icon does not blink.	Green: Power is properly connected.
   	Scanning for a downstream (receive) channel connection.	Green: Non-bonded downstream channel is connected. Blue*: High-speed Internet connection with bonded downstream channels.
   	Scanning for an upstream (send) channel connection.	Green: Non-bonded upstream channel is connected. Blue*: High-speed Internet connection with bonded upstream channels.
   	Scanning for an Internet connection.	Green: Startup process completed.
   	Transmitting or receiving data on the Ethernet port.	Amber: A computer, hub, or other network device is connected to the Ethernet (10Base-T) or Fast Ethernet (100Base-T) port. Blue*: High-speed Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T) connection is made from the SB6121 to the computer.
   Blue*: icon operation is not available in all location.  The service provider may implement bonded channels for high-speed Internet and Ethernet connections.

5. Power on computer and login. 
    
6. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.  Enter www.surfboard.com into the address box and press the Enter key.  The service provider’s self-activation page may appear to register the SB6121.
   
   NOTE: If the self-activation is unsuccessful, gather the HFC MAC Address labeled as HFC MAC ID and the Serial number (S/N) listed on the bottom label of the modem and contact the service provider to activate the SB6121.