Windows TCP/IP Configuration for ARRIS Cable Modems

NOTE 1: This document applies to Microsoft Windows operating systems. 
NOTE 2: For Macintosh or UNIX instructions, refer to the user manual.

The ARRIS cable modem contains all required software.  The cable modem does not need to be configured, but the computer's TCP/IP (a protocol for communication between computers) must be configured to obtain IP address automatically.  By default, TCP/IP is set to obtain IP address automatically in all computers with Microsoft Windows operating system.  In an event that the TCP/IP has been changed, refer to these steps to insure that the computer's TCP/IP is setup properly to connect to the ARRIS cable modem. 

This document includes the following sections:

• Configuring TCP/IP
• Verifying IP Address
• Renewing IP Address

Configuring TCP/IP

The following sections describe configuring TCP/IP on the Windows operating system (OS) to establish connection to the ARRIS cable modems.  The procedure differs depending on the operating system of the computer.  Refer to the process for the operating system below. 

• Configuring TCP/IP in Windows Vista or Windows 7
• Configuring TCP/IP in Windows XP
• Configuring TCP/IP in Windows 2000

Configuring TCP/IP in Windows Vista or Windows 7

1. Click the Start (Windows logo) button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click on Control Panel.
   
   
    
3. Click on Network and Internet.
   
   
    
4. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
   
   
    
5. Underneath the View your active networks section;
   a.   Find the network that includes Local Area Connection (as shown below).
   b.   Click the Local Area Connection link.
   
   
    
6. Click the Properties button.
   
   
    
7. In the Local Area Connection Properties window;
   a.   Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).  Make sure that the checkbox to the left is checked.
   b.   Click on Properties.
   
   
    
8. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window;
   a.   Select Obtain an IP address automatically.
   b.   Select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
   c.   Click the OK button. 
   
   
    
9. Click the Close button on the bottom of the Local Area Connection Properties box.
   
   NOTE: This step is required for changes to take effect.
   
   
    
10. After the TCP/IP configuration is completed, go to Verifying IP Address in Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Configuring TCP/IP in Windows XP

1. On the Windows desktop, click Start to display the Start window shown at left.
2. Click on Control Panel. 
   
   NOTE: The display varies, depending on the Windows XP view options.  If the display is a Category view as shown below, continue with step 3.  Otherwise, skip to step 5.
   
   
    
3. If the display is category view similar to the image below, click on Network and Internet Connections.
   
   
    
4. In the Network and Internet Connections window, click on Network Connections.  Skip to step 6.
   
   
    
5. If the display is classic view similar to the image below, click on Network Connections.
   
   
    
6. In the Network Connections window;
   a.   Right-click on Local Area connection.
   b.   Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
   
   NOTE: If more than one connection is displayed, choose the network adapter (Ethernet or USB) that is connected to the cable modem.
   
   
    
7. In the Local Area Connection Properties window;
   a.   Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).  Make sure that the check box to the left is checked.
   b.   Click the Properties button.
   
   
    
8. In the General tab of the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window;
   a.   Check the Obtain an IP address automatically option.
   b.   Check the Obtain DNS server address automatically option. 
   c.   Click the OK button.
   
   
    
9. Click the OK button to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
   
   NOTE: This step is required for changes to take effect.
   
   
    
10. After the TCP/IP configuration is completed, go to Verifying IP Address in Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Configuring TCP/IP in Windows 2000

1. Click the Start button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click on Settings and select Control Panel from the pop-up menus.
3. Double-click on Network and Dial-up Connections.
4. Double-click on Local Area Connection in the Network and Dial-up Connections window. 
   
   NOTE: The Local Area Connection adapter varies from system to system.
   
   
    
5. Click the Properties button.  
6. Verify that the Internet Protocol TCP/IP is listed in the Local Area Connection Properties window.  If the Internet Protocol TCP/IP is in list, the network adapter is installed on the machine.  Skip to step 9.
   
   NOTE: If the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not listed, click the Install button to install.  Continue to step 7.
   
   
    
7. In the Select Network Component Type window;
   a.   Select Protocol. 
   b.   Click the Add button. 
    
8. In the Select Network Protocol window;
   a.   Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
   b.   Click the OK button. 
   
   
    
9. In the Local Area Connection Properties window;
   a.   Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).  Make sure that the check box to the left is checked.
   b.   Click the Properties button. 
    
10. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window;
    a.   Check the Obtain an IP address automatically option.
    b.   Check the Obtain DNS server address automatically option. 
    c.   Click the OK button.
    
    
     
11. Click the Close button to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
12. Click OK when prompted to restart the computer and click OK again.
    
    NOTE: This step is required for changes to take effect.
     

Verifying IP Address

The following sections describe verifying an IP Address on the Windows operating system.  The procedure differs depending on the operating system of the computer.  Refer to the process for the operating system below.

• Verifying IP Address in Windows Vista or Windows 7
• Verifying IP Address in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

Verifying IP Address in Windows Vista or Windows 7

1. Click the Start (Windows logo) button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click the All Programs link.
   
   
    
3. Click on Accessories.
   
   
    
4. Click on Command Prompt.  The Command Prompt window appears.
   
   
    
5. Type ipconfig and press the Enter key in the Command Prompt windows. 
   
   
    
6. Verify the IPv4 address underneath the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection section.
   
   NOTE 1: If an Autoconfiguration IP Address, starting with 169.254.x.x is displayed, there is an incorrect connection between the computer and the cable modem or there are cable network problems.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Ethernet or USB cable connections.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   
   NOTE 2: If a private IP Address, starting with 192.168.x.x is displayed, the connection between the computer and the cable modem is successful but there's an incorrect connection between the cable modem and the cable network provider.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Coaxial cable connection on the cable modem.
   • Check if the cable-TV channels on the television is working.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.

   

7. Type exit and press the Enter key to return to Windows.

Verifying IP Address in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

1. Click the Start button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click on Run.  The Run window appears.
3. In the Run window;
   a.   Type cmd.
   b.   Click the OK button.  The Command Prompt window appears. 
    
4. In the Command Prompt window;
   a.   Type ipconfig.
   b.   Press the Enter key to display the IP address. 
   c.   Verify the IP address underneath the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection.
   
   NOTE 1: If an Autoconfiguration IP Address, starting with 169.254.x.x is displayed, there is an incorrect connection between the computer and the cable modem or there are cable network problems.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Ethernet or USB cable connections.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   
   NOTE 2: If a private IP Address, starting with 192.168.x.x is displayed, the connection between the computer and the cable modem is successful but there's an incorrect connection between the cable modem and the cable network provider.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Coaxial cable connection on the cable modem.
   • Check if the cable-TV channels on the television are working.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.

   

Renewing IP Address

In some cases, renewing the IP address may help establish connection to the cable modem or the Internet.  The following sections describe renewing the IP address on the Windows operating system to establish connection to the SURFBoard cable modems.  The procedure differs depending on the operating system of the computer.  Refer to the process for the operating system below. 

• Renewing IP Address in Windows 7 or Windows Vista
• Renewing IP Address in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

Renewing IP Address in Windows Vista or Windows 7

1. Click the Start (Windows logo) button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click the All Programs link.
   
   
    
3. Click on Accessories.
   
   
    
4. Click on Command Prompt.  The Command Prompt window appears.
5. In the Command Prompt window;
   a.   Type ipconfig /renew.
   b.   Press the Enter key to renew the IP address.
   c.   Verify the IPv4 address underneath the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection section.
   
   NOTE 1: If an Autoconfiguration IP Address, starting with 169.254.x.x is displayed, there is an incorrect connection between the computer and the cable modem or there are cable network problems.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Ethernet or USB cable connections.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   • Contact the computer manufacture for assistance if the computer cannot obtain a valid IP address after performing this procedure.
   
   NOTE 2: If a private IP Address, starting with 192.168.x.x is displayed, the connection between the computer and the cable modem is successful but there's an incorrect connection between the cable modem and the cable network provider.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Coaxial cable connection on the cable modem.
   • Check if the cable-TV channels on the television are working.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   • Contact the cable service provider for assistance if the computer cannot access the Internet after performing this procedure.

   

Renewing IP Address in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

1. Click the Start button on the bottom left side of the screen.
2. Click on Run.  The Run window appears.
3. In the Run window;
   a.   Type cmd.
   b.   Click the OK button.  The Command Prompt window appears. 
    
4. In the Command Prompt window;
   a.   Type ipconfig /renew.
   b.   Press the Enter key to renew the IP address.
   c.   Verify the IP Address underneath the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection section.
   
   NOTE 1: If an Autoconfiguration IP Address, starting with 169.254.x.x is displayed, there is an incorrect connection between the computer and the cable modem or there are cable network problems.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Ethernet or USB cable connections.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   • Contact the computer manufacture for assistance if the computer cannot obtain a valid IP address after performing this procedure.
   
   NOTE 2: If a private IP Address, starting with 192.168.x.x is displayed, the connection between the computer and the cable modem is successful but there's an incorrect connection between the cable modem and the cable network provider.  To resolve the connection issue:
   • Check the Coaxial cable connection on the cable modem.
   • Check if the cable-TV channels on the television are working.
   • After verifying the cable connections and proper cable-TV operation, renew the IP address.
   • Contact the cable service provider for assistance if the computer cannot access the Internet after performing this procedure.