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mAX W30/W31: Fiber Internet Setup

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Question
How do I setup the mAX Router to my existing Fiber Internet Service?
Answer
Verizon Fiber service operates over a fiber-optic communication network.  Some Fiber setups will use an Ethernet cable for data and coaxial cable for video, while others may use the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) protocol for both data and video over a single coaxial cable.  The mAX router replaces the Verizon Fiber Router.  This document contains the following sections:
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

NOTE: When connecting the mAX router in a secured network, the Firewall must allow inbound and outbound ping traffic for the mAX router to onboard successfully.  Please check with the router manufacturer for assistance.

Requirements: 
  • Active Fiber Internet service.
  • Bluetooth enabled on iPhone or Android device (mobile or tablet with Internet access.
  • Power ON only 1 mAX Router during setup.


Verzion Fiber and TV Service Setup Before Onboarding
The following setup on the Fiber ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and the mAX router installation must be performed before onboarding the mAX router with the SURFboard Central mobile app. 

NOTE: To use video streaming services, do not remove the Verizon router.  The mAX router connects to the Verizon router to onboard and clients devices with the Fiber video app must connect to the Verizon router's network for streaming.  Click here to onboard the mAX Router. 
  1. The Fiber ONT Ethernet port is turn OFF by default.  To turn ON the Fiber ONT Ethernet port contact Verizon technical support.  This allows Internet without coaxial in the house. 
  2. Disconnect the existing Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port of the ONT and connect one end of the Ethernet cable included with the mAX router.
  3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port labeled WAN in yellow on the bottom of the mAX router.
  4. Connect the power cord to the mAX router and plug it into an available electrical wall outlet.  Allow 10 seconds for the LED ring to become amber.
  5. Once the mAX router LED starts flashing blue and white, a smartphone should be used to connect via Bluetooth to the mAX.  Click here to onboard the SURFboard Central app. 
  Verizon Fiber Internet Only (No TV) Setup Before Onboarding
Before replacing the Verizon router with the mAX router the WAN IP address must be released from the Verizon router.   The steps below will release the WAN IP address from the Verizon router to be used on the mAX router during onboarding.
  1. Verizon router, login to the router at http://192.168.1.1.  The admin username and password are on the label attached to the router.
  2. Click on the My Network icon at the top.
  3. Click the Network Connections from the menu on the left.
  4. Click the Broadband Connection, then click Settings.
  5. Scroll down and click Release under DHCP Lease.
  6. Click Apply.
  7. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the Verizon router immediately to prevent it from leasing the WAN IP address.
  8. To complete setup, click here to onboard the SURFboard Central app.
 

Onboard the mAX Router

  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. 

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  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 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 are enabled during this instance and will 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.

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    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.

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  4. Tap the box for SURFboard Mesh SURFboard mAX, then tap the Next button.

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  5. Tap the box for mAX Pro AX11000 or mAX Plus AX7800 Router, then tap the Next button.

    NOTE: The mAX Pro AX11000 was selected for the device. 


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  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 10.   


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

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  10. 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.


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  11. Once the code is verified, tap the Next button.

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  12. Tap the Help Me Optimize My Network button.

    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.
     
  13. Tap the Fiber-Based Modem or Gateway + button to expand the card.

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  14. Tap the I Have This Configuration button.

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  15. Tap the Continue button.  

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  16. Tap the Next button.

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  17. Unpack a router, then tap the Next button.

    NOTE: The cable connection steps 18 - 21 can be skipped if connecting the mAX router to the Fiber ONT is performed in the Verizon Fiber and TV Service Setup Before Onboarding section.  Click here to skip the steps for cable connections.

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  18. Unplug the power from the Verizon Gateway.  Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the port labeled WAN in yellow on the bottom of the mAX Router.
     
  19. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Verizon Gateway.  Plug the Verizon Gateway back into the power outlet.
     
  20. Verify the Verizon Gateway Online/Internet LED is solid.  Plug the mAX Router into the power outlet.

    NOTE: The LED ring will change from amber to solid with a quick blue flash when ready to connect to the app.

     
  21. When the LED ring alternates blue and white, tap the Next button. 

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  22. The SURFboard Central app is connecting to the mAX Router.

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  23. The SURFboard Central app has successfully connected to the mAX Router.  Tap the Next button.

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  24. The mAX Router is connecting to the Internet.   

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  25. The mAX Router successfully connected to the Internet.  Tap the Next button.

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  26. The mAX Router is searching for any new updates.  

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  27. The mAX Router is downloading the new firmware found.

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  28. The mAX Router is being updated.

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  29. The SURFboard Central app is connecting to the mAX Router.

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  30. The SURFboard Central app has successfully connected to the mAX Router.  Tap the Next button.

    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.
     
  31. The mAX Router is connecting to the Internet.

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  32. The mAX Router successfully connected to the Internet.  Tap the Next button. 

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  33. The mAX Router is up to date.  Tap the Next button.

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  34. The mAX Router is registering the device to ensure the features stay up to date.

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  35. Enter a wireless network name in the SSID Name field.  The SSID character must be alphanumeric (letters and numbers) between 1 to 32 characters long.
     
  36. Enter a wireless password in the Password field.  The password needs to be 8 to 64 characters long.  Use upper and lower case letter, numbers, and symbols for strength.
     
  37. Tap the Next button.

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  38. The mAX Router is creating the Wi-Fi network.

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  39. Tap the Join button to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

    NOTE: Android devices will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.


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  40. Congratulations, the mAX Router Home network is successfully configured.  Tap the Continue button.

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  41. The Wi-Fi management features are being setup.  Tap the Get Started button.

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  42. A few items moved from the Home screen to the My Network tab, tap the > icon.
     
  43. A new My Experiences tab has been created, tap the > icon.
     
  44. Parental Control and smart devices are managed in the My Experiences tab, tap the That's it icon.

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  45. 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 # 18256 mAX W30/W31: Add Additional mAX Satellite.

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  46. The network is being optimized, tap the OK button.

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

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  47. The mAX Home screen, displays the My Network, My Devices, My Experiences, Network Speed, and Network Health.

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  • If the Fiber Video app is used, do not configure the Verizon gateway in bridged mode.  Client devices that use the Fiber Video app will remain connected the Verizon Gateway Wi-Fi network.  Connect the rest of the client devices to the mAX Wi-Fi network.
  • If the Fiber Video app is not used, configure the Verizon gateway in bridged mode and connect the client devices to the mAX Wi-Fi network.
     

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