Introduction of ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem provides significantly higher downstream (send) and upstream (receive) Internet connection speeds over the broadband connection on your home or small business network. You use your SB8200 to directly connect a computer or router to your LAN through an Ethernet connection. 
This guide provides instructions for installing and setting up your SB8200 to get it connected on your home or small business network, and also for viewing the operational status and network configuration settings of your SB8200. 

In the Box 

Before installing your SB8200, check that the following items are included in the box. If any items are missing, please call ARRIS Customer Support at 1-877-466-8646 for assistance. 
Table 1. SB8200 Package Contents 

Item		Description
SB8200 Cable Modem		High-speed DOCSIS3.1 cable modem
Power Supply		Power cord for an electrical wall outlet connection
Ethernet Cable		Standard Category 5 (CAT5e)or higher network cable

Software License & Regulatory Card		Contains safety and regulatory information, software license, and warranty for the cable modem
Support Information Card		Provides contact information for obtaining technical support assistance with any issues you may have with your SURF board device
SB8200 Quick Start Guide		Provides basic instructions for installing the cable modem and setting up your network connection

Additional Item(s) Needed (Not Included) 

The following item is not included in the box and must be purchased separately, if needed. 

• Coaxial (coax) cable, if one is not already connected to a cable wall outlet

System Requirements 

• High-speed Internet access account
• Web browser access – Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
• Compatible operating systems:
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • 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 your SB8200.

• Macintosh 10.4 or higher
• UNIX
• Linux

Cable Modem Specifications

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem boasts the following key features:

• DOCSIS 3.1 technology for faster internet speeds
• 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
• Up to 2 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload speeds
• Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections
• Compatible with most major cable internet providers
• LED indicators for power, downstream, upstream, online, and LAN status
• Dimensions of 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches and weight of 1.1 pounds
• 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet ports
• Supports IPv4 and IPv6 internet protocols
• Two-year warranty

ARRIS SURFboard Product Overview 

Front Panel 

Table 2. SB8200 Front Panel LED Icons 

Blue: Indicates DOCSIS 3.1 operation (high-speed Internet access) which may not be available in all locations. Check with your service provider for availability in your area.

Rear Panel 

Table 3. SB8200 Rear Panel Ports & Connectors 

Cable Modem Label 

The cable modem label is located on the bottom of your SB8200. It contains specific cable modem ID that you may need when contacting your service provider or ARRIS Technical Support for assistance. 

To receive Internet service, you will have to contact your service provider for assistance. You may have to provide the following information listed on the cable modem label: 

• Model name (SB8200)
• Serial number (S/N)
• MAC address (HFC MAC ID)

Installing the Cable Modem 

Caution: 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. 

Connect the SB8200 to Your Computer 

Before installing your SB8200

• Check with your service provider to ensure broadband cable service is available in your area.
• Choose a location in your home where your computer and cable modem are preferably near existing cable and electrical wall outlets.

1. Check that a coaxial cable is already connected to a cable wall outlet or RF splitter (not included).
2. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the Cable connector on the rear of your SB8200. Use your hand to tighten the connectors to avoid damaging them.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable to either Ethernet port on the rear of your SB8200.
4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your computer.
5. Connect the power cord to the Power port on the rear of your SB8200.
6. Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical wall outlet that is not controlled by a wall switch.

Note: This automatically powers ON your SB8200. There may be up to a 15 second delay for the Power LED on the SB8200 front panel to light up after the power is connected. 

Establish an Internet Connection 

Although your computer may already be configured to automatically access the Internet, you should still perform the following cable modem connectivity test to check that your devices were connected properly: 

1. Power ON the computer connected to your SB8200, if it is turned off, and then log in.
2. Contact your service provider to activate (provision) your SB8200. You may have to provide the HFC MAC ID listed on the cable modem label.
   Note: Your service provider may allow for automatic activation which will automatically launch their special website when you open a web browser. 
3. After your SB8200 is provisioned (or activated), open a web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on the computer.
4. Type a valid URL (such as www.surfboard.com) in the Address bar and then press Enter. The ARRIS SURF board website should open. If it fails to open, please contact your service provider for assistance.
5. Check that the Power, Receive, Send, and Online front panel LEDs on your SB8200 light up in sequential order. See Front Panel for additional LED status information.
   • If all four LEDs did not light up Solid and you are not connected to the Internet, you may have to contact your service provider to reactivate your SB8200 or check for possible signal issues.
   • If you still cannot connect to the Internet, your SB8200 may be defective. Please contact ARRIS Technical Support at 1-877-466-8646 for assistance.

Using the Cable Modem Web Manager 

The SB8200 Web Manager is available to view and monitor the SB8200 operational status and network configuration settings.  

Start the SB8200 Web Manager 

1. Open any Web browser on the computer connected to your SB8200.
2. Type the default LAN IP address, 192.168.100.1, in the Address bar.

3. Press Enter.

   

The SB8200 Status screen displays.

SB8200 Web Manager Screen Options 

Menu Buttons and Links 

You can use the web manager buttons or links to view the status and network configuration screens for your SB8200. 

• The SB8200 menu buttons are displayed along the top of the SB8200 Web Manager screen. To display a specific web manager screen, click the menu button.

  

• The SB8200 menu links are displayed along the bottom of the SB8200 Web Manager screen. To display a specific web manager screen, click the menu link.

  

Table 4. SB8200 Web Manager Screen Options

Get Help 

The Help Pages screen provides a brief description for each web manager screen. 

• Click the Help menu button or link on the SB8200 Web Manager screen to open the SB8200 Help Pages screen.

  

Exit the SB8200 Web Manager 

To exit the SB8200 Web Manager:  
Click  (Close button) in the upper right corner of the web browser window. 

Monitoring Your Cable Modem and Connected Network 

Note: You may notice that some of the SB8200 Web Manager configuration settings may be blocked and cannot be modified. This may be due to some restrictions set up by your service provider for security reasons and also to prevent unauthorized modifications to certain cable modem configuration parameters. Contact your service provider to obtain special authorization to change the cable modem frequencies or other configuration settings. 

View the Cable Modem Product Information 

The SB8200 Product Information screen displays the hardware and firmware versions, MAC address, serial number, and operation status for your SB8200. 
To open the Product Information screen

1. Open the SB8200 Web Manager
2. Click the Product Information menu button or link on the SB8200 Web Manager screen.
3. Press F5 to refresh or update the information on the screen.

View the Cable Modem Network Connection Status 

The SB8200 Status screen displays the current connection status of your SB8200 and the downstream and upstream bonded channel connections for receive and send data transmissions. Help is available to resolve any connection issues that resulted in a “failed” state during the cable modem startup.  

To open the Status screen

1. Open the SB8200 Web Manager
2. Click the Status menu button or link on the SB8200 Web Manager screen. The Status screen displays (see Figures 10 and 11).

3. Press F5 to refresh or update the information on the screen.

   

   

View the Cable Modem Event Log 

The SB8200 generates a running log of the time and events or activities that it detects during the cable modem operation. 

Note: This information may be useful to help diagnose and correct any problems that may occur with your cable modem. You may want to provide this information if you have to contact ARRIS Technical Support or your service provider for assistance. 

To open the Event Log screen

1. Open the SB8200 Web Manager.
2. Click the Event Log menu button or link on the SB8200 Web Manager screen.

3. Press F5 to refresh or update the information on the screen.

   

View the Cable Modem Configuration Settings 

The SB8200 Cable Modem Configuration screen displays the downstream and upstream connection to the network. When your SB8200 successfully connects to the network, it stores the connection frequency to automatically connect whenever you have to log in to your SB8200.  
To open the Configuration screen

1. Open the SB8200 Web Manager (see Start the SB8200 Web Manager).

2. Click the Configuration menu tab or link on the SB8200 Web Manager screen.

   

Note: The configuration settings on the SB8200 Configuration screen are read-only and cannot be modified. You will have to contact your service provider to obtain special authorization to change the cable modem frequencies and other configuration settings on your SB8200. 

Reset the Cable Modem Configuration Settings 

You can restore the factory default configuration settings on your SB8200. This process will delete the current SB8200 configuration settings and take approximately five to 30 minutes to complete. Your network connection will remain disabled until after the SB8200 configuration settings are restored. 

WARNING! This process will delete the current SB8200 configuration and replace it with the factory default settings. 

To restore the factory default settings on your SB8200: 

1. Insert the end of a paper clip or other small object with a narrow tip into the Reset opening on the back of your SB8200.
2. Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds or until the front panel LEDs flash.
3. Remove the paper clip or small object from the Reset opening.

Reboot the Cable Modem 

To restart your SB8200

1. Insert the end of a paper clip or other small object with a narrow tip into the Reset opening on the back of your SB8200.
2. Press and hold the indented Reset button for three to four seconds only, and then release.

WARNING! If you press the Reset button for more than seven seconds, the cable modem configuration settings will be reset to the factory default settings. 

Exit the SB8200 Web Manager 

To exit the SB8200 Web Manager
Click  (Close button) in the upper right corner of the web browser window. 

Front Panel LED Icons and Error Conditions

The SB8200 front panel LED icons provide status information for the following error conditions:

Table 6. Front Panel LED Icons and Error Conditions

Description of ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem is a high-performance device designed for cable internet plans up to 2 Gbps. Its DOCSIS 3.1 technology ensures fast and reliable internet speeds for heavy-duty streaming, gaming, and browsing. The modem's 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels provide ample bandwidth for multiple devices, making it an ideal solution for large households or small businesses. The SB8200's two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports allow for wired connections to computers, gaming consoles, or other devices, ensuring fast and stable connections. Its compact design and LED indicators make it easy to install and monitor, while its compatibility with most major cable internet providers makes it a versatile solution for long-term internet needs.

Setup Guide

To set up the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem, follow these steps:

1. Connect the modem to a power source and turn it on.
2. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the modem and the other end to a cable outlet.
3. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the modem and the other end to a computer or router.
4. Visit the website of your cable internet provider and follow their instructions for activating the modem.
5. Check the LED indicators to ensure that the modem is connected and online.

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Troubleshooting 

If the solutions listed in the Troubleshooting Solutions table below do not solve your problem, please contact your service provider for assistance. Your service provider may ask for the status of the SB8200 front panel LEDs (see Front Panel LED Icons and Error Conditions) for more information). You may have to reset the SB8200 configuration to the default factory settings if your SB8200 is not functioning properly. See Reset the Cable Modem Configuration Settings for more information.

Solutions

Table 5. Troubleshooting Solutions

ARRIS Warranty

This Warranty to you, the original end user customer, continues (A) for Software and the media upon which it is provided, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from ARRIS or an authorized ARRIS reseller, and (B) for the Product (excluding Software), for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase from ARRIS or from an authorized ARRIS reseller.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-performance DOCSIS 3.1 technology
• 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
• Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections
• Compatible with most major cable internet providers
• LED indicators for easy monitoring

Cons

• May be overkill for basic internet plans
• No built-in Wi-Fi router
• Some users may find the setup process complicated
• May not be compatible with some cable internet providers

Customer Reviews about ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

Customers have praised the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem for its fast and reliable internet speeds, easy setup process, and compatibility with most major cable internet providers. However, some users have expressed disappointment with the modem's lack of a built-in Wi-Fi router and compatibility issues with some cable internet providers. Overall, the SB8200 has received positive reviews from customers seeking a high-performance modem for cable internet plans up to 2 Gbps.