Introduction Of ARRIS Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem

The ARRIS Surfboard Cable Voice Modem is a high-speed cable modem designed for use with Xfinity Voice service. This ARRIS Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem is optimized to deliver fast and reliable internet connections for streaming, gaming, and working from home. With its 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels, this modem can provide speeds up to 1 Gbps. The Surfboard T25 is also compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers, such as Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. The estimated price of this modem is around $170 to $200.

Detailed Specifications

The Surfboard Cable Voice Modem has the following key features

• DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 compatible
• 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
• Up to 1 Gbps downstream and 35 Mbps upstream speeds
• Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Xfinity Voice service compatible
• Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers
• LED indicators for power, downstream/upstream activity, online status, and Ethernet ports
• 3-year limited warranty

In the box

Before installing the T25, check that the following items are also included in the box. If any items are missing, please call ARRIS Technical Support at 1-877-466-8646 for assistance.
T25 package contents

Additional item(s) needed (not included)
The following item is not included in the box and must be purchased separately, if required

• 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:

• Windows10
• 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 this model.
• Macintosh 10.4 or higher
• UNIX
• Linux

Product Overview

Front panel

25 front panel LED icons

Indicator lights for the T25
The T25 has LED indicator lights to assist in troubleshooting.
Patterns: normal operation
The following table shows light patterns during normal operation. 
T25 light patterns: normal operation

Patterns: startup sequence
The following tables show the T25 light patterns during each phase of the startup sequence. There are two phases of startup; the telephony phase and the cable modem phase. Both are outlined below.
Telephony startup sequence

Cable modem startup sequence

Rear panel

T25 Rear Panel Ports & Connectors

Backup power
T25 does not include an internal battery option. To obtain backup power for use in the event of a power outage, purchase an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) and plug your T25 to the UPS as a power source.
Note:  Your cable service must be operational for the modem to function. Check for the US/DS and Online LEDs on the front panel. Both LEDs should be lit SOLID white when you power ON the device. If they are not, your cable service is not operational.

Setup of Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem

Setting up the ARRIS Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem is a simple process

1. Connect the modem to a power source and turn it on.
2. Connect the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the modem's cable input.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable from the modem to your computer or router.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

Telephony cable modem label

The telephony cable modem label is located on the bottom of your T25. It contains the voice modem information that you may need when contacting your service provider or ARRIS.
To receive Internet service, contact your service provider for assistance. You may need to provide the following information listed on the label

• Telephony cable modem model name (T25)
• Telephony cable modem MAC address (HFC MAC)
• Telephony cable modem Serial number (S/N)

Installing the T25

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.
Before starting the installation, make sure of the following

• You have all the Additional item(s) needed (not included) (page 11)
• You have Establish an Internet connection (page 19)
• Cable, phone, and power outlets are available near the T25. If a cable outlet is not conveniently located, your service provider can install a new one.
• Broadband cable service is available in your area. To set up a Wi-Fi network, you will need a high-speed Internet connection provided by Comcast.

Install the T25

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 the T25. Use your hand to tighten the connectors to avoid damaging them.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the rear of the T25.
4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port of the device (e.g., laptop, desktop) you will be using to activate your T25 (see Establish an Internet connection (page 19)). You can then use the same Ethernet cable to connect your Wi-Fi Router to the T25.
5. Connect the power cord to the Power port on the rear of the T25.
6. Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical wall outlet that is not controlled by a wall switch.
7. This automatically powers ON and connects your T25. During startup, the Power and US/DS (Upstream/Downstream) LEDs will FLASH and then light up SOLID white.

Note:  During startup, if the LEDs continue to blink, it means the device is receiving a firmware upgrade. This may take 5-10 minutes and the T25 will reboot several times in the process.
Connect your telephone
If you are migrating your current XFINITY service from an existing device, your current phone service and phone number will be transferred to your T25 when the installation is finished. 

1. Connect the telephone cord (not included) to the TEL LINE port on your telephone.
2. Connect the other end of the telephone cord to the TEL 1 port on the rear of the T25.
3. Optional: For a second telephone, connect a telephone cord of a single-line telephone to the TEL 2 port on the rear of the T25.
4. Check to confirm that your telephone has a daily tone.

Note:  For an Alarm System connection with a single telephone line, connect the Alarm Panel to the Tel2 port. If both telephone lines are providing telephony services, use an RJ-31X adapter (not included) on the Tel1 port.

Establish an Internet connection

Once the Power, US/DS, and Internet LEDs are lit SOLID white, you are ready to establish an Internet connection. Activate the T25 with Comcast and provide the Serial Number and the MAC address. You can find the Serial Number and the MAC address on the unit label at the bottom of device or in the Quick Start Guide. If you do not currently have Xfinity service or Xfinity Voice service, contact the Customer Support to establish an account.
If you already have Xfinity service, perform the following

1. Open a web browser on a laptop connected to the T25, or on a mobile device with Internet access.

2. Access the Xfinity Activation web page. If you are connecting via the T25, you may be automatically redirected to the page. If you are not redirected, then type xfinity.com/activate in the browser.

   

   

3. Access the site using your telephone number or your Xfinity account log in credentials.
4. Once completed, check your Internet by browsing a public web page, e.g. surfboard.com
5. Check to confirm that your phone has a dail tone.

The ARRIS SURFboard website or your selected website should open. 

Using the cable modem web manager

Monitor the T25 operational status using the T25 Web Manager.

1. Open a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) on your connected computer or laptop.
2. Type the default LAN IP address, 192.168.100.1 in the Address bar and press Enter

T25 web manager menu links
The T25 main menu links are displayed along the top of the T25 web manager screen. Click on the main menu link to view any of the other available screens.
View the T25 network connection status
Using the T25 web manager, you can view and monitor the following operational status and network configuration settings

• Status screen 
• Event log screen
• HW/FW versions screen 
• Registration status (CM state)

Status screen
The Status Screen shows the current status of the upstream and downstream channels for the T25, including the MAC addresses for various ports.

Event log screen
The Event Log screen includes a list of events that have been detected by your T25, including the date and time of the event, the event ID, and the event level.

HW/FW versions screen
The HW/FW Versions screen includes release and model information for the T25 hardware and firmware. This information includes the serial number for your T25.

Registration status (CM state)
The Registration Status screen shows the current operating status of T25 with regards to DOCSIS and telephony connections.

Managing your telephony cable modem and connected networks

You can also use the T25 web manager to view and monitor the network configuration settings and operational status of your T25.
Reboot and reset the T25
Use the Reset button to reboot (or restart) and reset your T25.

• Reboot (or restart) your T25 using the Reset button
• Reset the T25 configuration using the Reset button 

Reboot (or restart) your T25 using the Reset button

1. Insert the end of a paper clip or other small object with a narrow tip into the Reset opening on the rear of your T25.

2. Press and hold the indented Reset button for three to four seconds only.

   

3. Remove the paper clip or small object from the Reset opening.

Reset the T25 configuration using the Reset button
To reset your T25 configuration back to the factory default settings

1. Insert the end of a paper clip or other small object with a narrow tip into the Reset opening on the rear of your T25.
2. Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds, and then release.
3. Remove the paper clip or small object from the Reset opening.

Exit the T25 web manager
To exit the T25 Web Manager

• Click the Close button in the upper right corner of the web browser window.

Description of ARRIS Surfboard Cable Voice Modem

The Surfboard Cable Voice Modem is a high-performance modem that delivers fast and reliable internet connections for Xfinity Voice service. This modem is designed with DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 compatibility, which allows it to support the latest internet standards and provide faster speeds than previous generations. The Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem has 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels, which enables it to support speeds up to 1 Gbps. This modem also features two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, which allows for fast and efficient data transfer to connected devices. Additionally, the T25 has LED indicators for power, downstream/upstream activity, online status, and Ethernet ports, making it easy to monitor the modem's status and connection.

Front panel LED icons and error conditions

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with the ARRIS Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem, here are some common solutions:

• Check that the modem is properly connected to a power source and the coaxial cable and Ethernet cable are securely plugged in.
• Restart the modem by unplugging it from the power source, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
• Check for any firmware updates by visiting the modem's settings page at http://192.168.100.1 and following the on-screen instructions.
• Contact your cable internet provider for further assistance if the issue persists.

Troubleshooting tips
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 T25 front panel LEDs, see Front panel LED icons and error conditions for more information.

Safety and regulatory information

Read all safety and regulatory information before installing your cable modem and setting up your home network connection.
Important safety instructions

Read This Before You Begin When using your equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following

• Read all of the instructions listed here and/or in the user manual before you operate this device. Give particular attention to all safety precautions. Retain the instructions for future reference.
• This device must be installed and used in strict accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, as described in the user documentation that is included with the device.
• Comply with all warning and caution statements in the instructions. Observe all warning and caution symbols that are affixed to this device.
• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this device to rain or moisture. The device must not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the device.
• This device was qualified under test conditions that included the use of the supplied cables between system components. To ensure regulatory and safety compliance, use only the provided power and interface cables and install them properly.
• Different types of cord sets may be used for connections to the main POWER supply circuit. Use only a main line cord that complies with all applicable device safety requirements of the country of use.
• Installation of this device must be in accordance with national wiring codes and conform to local regulations.
• Operate this device only from the type of power source indicated on the device’s marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company.
• Do not overload outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded electrical outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation, and broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard.
• Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords where they are attached to plugs and convenience receptacles, and examine the point where they exit from the device.
• Place this device in a location that is close enough to an electrical outlet to accommodate the length of the power cord.
• Place the device to allow for easy access when disconnecting the power cord of the device from the electrical wall outlet.
• Do not connect the plug into an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the plug can be fully inserted with no part of the blades exposed.
• Place this device on a stable surface.
• Avoid damaging the device with static by touching the coaxial cable when it is attached to the earth-grounded coaxial cable-TV wall outlet.
• Always first touch the coaxial cable connector on the device when disconnecting or reconnecting the Ethernet cable from the device or user’s PC.
• It is recommended that the customer install an electrical surge protector in the electrical outlet to which this device is connected. This is to avoid damaging the device by local lightning strikes and other electrical surges.
• Postpone installation until there is no risk of thunderstorm or lightning activity in the area.
• Do not use this product near water: for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
• Do not cover the device or block the airflow to the device with any other objects. Keep the device away from excessive heat and humidity and keep the device free from vibration and dust.
• Wipe the device with a clean, dry cloth. Never use cleaning fluid or similar chemicals. Do not spray cleaners directly on the device or use forced air to remove dust.
• For added protection, unplug the device from the wall outlet and disconnect the cables to avoid damage to this device during lightning activity or power surges.
• Upon completion of any service or repairs to this device, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the device is in safe operating condition.
• Do not open the device. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the installation and troubleshooting instructions. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• This device should not be used in an environment that exceeds 104° F (40° C)

Note to CATV System Installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Articles 820.93 and 820.100 of the National Electric Code, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and specifies that the Coaxial cable shield shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Pros & Cons of Cable Voice Modem

Pros

• High-speed internet connection with DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 compatibility
• Xfinity Voice service compatible
• Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast data transfer
• Easy setup process
• 3-year limited warranty

Cons

• May be more expensive than other cable modems on the market
• May not be compatible with some cable internet providers

Customer Reviews of ARRIS Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem

Customers have praised the Surfboard T25 Cable Voice Modem for its fast and reliable internet connection, easy setup process, and sleek design. However, some customers have reported issues with compatibility with certain cable internet providers and the high price point. Overall, the modem has received positive reviews and is recommended for Xfinity Voice service customers who require fast and reliable internet connections.