Ericsson HM200c/HM201c manual Operational States, Power-Up, Initialization, and Normal Operation

PipeRider® Cable Modem User's Guide HM200c/HM201c

Operational States

There are a number of different operational states that the PipeRider cable modem may pass through. Each of these states and its associated LEDs are described below.

Power-Up, Initialization, and Normal Operation

In the Power-up Diagnostics state, the cable modem executes diagnostics to verify the integrity of the hardware and software. This state is entered when the modem is first powered up, after a power cycle, or after a user reset. When power-up diagnostics begin, all of the LEDs turn ON briefly. This allows you to verify that all LEDs are functioning properly. The Power LED remains ON and the remaining LEDs remain OFF while the diagnostics routine completes.

During the Initialization state, the cable modem performs all the steps necessary to register with the system, including finding a downstream channel, downloading the configuration file, downloading new software if necessary, registering with the service provider, and completing Baseline Privacy initialization. This state is entered when the Power-up Diagnostics state successfully completes, when a command to update software is received, or when the downstream channel is lost. Each LED flashes during the progression of its associated initialization stage. When the stage is complete, the LED remains lit. Note: Pressing the PipeLock button during Initialization does not change the PipeLock status.

Some service providers use an alternate operating code for the cable modems on their system. This alternate code results in an initialization LED sequence that differs from that described above. If your modem is running with this code, the initialization LED sequence will appear as follows: The Cable Link LED will flash slowly, and the Computer Link LED will be ON and will blink periodically.

The Normal Operation state is entered when the cable modem completes the initialization process and is ready to begin sending and receiving data. This is the normal state of operation for the modem. During this state, the Cable Link and Computer Link LEDs are normally ON, and blink when there is activity on the respective link.

PipeLock Mode

When PipeLock is enabled, it blocks communication between your computer and your service provider, thus preventing outsiders from accessing information on your computer. For more details, refer to the PipeLock page.

The PipeLock LED remains ON when the PipeLock feature is enabled. The LED is OFF when PipeLock is disabled.

Access Restricted

When in the Access Restricted state, the cable modem will complete Initialization and respond to Management traffic, but it will not allow data transfer between your computer and your service provider. This is an indication that the service provider is not allowing your cable modem on the system. When the LEDs indicate an Access Restricted state, you should contact your service provider.

During this state, the Cable Link LED flashes slowly. The Computer Link LED is normally ON, and blinks when there is activity.

Fatal Errors

The Fatal Error state is entered when an unrecoverable error, such as a hardware or checksum failure, is encountered. When the LEDs indicate a fatal error, you should power the cable modem off and on by unplugging the modem, waiting a minute, and then plugging it back in. The modem will restart with power-up diagnostics. If the error is still present, contact your Service Provider.

Whenever the Power LED is flashing slowly, this is an indication of a fatal error. Depending upon the error type, one or more of the other LEDs will also flash slowly, in unison with the power LED.