Charter Communications Cable Modem Lights
External cable modems have front panel indicator lights that show the status of the cable Internet connection. The exact labels for these lights will vary between manufacturers, but all external cable modems have lights that indicate similar information. During installation you’ll need to use the information provided by these indications.
One light indicates when power is available and the modem is turned on. Another light indicates a connection (block sync or synchronization) with the cable network. One light will indicate a working connection to your PC. Another light (or two) will flash to indicate that data is being transferred—if there are two such lights, one light flashes when your modem sends data and the other flashes when your modem receives data. Some modems have a test light or one that indicates a modem error.
Plug your cable modem into a surge-protected 110-volt power strip. The cable modem must always be in an open, well-ventilated area. Do not put the cable modem in a confined space or place books, files or other desktop paraphernalia on or next to it.
After the completion of each installation step, you must check the modem lights for the proper indications (click here for a troubleshooting table of typical light indications). If, after any one of these steps, you don’t get the proper indication, do not proceed any further. Contact Charter Communications High Speed Internet Customer Support.
Now proceed to the appropriate section for the type of cable modem connection you will use: Ethernet card (below), or USB adapter.
Cable Modem Installation Ethernet
These instructions assume that your computer has a working Ethernet port. If not, then refer to the Ethernet Connection section.
1. Begin installation by connecting the cable drop to the back of the cable modem.
2. Attach one end of the power adapter into the power input on the modem. The other end plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet.
3. Powering up the cable modem could take longer the first time (from 2 to 10 minutes) than on successive occasions because it must establish its initial connection (block sync or synchronization) to Charter Communications High Speed Internet.
4. Connect one end of a standard network cable into the Ethernet port of the NIC that is installed in your computer. The Ethernet port looks like a large telephone jack.
5. Insert the other end of the network cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the cable modem.
Once the modem has established its connection to Charter Communications High Speed Internet, you will usually have three lights on (power, cable and computer connection) showing that high-speed cable Internet access is available to your computer. If not, click here for cable modem troubleshooting. Next you’ll install the Charter Communications High Speed Internet software and your computer will be ready to go.
Cable Modem Installation - USB
These instructions assume that your computer has a working USB port and that you have an approved USB-Ethernet adapter. If not, then refer to Universal Serial Bus Connection.
1. Begin installation by connecting the cable drop to the cable terminal on the back of the cable modem.
2. Attach one end of the power adapter into the power input on the modem. The other end plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet.
3. Powering up the cable modem could take longer the first time (from 2 to 10 minutes) than on successive occasions because it must establish its initial connection (block sync or synchronization) to Charter Communications High Speed Internet.
4. NOTE: Turn on your computer, make sure it’s operating properly, then verify that the USB drivers provided support your operating system.
5. Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on the back of the modem.
6. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the USB port on your computer.
7. Insert the USB Drive CD when prompted by the operating system and follow the on-screen instructions as the CD runs.
Once the modem has established its connection to Charter Communications High Speed Internet, you will usually have three lights on (power, cable and computer connection) showing that high-speed cable Internet access is available to your computer. If not, click here for cable modem troubleshooting. Next you’ll install the Charter Communications High Speed Internet software and your computer will be ready to go.
Applies to
* Charter Communications High Speed Internet Personal Webspace.
* Cable Modem overview.
* Provides resources for USB, Ethernet, and Remote Dail Access