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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.