3Com OfficeConnect 3CR29210 User manual

http://www.3com.com/
OfficeConnect Cable
Modem External
Getting Started Guide
Part No. 10042862
Published January 2001

3Com Corporation
3800 Golf Rd.
Rolling Meadows, IL
60008
Copyright © 2000 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be
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transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.
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from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such
revision or change.
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particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s)
described in this documentation at any time.
If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a
license agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation,
or on the removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT or !LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to
locate a copy, please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND
If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described
herein are provided to you subject to the following:
All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private
expense. Software is delivered as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS
252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is
provided with only such rights as are provided in 3Com’s standard commercial license for the Software.
Technical data is provided with limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov 1995) or FAR
52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is applicable. You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any
legend provided on any licensed program or documentation contained in, or delivered to you in
conjunction with, this User Guide.
3Com, the 3Com logo, EtherLink, and OfficeConnect are registered trademarks and Connections is a
trademark of 3Com Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they
are associated.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.

CONTENTS
1BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Introduction 1
Conventions 1
Cable Modem Features 1
Contacting Your Local Cable Provider 2
Preparing Your Workspace 4
You Will Need These Items 4
3Com-Supplied Items 4
Customer- and Service Provider-Supplied Items 5
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol 5
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol on a Windows PC 5
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol on a Macintosh 7
2HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Connecting the Cable Modem to Your Computer 11
Ethernet Installation 12
USB Installation 12
Windows 98 Operating System 12
Windows Me Operating System 16
Windows 2000 Operating System 20
Wall-Mount Installation 23
Desktop Installation 24
OfficeConnect Stacking Installation 25
Installing the Cable ConnectionsTM CD-ROM 25
Connection Illustration 26
3CABLE MODEM OPERATION
Cable Modem Operation Overview 27
Interpreting the LEDs on the Front of Your Cable Modem 27
Connectors and Switches on the Back of Your Cable
Modem 29

4TROUBLESHOOTING AND SUPPORT RESOURCES
Troubleshooting 31
I cannot access my e-mail or Internet service. 31
The Cable Status LED never stops blinking. 32
All of the LEDs on the front of my cable modem look right,
but I still cannot access the Internet. 32
The power on my cable modem goes on and off sporadically.
The Cable Modem Status light never stops blinking. 33
Support Resources 33
World Wide Web 33
90-Day Free Installation Support 33
Technical Support Hotline 34
If You Are Still Having Problems 34
If You Need to Return the Cable Modem to 3Com 34
5REGULATORY INFORMATION AND LIMITED WARRANTY
Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity 37
Part 15 37
FCC Class B Statement 37
FCC Notice: Radio and Television Interference 37
Caution to the User 38
Performance Specifications 38
Export Notices 39
License Agreement 39
Industry Canada (IC) 39
UL Listing/CUL Listing 39
Radio and Television Interference 40
VCCI Statement 41
3Com Corporation Limited Warranty 41
Hardware 41
Software 41
Year 2000 Warranty 42
Obtaining Warranty Service 43
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE 43
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 44
Disclaimer 44
Governing Law 45

6MOUNTING TEMPLATE

1BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Introduction
You have just purchased a cable modem featuring a
pioneering new technology, making Internet access
possible at speeds previously only imagined. This external
cable modem is one part of a comprehensive
communications system that uses the cable television
network to deliver high-speed data to your computer. Data
is requested and sent over the cable television network at
up to 38 megabits per second (Mbps). (Actual speeds will
vary depending on your computer hardware, applications,
the service offered by your cable service provider, and
network traffic. This chapter explains how to prepare your
computer system for cable modem installation.
Conventions
This table lists the conventions used in this guide.
Cable Modem Features
Your new cable modem has these features:
■Cable line bandwidth allows user data rates of up to 38
megabits per second (Mbps) downstream,* faster than
56K analog modems, ISDN, or ADSL.
Icon Notice Type Description
Information note Important features or instructions
Caution Information to alert you to potential damage to
a program, system, or device
Warning Information to alert you to potential personal
injury

2CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
■You can use the Ethernet connection and USB
connection at the same time, allowing you to connect
to the Internet using your computer and another
Internet device at the same time.
■Two-way design means that the cable modem sends
and receives data over the cable line (unlike one-way
cable modems, which require an analog modem for
upstream data).
■Plug and Play operation ensures easy set up and
installation.
■DOCSIS-compliance ensures interoperability with
DOCSIS-compliant cable suppliers.
■3Com’s extensive technical support organization
provides you with the quick answers you need to
connect to the Internet.
* NOTE: Please note that the following factors affect the
speeds you may experience: (1) your computer equipment
and configuration, including the speed of your processor,
the amount of RAM on your system, and your available
hard disk space; (2) applications running simultaneously
with the cable modem which use varying amounts of your
computer’s resources; (3) the capacity of the Internet
service you order from your provider; (4) changing network
traffic levels depending when you go online.
Contacting Your Local Cable Provider
To use your cable modem, you first must have your service
provider set up an Internet access account for you. Before
contacting your cable provider to set up an account, have
the following information handy:
■The cable modem’s hardware revision, software
revision, Ethernet address, and USB address are located
on a bar code sticker on the back of the cable modem.
Write these numbers in the following blanks.

Contacting Your Local Cable Provider 3
■Hardware revision: __________________
Software revision: __________________
Manufacturing date: __________________
Ethernet address: __________________
USB address: __________________
Now contact your local cable provider and verify this
information:
1The cable service to your home supports two-way cable
modem access.
If your cable company does not provide two-way service,
this cable modem cannot communicate with your cable
company’s Internet access service. You should immediately
consult your cable company and place of purchase to
determine which 3Com cable modem to use. You can also
visit the following URL for additional information:
http://www.3com.com/cablemodem
2Your cable provider has set up your cable Internet access
account. This Internet access account enables you to send
and receive e-mail, access the World Wide Web, and
receive other Internet services. This account must be set up
before you can use your cable modem.
3You have a cable line near your PC and it has been
prepared for cable modem service. If you do not have a
cable line in your home that supports two-way cable
modem access, or if your current cable connection is not
conveniently located near your computer, your cable
provider can install one. If you use your current cable line
for cable television access, your cable company can also
install an additional line for use with your cable modem.

4CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Preparing Your Workspace
Before installing the cable modem you should prepare your
workspace.
Before installing the modem:
■Position your computer and cable modem so that they
are located near your cable outlet.
■Allow plenty of room to guide the cables away from the
cable modem without crimping them.
■Allow for airflow around the cable modem.
■Do not stack anything on top of the cable modem. (See
the instructions on page 25 concerning stacking this
cable modem with other 3Com OfficeConnect®
products.)
■Verify that the temperature in the roomwhere the cable
modem will be operating is between 0 and 40°C (32
and 104°F). Relative humidity must be between 5% and
95%, non-condensing.
■Familiarize yourself with all of the materials supplied
with the cable modem. Please read these installation
instructions thoroughly before installing the cable
modem.
CAUTION: Your cable provider provides a cable connection.
Do not attempt any rewiring without first contacting your
cable provider.
You Will Need These Items
When you install the cable modem, you will need items
from the following lists.
3Com-Supplied Items
Verify that these items were included in the box containing
your cable modem:
■Cable modem
■Cable modem power supply
■RJ-45 network cable
■USB cable
■Rubber feet

Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol 5
■Cable ConnectionsTM CD-ROM
■This Getting Started Guide
Customer- and Service Provider-Supplied Items
Verify that you have these items available:
■FOR ETHERNET INSTALLATION:
■A PC running Windows®95 operating system (or
later)
■A Macintosh®computer running System 7.5 (or
later)
■A network interface card (NIC) or active Ethernet
port
■FOR USB INSTALLATION:
■A PC running Windows 98 operating system (or
later)
■An active USB port installed in your computer
■TCP/IP protocol installed (see “Configuring the TCP/IP
Protocol”for more information on installing TCP/IP)
■An active two-way cable line
■An adjustable wrench for securing the cable line to the
cable modem
■A screwdriver, drawing pins, and screws (for optional
wall-mounting). The screw heads should be at least
5mm in diameter so that they fit properly in the slot and
fasten the cable modem securely to the wall.
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol
You must have the TCP/IP protocol installed and configured
on your computer so that the cable modem can connect to
your broadband Internet service.
NOTE: If you are using a Macintosh computer, see the
instructions on page 7.
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol on a Windows PC
You need to make sure that either an active Ethernet port,
Ethernet network interface card (NIC), or an active USB
port and the TCP/IP communications protocol are installed
on your system before you install your cable modem.

6CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
To configure TCP/IP on a Windows PC:
1Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon on your
desktop and then click Properties.
2A list of installed network components appears. Look for
the TCP/IP entry. The TCP/IP entry might be followed by an
arrow and a description of the NIC hardware device or USB
network interface installed in your computer. If an entry
similar to this is present, go to step 9.
.
3If a similar TCP/IP entry is not present, click Add...
4Click Protocol, and then click Add...
5Click Microsoft in the Manufacturers: list.
6Click TCP/IP in the Network Protocols: list. Click OK.
7“TCP/IP”appears in the list of available network
components. Click OK.

Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol 7
8Windows asks you if you would like to restart your
computer. Click No.
9Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon on your
desktop.
10 Click Properties in the drop-down menu that appears.
11 Double-click the TCP/IP --> entry in the Configuration
menu.
12 Click the Advanced tab and then make sure the box next to
Set this protocol to be the default protocol. is checked. If it
is not checked, click the box to put a check in it. (If this
option is grayed out, you do not have TCP/IP installed
properly.)
13 Click OK and then click OK again.
14 Click Windows Start and click Run.
15 When the Run screen appears, type winipcfg in the Text
field and click OK.
16 The IP Configuration screen appears. Click Release. A line
of zeros appears in the IP Address and Subnet Mask fields.
17 Click Renew. Numbers replace the zeros. Click OK and turn
to “Hardware and Software Installation”page 11.
NOTE: The numbers on your screen should be different
than those shown in the example above.
Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol on a Macintosh
Before you install your cable modem, you must verify that
the TCP/IP communications protocol and an Ethernet

8CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
device are installed on your system. Many Macintosh
computers have Ethernet devices installed at the factory.
To configure TCP/IP on a Macintosh:
1Click the Apple®icon in the Finder™and select Control
Panels and then TCP/IP.
The TCP/IP screen appears.
2Click Edit in the Finder, and select User Mode....
The User Mode screen appears.
3Select Advanced, and then click OK.
The TCP/IP screen appears.

Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol 9
4 Click the selector arrows to the right of the Configure: drop
down menu and select Using DHCP Server. Then click
Options....
The TCP/IP Options screen appears.
Note: In some cases, the Load only when needed checkbox
does not appear. If it is visible, make sure that the box is
not checked. If a check mark appears in the box, click the
box to remove it.
5Select Active and click OK.
6Verify that the Use 802.3 checkbox (circled in the image
below) is unchecked. If the box is checked, click the box to
remove the check mark. Then click Info.

10 CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
7Ensure there is an address listed in the Hardware address:
field, and click OK. If you have made any changes, you are
prompted to save the settings. Click OK to save the settings
and exit.

2HARDWARE AND
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing your cable modem, write its serial
number in the space provided below. The serial number is
located on the cable modem’s box. It begins with “HBPK”
followed by the last 6 digits of your Ethernet address. (The
complete Ethernet address is located on the white sticker
on the back of the cable modem.) If you need to call our
customer support line, a representative will ask you for this
serial number to help identify your cable modem.
Serial number: HBPK_________________
Before you begin installing the cable modem hardware,
you need to determine how you would like to fit the cable
modem into your work environment. There are three
installation options:
■Wall-mount installation (page 23)
■Desktop installation (page 24)
■Stacking installation (page 25)
Connecting the Cable Modem to Your Computer
Connect the cable modem to your computer and cable
outlet before you install the cable modem software drivers.
You can have the Ethernet cable and the USB cable
connected to the cable modem and computer at the same
time.
TIP: Before you unplug any computer cables, label them or
make a sketch of how they are connected. This can be
helpful when you plug them back in later.
CAUTION: To avoid risk of electric shock, make sure your
computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and
unplugged from electrical outlets.
NOTE: Refer to the illustration on page 26 while
connecting the cable modem to your computer.

12 CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Ethernet Installation
Your cable modem supports Ethernet service.To install the
cable modem using an Ethernet connection:
1Connect the cable line to the cable modem’s CATV cable
connector. Be careful not to bend the wire in the center of
the cable line when you connect it to the cable modem.
2After hand-tightening the CATV cable connector, use an
adjustable wrench (not included) to firmly tighten it. Be
careful not to over-tighten the connector or you may
damage either the connector or the cable modem. If you
plan to have the cable line connected to a television as well
as the cable modem, you will need a cable line splitter (not
included).
3Plug one end of the RJ-45 network cable into the cable
modem’s RJ-45 jack and the cable’s other end into the
existing network interface card installed in your computer.
4Plug the cable modem’s power adapter into a wall outlet or
surge protector and into the cable modem’s power jack.
5Power on the computer.
USB Installation
Your cable modem supports USB service.To install the cable
modem using a USB connection, follow the instructions for
your operating system.
Windows 98 Operating System
To use the USB port with Windows 98:
1Make the following connections:
aConnect the cable line to the cable modem’s CATV cable
connector. Be careful not to bend the wire in the center
of the cable line when you connect it to the cable
modem.
bAfter hand-tightening the CATV cable connector, use an
adjustable wrench (not included) to firmly tighten it. Be
careful not to over-tighten the connector or you may
damage either the connector or the cable modem. If
you plan to have the cable line connected to a television

Connecting the Cable Modem to Your Computer 13
as well as the cable modem, you will need a cable line
splitter (not included).
cConnect one end of the USB cable line to the cable
modem’s USB port and the other end to the USB port on
the computer.
dPlug the cable modem’s power adapter intoa wall outlet
or surge protector and into the cable modem’s power
jack.
2Power on the computer.
Windows detects the cable modem. The Found New
Hardware screen appears.
3When the Add New Hardware Wizard screen appears,
insert the Cable Connections CD into the computer’s
CD-ROM drive.
4Click Next.
5Select Search for the best driver for your device.
(Recommended) and click Next.
6Check the CD-ROM drive check box and click Next to
search for the necessary driver files.

14 CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
7If Windows finds an updated driver, select The updated
driver (Recommended) and click Next.
8Click Next. The computer automatically copies the
necessary driver files from the CD.
The computer finishes copying the driver files and prompts
you to insert the Windows 98 CD into the CD-ROM drive.
9Insert the Windows 98 CD and click OK.
If the Copying Files dialog box appears, make sure that you
have inserted the correct CD and that you have pointed it
to the correct path. After youpoint the Add New Hardware
Wizard to the correct path, click OK.