Calix GigaSpire BLAST U4 User manual

GigaSpire BLAST Installation Guide
Model u4/u4m
June 2021
Part # 220-01192 Rev 10

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Contents
About this Guide.......................................................................5
Chapter 1: GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m Overview ...................7
GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m Overview .................................................................11
Agency Listing.........................................................................................................15
Site Preparation .......................................................................................................17
Before you Begin.....................................................................................................18
Introduction..............................................................................................................18
Chapter 2: Installation ...........................................................21
Installation Tips .......................................................................................................21
Installation Variables...............................................................................................22
Unpacking the GigaSpire u4/u4m ..........................................................................23
Tabletop Mounting Dimensions .............................................................................24
Wall Mounting Dimensions.....................................................................................25
Tabletop Mounting the u4/u4m...............................................................................25
Wall Mounting the u4/u4m ......................................................................................26
Additional Mounting Considerations .....................................................................27

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Chapter 3: Final Set-up and Testing ....................................29
GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m Reset Behavior ............................................................29
Powering the GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m................................................................31
Connecting to the Internet ......................................................................................31
LED States - Power Off & Boot-up .........................................................................32
LED States – GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m LED Status ............................................33
LED States - Mesh Mode .........................................................................................33
Wall Mount Template...............................................................................................34

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About this Guide
This document provides general installation practices for the Calix GigaSpire BLAST u4 (Model
# GS2028E) and the GigaSpire Mesh BLAST® u4m (model # GM1028).
This document also provides a general description of the products, and guidance for planning,
site preparation, power installation, splicing to the outside plant, and basic troubleshooting.
Intended Audiences
This document is intended for use by network planning engineers, outside plant engineers, field
support personnel, and craft personnel responsible for installation and maintenance of Calix
premises equipment.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement
!
CAUTION! Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Operation is subject to
the following conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and, this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These devices have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when this equipment is operated
in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this
guide, may cause harmful interference to radio and television communications.

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Safety Notices
This document uses the following safety notice conventions.
DANGER! Danger indicates the presence of a hazard that will cause severe personal
injury or death if not avoided.
!
WARNING! Warning indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause severe
personal injury if not avoided.
!
CAUTION! Caution indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause minor to
moderate personal injury if not avoided.
ALERT! Alert indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause damage to equipment
or software, loss of data, or service interruption if not avoided.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using your equipment, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk
of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:
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.
Use only the power cord indicated in this manual.
For external power supplies, the external power supply used in this device is to be Class II
or a Limited Power Source (LPS) power supply.

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Chapter 1
GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m Overview
The Calix GigaSpire BLAST® u4 is a new generation smart home system that extends the
access network into the home and acts as a strategic location for control of the ultimate WiFi
experience. In addition to supporting broadband connectivity of data and video services, this
intelligent, high-performance system offers the latest 802.11ax ‘Wi-Fi 6’ technology. The
GigaSpire BLAST u4 provides switching and routing functions that support multi-Gigabit
throughput for IPTV video and data services.
Note: The GigaSpire BLAST u4 and the GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m share the same
physical footprint. Mounting is identical although features vary depending on the roll the unit
plays in the network.
The GigaSpire BLAST u4 is a premium smart home system that delivers the latest ‘Wi-Fi 6’
certified technology (802.11ax). The GigaSpire BLAST u4 uses a Gigabit Ethernet link at the
subscriber's premises to provide carrier-class Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for
customer multi-media devices. The GigaSpire BLAST u4 enables residential subscribers to
receive Gigabit broadband data and Internet Protocol (IP) video services. Using the latest
802.11ax technology in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz radios, the GigaSpire BLAST u4
incorporates dual band 2x2 streams of Wi-Fi delivery (2x2 @ 2.4 GHz and 2x2 @ 5 GHz).
In addition, with multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) plus
beamforming, the GigaSpire BLAST u4 allows service providers to extend the access
network inside the home and establish a strategic location for the delivery and control of
broadband services. A USB port is available for other connectivity applications.

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With Wi-Fi being the de facto wireless data communication technology of choice for
consumers, Calix engineered the GigaSpire BLAST u4 for optimal whole-home coverage
with simultaneous dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation and dynamic beamforming at 5
GHz. Leveraging the latest Wi-Fi 6 features, the GigaSpire BLAST u4 provides longer range,
higher efficiency and less interference compared to earlier generations of Wi-Fi technology.
The GigaSpire BLAST u4 also supports the entire 5 GHz band, including Dynamic
Frequency Selection (DFS) channels. The GigaSpire BLAST u4 easily delivers HD and UHD
(ultra-HD) video and data throughout a subscriber’s home in an increasingly video-rich and
mobile broadband environment.
Ensuring consumers can achieve ultra-fast Wi-Fi throughout their premises, the u4 provides
the latest generation of redundant mesh via the Calix Wi-Fi 6 GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m.
With the u4 as the hub, and the u4m as the satellite, consumers can truly gain the whole
home/smart home experience. For even higher mesh performance, multiple u4m systems
can be connected to the u4.
Ensuring consumers can have ultra-fast Wi-Fi throughout their premises, the GigaSpire
BLAST u4 provides the latest generation of redundant mesh via the Calix Wi-Fi 6 Mesh
BLAST u4m. With the BLAST u4 as the hub, and the Mesh BLAST u4m as the satellite,
consumers can gain the entire home/smart home experience. For even higher mesh
performance, multiple GigaMesh systems can be connected to the GigaSpire BLAST u4.
With the GigaSpire BLAST u4, Calix has redefined how to install and activate residential
services at a subscriber’s premises. Using the Calix Smart CommandIQ App feature and a
phone or laptop, a field technician can install and apply the subscriber’s service profile
without special equipment or assistance from the central office. Calix also provides the
innovative CSC (Calix Support Cloud (CSC), which allows the service provider to configure,
activate and upgrade the GigaSpire BLAST u4 quickly from a remote location using in-band
management or TR-069. Extensive troubleshooting capabilities, remote software downloads,
and easy-to-use service activation features ensure that services are delivered and maintained
without needless truck rolls and hardware upgrades. Employing GigaSpire BLAST u4
systems allows service providers to reduce their operational expenses while effectively
delivering the Gigabit experience to their subscribers.
EXOS is the world’s only hardware independent, modular, standards-based, always-on smart
home operating system. With EXOS, service providers can use the containerized architecture
to quickly deploy new services that leverage a range of pre-integrated smart home solutions
and thousands of smart devices (for example, enhanced parental controls or network
security).

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GigaSpire BLAST u4
Key Attributes - GigaSpire BLAST u4
Home Gateway
Layer 2 bridge and Layer 3 routing for High Speed Internet (HSI) data and IPTV video
services
DHCP server options
DHCP (IPoE) and PPPoE network connections
Network Access Translation (NAT), public to private IP addressing
Configurable IP address schemes, subnets, static-IP addresses
DNS server
Bridge port assignment and data traffic mappings
Port forwarding
Firewall and security
Application and website filtering
Selectable forwarding and blocking policies
DMZ hosting
Parental controls, time of day usage
Denial of service (DoS) protection
MAC filtering
Time/Zone support
Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)

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WI-FI
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, simultaneous dual-band
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11a/n/ac compatible
4x4 streams (2x2 @ 2.4 GHz and 2x2 @ 5 GHz)
WPA/WPA2/WPA3; WEP 64/128 bit encryption
PuF (Physical Unclonable Functions)
WPS push-button
2x2 DL/UL MU-MIMO with beamforming
1024 QAM; OFDMA; BSS Coloring
DCM (Dual Carrier Modulation)
TWT (Target Wake Time) for IoT clients
Wi-Fi Redundant Mesh:
Self Managed: self configuration, Air time fairness
Dynamic Mesh: load balancing, band/node steering; interference management
Self Healing; diagnostics; events
1 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) WAN interface:
10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet, auto-negotiating
Gigabit Ethernet (GE) LAN interfaces:
Two (2) ports of Multi-rate 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet, auto-negotiating for
residential IPTV and data services
USB port:
USB 2.0 - Type A host interface
Supports multiple data service profiles
Traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS):
802.1Q VLANs
802.1p service prioritization
Q-in-Q tagging
Multiple VLANs
DiffServ
Pre-defined QoS on service type
LAG of GE ports
MAP-T

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IPTV, IGMPv2, future support of IGMPv3:
IGMP Snooping and Proxy
IGMP Fast Leaves
Gateway Management:
Support Cloud
ACS
Local Home Gateway GUI, access provisionable
Remote WAN side GUI access
Default username/password
AC to 12 VDC power adapter
GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m Overview
The Calix GigaSpire Mesh BLAST® u4m is the new generation Wi-Fi 6 mesh satellite that
complements the Calix GigaSpire family of products. With the broad portfolio of GigaSpire
smart home systems, BLAST® u4m extends Wi-Fi coverage and capacity within the
subscriber’s home. The GigaSpire BLAST® u4m Wi-Fi 6 backhaul allows communications
service providers (CSPs) to deploy satellites with either a wired or wireless connection to the
GigaSpire. When connected wirelessly, the 5.0 GHz 802.11ax 2x2 radio acts as an access
point (AP) to the end subscribers’ Stations (STA). The GigaSpire BLAST® u4m enables
subscriber self-installs and results in fewer costly truck rolls. The combined solution –
GigaSpire, u4m satellite, and Calix Support Cloud is known as Mesh-Enhanced Carrier Class
Wi-Fi and it reduces the time to additional revenue by automating and simplifying the
deployment of complex multi-device networks. Besides supporting wired or wireless
connectivity of data and video services, this convenient service platform supports the latest
Wi-Fi 6 technology, extending the ultimate Wi-Fi to enhance the subscriber experience.
GigaSpire BLAST u4m

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MULTI-GIGABIT SUBSCRIBER EXPERIENCE
The GigaSpire Mesh BLAST® u4m is a high-performance wireless satellite that delivers the
latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi technology in a consumer-friendly form factor. Subscribers want their
Wi-Fi to work with any device in any location throughout their home. Over time, the
numbers, types and locations of these devices has exploded. In response to the rapid
adoption of Wi-Fi IoT devices – like door locks, IP cameras and thermostats – CSPs must
now provide ubiquitous Wi-Fi coverage. In addition, the demand for video content continues
to grow and subscribers expect to watch anywhere on any device. The Calix GigaSpire Mesh
BLAST u4m enhances coverage and capacity with the latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi radios,
transmitting at the maximum allowable regulatory limits. For homes that need additional
coverage and capacity, the Calix Mesh-Enhanced Carrier Class Wi-Fi solution has three
components: A GigaSpire, GigaSpire Mesh satellites, and the Calix Cloud. The GigaMesh
satellites are optimized for interoperability with GigaSpires 5.0 GHz 802.11ax radio., thus
allowing for the delivery of throughput rates of over 1.2 Gbps. Along with the 2x2 2.4 GHz
radio, the GigaMesh provides over 1.8 Gbps of total service bandwidth.
In addition to support for high-speed Internet (HSI) services, CSPs need solutions that allow
them to support a full complement of additional services, including IPTV and guest Wi-Fi.
In response, the Calix solution supports differentiated quality of service (QoS) as well as
isolation between the services. To ensure a seamless mobile streaming experience, the
software used by the GigaSpire and GigaMesh has been enhanced to support both band
steering and network-assisted node steering. Steering directs subscriber Wi-Fi devices to
connect to the radio signal that results in the best user experience.
Calix leverages the latest standards for roaming and steering, including 802.11k, 802.11r and
802.11v. The combination of GigaSpire and GigaMesh satellites enables subscribers to
receive Gigabit broadband data, IP video, and voice over (VoIP). Using the latest 802.11ax 5
GHz technology – incorporating 2x2 multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output
(MUMIMO) with beamforming – the GigaSpire BLAST u4m satellite allows CSPs to extend
the access network inside the home and establish a strategic location for the delivery and
control of broadband services.
Calix engineered the u4m for optimal whole-home coverage with simultaneous dual band 2.4
GHz and 5 GHz operation and dynamic beamforming at 5 GHz. For maximum
performance, the u4m supports high-power 2x2 MIMO spatial diversity at 2.4 GHz and 2x2
MU-MIMO at 5 GHz. The u4 and u4m solution easily delivers high definition (HD) and
Ultra HD (UHD) video and data throughout a subscriber’s home.
The Calix solution is scalable, allowing CSPs to initially deploy a GigaSpire and then add
GigaMesh satellites to the end subscriber’s home network as the need arises for additional
coverage. One of the strengths of the Calix solution is that CSPs can leverage the
instrumentation provided by the GigaSpires and GigaMesh satellites to identify when the end
subscriber can benefit from an additional GigaMesh. This allows them to be proactive and
upsell additional services and assets.

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Market research projects that tens of billions of residential IoT devices will be deployed in
the coming years. The GigaSpire and GigaMesh provides powerful Wi-Fi to support the
growing IoT deployment. Service providers can now deploy the BLAST u4m with plug-and
play Wi-Fi IoT devices such as security cameras, sensors, and smart plugs.
EASY TO INSTALL, ACTIVATE AND MAINTAIN
With the GigaMesh satellites, Calix has redefined how to install and activate residential
services. When deployed with a wired connection it’s as simple as plugging a Cat 5e/6 cable
in between the GigaMesh RJ-45 port and the parent GigaSpire. The GigaMesh leverages its
TR-069 interface to communicate its presence to the Calix Support Cloud, which adds the
GigaMesh to the subscriber account. The system harmonizes the services on the GigaMesh.
This removes all human error-prone touch points. When deployed with a wireless
connection, the subscriber uses the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button on both the
GigaMesh and the GigaSpire to pair the mesh network. In addition, built-in signal strength
indicator on the GigaMesh provides identification for the best placement location. Once this
step is done, discovery, configuration and harmonization steps occur. The Calix Support
Cloud’s extensive troubleshooting capabilities, remote software downloads, and easy-to-use
service activation features ensure that services are delivered and maintained without needless
truck rolls and hardware upgrades. Employing the GigaSpire and GigaMesh satellites allows
CSPs to reduce their operational expenses while effectively delivering an elevated Gigabit
experience to their subscribers.
Key Attributes
Whole Home Coverage Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite
Layer 2 bridge and Layer 3 routing for High Speed Internet (HSI) data and IPTV
video services
Self-Organizing Network (SON)
Auto configuration
Band and node steering
Increased network capacity
Bridge port assignment and data traffic pings
MAC filtering Wi-Fi
Wireless:
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, simultaneous dual-band
2.4GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11a/n/ac compatible
4x4 streams (2x2 @ 2.4 GHz and 2x2 @ 5 GHz)
WPA/WPA2/WPA3; WEP 64/128 bit encryption
PuF (Physical Unclonable Functions)
WPS push-button

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2x2 DL/UL MU-MIMO with beamforming
1024 QAM; OFDMA; BSS Coloring
Support for 802.11k/r/v/s o
11k Radio Resource Management
11r Fast Roaming
11v Wireless Network Management
Support 4-address WDS mode
Support 16 SSID Replication per band
1.2 Gbps Radio Backhaul with GigaSpire
Channel Optimization DFS
Wireless Backhaul Signal Strength
Wi-Fi Redundant Mesh:
Self Managed: self configuration, Air time fairness
Dynamic Mesh: load balancing, band/node steering; interference management
Self Healing; diagnostics; events
One Gigabit Ethernet (GE) interface – LAN or WAN:
Symmetrical 1 Gbps for residential IPTV and data services
Multi-rate 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet, auto-negotiation
Wi-Fi Redundant Mesh:
Self Managed: self configuration, Air time Fairness
Dynamic Mesh: load balancing, band/node steering; interference management
USB port:
USB 2.0 - Type A host interface
Supports multiple data service profiles
IPTV, IGMPv2, future support of IGMPv3:
IGMP Snooping and Proxy
IGMP Fast Leaves
Gateway Management:
Support Cloud
ACS
Local Home Gateway GUI, access provisionable
Remote WAN side GUI access
Default username/password

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AC to 12 VDC power adapter
Agency Listing
FCC WARNING: These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations.
Operation is subject to the following conditions.
This device may not cause harmful interference, and, this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These devices have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when this equipment is operated
in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions in this guide, may cause harmful interference to
radio and television communications.
Hazardous Materials
There are no hazardous materials identified for the GigaSpire BLAST u4/u4m.

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Application Standards
Following is a list of standards that apply to this product:
Standards
FCC Part 15, Sub Part B, class B
UL 62368-1
EN 300 328
CAN ICES-003 Class B
CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1
EN 301 893
ANSI C63.4
IEC 62368-1
EN 301 489-1
FCC Part 15.247
ITU-T K21
EN 301 489-17
FCC Part 15.203
ITU-T K44
EN 55032 Class B
FCC Part 15.207
EN 62368-1
EN 61000-3-2
FCC Part 15. 209
IC: 4009A-U4X
EN 61000-3-3
FCC ID: 2ABLK-U4X
EN 62311
EN 50581
RSS 102
CE / RED, RoHS, WEEE,
Energy
USB 2.0 Type A
RSS 247
IEEE: 802.3, 802.3AB, 302.3U,
802.11p, 802.11Q
EN 50564
FCC Part 15.407
NEC(National Electrical Code)
CISPR 32 Class B
Wi-Fi Alliance Certified 802.11ax
CISPR-22
RCM
8318
Radiated Emissions
This Class-B digital device complies with radiated emissions requirements as defined in
Canadian ICES-003.
Power Supply
Note: When using the standard power adapter, units will be inoperable after loss of main
power.
The unit must be powered by a listed power adapter or DC power source marked "LPS"
(Limited Power Source) and rated output between 12 VDC, 2 A minimum, TMA = 40°
C minimum. If additional help is needed on implementing a power supply, please contact
your local Calix service professional.
An external power supply is included with the following rating:

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GigaSpire BLAST u4
Input voltage: 12 VDC (nominal)
10 VDC (min.), 15 VDC (max)
External Power Adapter: 12 VDC, 2 A
GigaSpire BLAST u4m
Input voltage: 12 VDC (nominal)
10 VDC (min.), 15 VDC (max)
External Power Adapter: 12 VDC, 2 A
DANGER! Using non-approved or incorrect power adapters
can result in injury.
Site Preparation
Before you install any BLAST device, you need to consider the routing of the power adapter
cord and Ethernet cable(s) if used.
Note: It is critical that you maintain the proper airflow in and around the unit. These devices
are designed for surface mounting only. Do not install cabinetry or other building material
around the outside of the unit.
Power Cords
In order to complete the installation, a power cords is required:
Connectorized Power and Signal Cable - A 2-pin barrel connector to the local AC power
receptacle (Type A).
Coaxial Cables
Note that Coaxial cable connections are to be internal connections only. Outdoor
connections are not allowed.

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Before you Begin
Before starting the installation process, check that the following conditions are met:
Ensure the site preparation steps are complete based on the model being installed.
Ensure that all components are on-site or readily available to complete the installation.
The customer is aware of your planned visit and will provide access to the inside of the
home.
Introduction
This document describes the installation of the following:
GigaSpire BLAST u4
GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m
The BLAST u4/u4m are designed to be placed in a horizontal table-top configuration or can
be wall mounted using the mounting holes molded into the back of the unit.
Powering Options
By attaching to any 110/220 VAC power outlet using the supplied 12 VDC wall
transformer.
Note: For all models, the power cord configuration must be appropriate for use in the
country where the device is being deployed.
Note: Only provided and approved power cords or voltage adapters should be used to
connect to this product(s).

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Tabletop or Wall Mount - u4
Tabletop or Wall Mount - u4m

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Power Supply (2-Pin)