Do you have a question about the Arris Surfboard G34 and is the answer not in the manual?
Describes the meaning of front panel LED lights for modem status, such as power, connection, and firmware download.
Connects the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the modem's cable connector.
Connects the modem to a PC or laptop using an Ethernet cable.
Plugs the power adapter into the modem and a wall outlet to power on the device.
Verifies the front panel LED lights up solid green or solid blue after power connection.
Guides on activating the modem with a service provider and verifying internet access.
Guides on connecting to the Wi-Fi network using a mobile device.
Navigate to Wi-Fi or Wireless settings on your mobile device.
Choose the G34 or G36 Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
Input the Wi-Fi network password to connect to the network.
Access the modem's configuration interface through a web browser using its IP address.
Change the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password for your home network.
Describes the meaning of front panel LED lights for modem status, such as power, connection, and firmware download.
Connects the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the modem's cable connector.
Connects the modem to a PC or laptop using an Ethernet cable.
Plugs the power adapter into the modem and a wall outlet to power on the device.
Verifies the front panel LED lights up solid green or solid blue after power connection.
Guides on activating the modem with a service provider and verifying internet access.
Guides on connecting to the Wi-Fi network using a mobile device.
Navigate to Wi-Fi or Wireless settings on your mobile device.
Choose the G34 or G36 Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
Input the Wi-Fi network password to connect to the network.
Access the modem's configuration interface through a web browser using its IP address.
Change the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password for your home network.
The ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 is a Wi-Fi cable modem that combines the functionalities of a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and a four-port Ethernet router with Wi-Fi capabilities. This device is designed to provide ultra-high-speed internet access for both home and small business networks, leveraging advanced DOCSIS 3.1 technology for superior performance.
At its core, the ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 serves as a central hub for internet connectivity within a network. As a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, it establishes a high-speed connection to your cable internet service provider (ISP) via a coaxial cable line. This technology allows for faster download and upload speeds compared to previous DOCSIS standards, ensuring a robust and responsive internet experience. It's important to note that this device is specifically designed for cable internet services and will not function with Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Satellite Internet services.
Integrated within the modem is a four-port Ethernet router. This router functionality enables wired connections for up to four network-enabled devices, such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs, through standard Ethernet cables. These ports provide stable and fast connections, ideal for activities that require low latency and high bandwidth.
Beyond wired connectivity, the ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 also incorporates Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This dual-band Wi-Fi allows for wireless connections for a wide array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other smart home devices. The 2.4 GHz band offers broader coverage and better penetration through walls, while the 5 GHz band provides faster speeds and less interference in closer proximity, making it suitable for streaming high-definition content and online gaming.
The device is designed to connect to an existing coaxial cable connection in your home, making installation straightforward for users with an active cable internet service. It acts as the gateway between your internal network and the broader internet, managing data traffic and ensuring secure communication.
Setting up and using the ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 involves several key steps, designed to be user-friendly.
Physical Connections: The first step involves connecting the modem to your cable service. This is done by attaching a coaxial cable (not included) from your cable wall outlet or an RF splitter (not included) to the "Cable" connector on the rear of the Wi-Fi cable modem. It's crucial to tighten this connector by hand to ensure a secure connection. For wired network devices, an Ethernet cable (not included) can be connected from any of the four Ethernet ports on the modem to the Ethernet port on a PC or laptop. Finally, the power adapter is connected to the "Power" port on the rear of the modem and then plugged into an electrical wall outlet that is not controlled by a wall switch. The modem will automatically power on once the adapter is connected.
Status Indicators: The front panel of the modem features an LED that provides visual feedback on its operational status. After a brief pause upon powering on, this LED should light up SOLID green or SOLID blue, indicating that the modem is online and connected. An Amber (Solid) light indicates power is connected. A Green (Blinking) light signifies that the modem is acquiring a downstream/upstream connection. A Green (Solid) light means online status in DOCSIS 3.0 mode, while a Blue (Solid) light indicates online status in DOCSIS 3.1 mode. An Amber (Blinking) light suggests a firmware download is in progress. Detailed LED status information is available online in the G34/G36 User Guide on the ARRIS Support website.
Activation: Before the internet connection can be used, the new Wi-Fi cable modem needs to be activated with your cable service provider. This can typically be done by calling your cable service provider or by connecting a computer or laptop to the modem and accessing your cable operator's activation website. Common activation URLs include www.xfinity.com/activate for Comcast/Xfinity, www.cox.com/activate for Cox, and spectrum.net/selfinstall for Spectrum. After powering on your computer/laptop and logging in, you would enter the appropriate URL into your web browser. If there are any issues accessing the URL, contacting the service provider is recommended.
Connectivity Verification: Once activated, you can verify internet connectivity by accessing any public web page, such as www.surfboard.com, using a connected PC or laptop. If the website loads successfully, your internet service is active. If not, further troubleshooting with your service provider may be necessary.
Connecting mobile devices to the Wi-Fi network is a straightforward process:
The ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 includes a Web Manager, a browser-based interface that allows users to manage and customize their modem and Wi-Fi network settings.
192.168.0.1 into the address bar.While the manual doesn't explicitly detail ongoing maintenance features, the design and support structure imply certain aspects of device care and troubleshooting:
Self-Help Resources: ARRIS provides extensive self-help resources through their support website, www.arris.com/selfhelp. This includes FAQs, product manuals (like the G34/G36 User Guide for detailed LED status information), live chat, and email support. These resources are crucial for troubleshooting common issues and understanding advanced functionalities.
Technical Support: For issues that cannot be resolved through self-help resources, ARRIS offers technical support via phone at 1-877-466-8646. This ensures that users can get assistance with complex problems or when setting up their internet service or activating their Wi-Fi cable modem.
Firmware Updates: Although not explicitly detailed as a user-initiated maintenance feature, the "Amber (Blinking)" status indicator for firmware download suggests that the device receives firmware updates. These updates are typically pushed by the service provider or ARRIS to improve performance, enhance security, and add new features, ensuring the modem remains up-to-date and secure.
Physical Care: Keeping the device in a well-ventilated area and free from dust can contribute to its longevity and stable operation. The compact design of the modem, with its status LED on the front and ports on the rear, allows for relatively easy placement and access for connections.
Label Information: The Wi-Fi cable modem label, typically found on the device itself (or at the bottom if not attached elsewhere), contains important information such as the model name (G34/G36), HFC MAC ID, and serial number (S/N). This information is vital for activation, technical support, and identifying default Wi-Fi passwords, making it a key reference point for maintenance and troubleshooting.
In summary, the ARRIS SURFboard G34/G36 is a comprehensive Wi-Fi cable modem designed for high-speed internet access, offering both wired and wireless connectivity options. Its user-friendly setup, clear status indicators, and robust Web Manager for customization, coupled with extensive support resources, make it a reliable choice for managing home and small business networks.
| DOCSIS | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Max Upload Speed | 1 Gbps |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Downstream Channels | 32 |
| Upstream Channels | 8 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 |
| Compatibility | Compatible with major cable internet providers |











