FAQ: GigaSpire BLAST
Updated: September 2022
Overview: This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about GigaSpire BLAST systems.
GigaSpires
Can I reboot my GigaSpire from the Arvig® Manage Your WiFi app?
The GigaSpire cannot be rebooted using the app.
What do the lights on my GigaSpire mean while it's booting up?
The LEDs located on the top corner of the GigaSpire provide information on the status and current state of the device. Below is a detailed status of the power-up cycle.
| Power-up Status | Function | LED Status |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Power is off. 1. The unit has not been turned on, or 2. There is no power to the unit, or 3. The UPS battery has been discharged and there is insufficient power to continue operation. Note: All four LEDs are Off. | |
| Booting Up, Software Upgrade in Process | Unit is in the boot-up process or service/software is being upgraded. Flashes cyan every second assuming software has taken over. Note: All four LEDs are On. | Four cyan bars, flashing |
| Boot-up Failure | Boot-up failed (assuming software has taken over). Note: Cycles at 8/10 of a second. Note: All four LEDs are On. | Four red bars, cycling |
| Connected to Internet | Unit has successfully booted up, local services are up, and connected to the internet. Note: LED 1 is lit. LED 2,3,4 are Off. | One blue bar lit, others off |
| Service Failure, No Internet | No service, no internet. Note: All four LEDs are On. Notes: Cycles at 1.6 seconds. | Four red bars, cycling |
What is the WPS Button for?
WPS stands for WiFi Protected Set-up and is a security standard that makes it easier and faster to connect your GigaSpire to other wireless devices. Instructions below show how to use the WPS button for pairing.
| Status | Function | LED Status |
|---|---|---|
| WPS Pairing Attempt | WPS is enabled after you press the WPS button a single time. The GigaSpire will stay on pairing mode for 120 seconds. During this time, other WiFi capable devices can be paired to the GigaSpire by pressing a similar button on a mesh satellite. Note: All four LEDs are On. Note: Cycles at 5/10 of a second. | Four green bars, cycling |
How do I know my system has completed boot-up?
When the LED is solid blue, indicating an active internet connection, or blinking red, meaning there is no service or internet connection detected.
Where is the best place to put the GigaSpire?
The best place to put the GigaSpire is in a central location with good "line of sight" visibility to the main areas of your home. If you need to place the GigaSpire in a non-central location and find it does not reach all areas of your home where you use the internet, you can request a mesh satellite unit to extend your signal.
Tip: Avoid placing the GigaSpire next to large appliances, behind TVs, or in "service closets" such as power distribution or fuse panels. While the GigaSpire is designed to provide extensive wireless range and coverage, these devices are sources of interference and may reduce your throughput or range.
Does it matter how I position the GigaSpire?
For best performance, be sure to place the GigaSpire upright and in a central location.
My wireless device says it cannot support a 5 GHz radio, what do I need to do?
The GigaSpire supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. If you still find you have problems, contact Arvig for assistance.
How do I reset the system back to factory settings?
You can press the RESET button on the back of the GigaSpire for at least 10 seconds for a factory re-set. Only take this step if Arvig requests that you do this. You will lose internet service.
There is only one LAN Ethernet plug, what should I do if I need more?
For GigaSpire BLAST u12 and u12X models, there is only one LAN Ethernet plug on the back. You can purchase an inexpensive gigabit switch and plug that into your LAN port to connect multiple devices. Both the GigaSpire BLAST u6.1 and u6.2 have four (4) LAN ports.
How do I reboot the GigaSpire and keep my settings?
Use the following methods to reboot your GigaSpire:
- Remove power from the GigaSpire for 10 seconds, then reapply power.
- Press the RESET button on the GigaSpire for less than 3 seconds.
How to I pair devices, like my printer?
If your device supports WPS, follow the instructions included with your device's installation manual. Press the WPS button for less than 3 seconds on the back of the GigaSpire when instructed.
What wireless standards are available on the GigaSpire?
The GigaSpire supports the following 802.11 standards on its wireless radios:
- 5 GHz: 802.11ax (WiFi 6), 802.11ac, and 802.11n
- 2.4 GHz: 802.11ax (WiFi 6), 802.11n, 802.11g
What if my GigaSpire LED never turns blue after connecting the WAN port?
If the GigaSpire is blinking red after going through the quick start steps, it indicates it was unable to get an IP address from the internet device it is connected to. In some cases, the modem your GigaSpire is connected to will need to be rebooted to allow the GigaSpire to obtain an IP address. If after rebooting the modem, your system is still not able to connect and is flashing red for several minutes, please contact your service provider.
How do I check if the GigaSpire is connected to the internet?
In addition to the LED status on the GigaSpire, you can verify the status by logging into the GigaSpire web interface and viewing its status. On the home page, the status will show an "At A Glance" overview with a green checkmark indicating a connection to the internet.
Why am I unable to log into the GigaSpire web interface using the credentials shown on the bottom of the system?
Advanced users may need to access the Embedded Web Interface (EWI) to configure features like port forwarding or LAN IP addressing. You can use the default admin account with credentials printed on the label on the bottom of the GigaSpire. However, if you changed your WiFi password using the Manage Your WiFi app, the admin password for the EWI will also have changed.
What GigaSpire model do I have?
You can find out your GigaSpire model using the following methods:
- Determine the model using the sticker located on the bottom of the system. The sticker typically shows the Model No. and Product Name.
- If the GigaSpire is already added to your Manage Your WiFi app, find the Model Number in the app: Select "My Network" from the main dashboard, then select "Equipment," then your primary router. In the "Options" section, select "Additional Details" to view the router Model Number.
Can I connect wireless devices to the GigaSpire using the WPS?
Yes, you can use the WPS button to connect wireless devices to your GigaSpire network based on the device type:
- Press the WPS button once, held for 1-2 seconds, to associate general devices like WiFi-enabled printers.
- Press the WPS button three times, held for 1 second with each press, to associate ISP-provided WiFi set-top boxes.
- Press and hold the WPS button for 5 seconds to pair a GigaMesh or GigaSpire system as an extension of your WiFi network. A green flashing LED will be visible if successfully executed.
When does the GigaSpire select a wireless channel?
The GigaSpire 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios select the channel only on boot up.
GigaMesh
How do I determine if my mesh satellite device is in an optimal location?
A WiFi indicator within the Arvig Manage Your WiFi app provides the status of your satellite placement, letting you know if the device is too far from the primary router.
What do the lights mean on my GigaMesh?
| Status | Function | LED Status |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Power is off. 1. The unit has not been turned on, or 2. There is no power to the unit. Note: Both LEDs are Off. | |
| Booting Up, Software Upgrade in Process | Unit is in the boot-up process or service/software is being upgraded. Flashes cyan every second assuming software has taken over. Note: Both LEDs are On. | Two cyan bars, flashing |
| Boot-up Failure | Boot-up failed (assuming software has taken over). Note: Cycles at 8/10 of a second. Note: Both LEDs are On. | Two red bars, cycling |
WPS Pairing Attempt to GigaSpire
Press the WPS button on the GigaMesh for 3 seconds, and within 30 seconds press the WPS button on the GigaSpire, both will flash green. Note: Cycles at 5/10 of a second. Note: Both LEDs are On.
After Pairing and Connected to Internet
Unit has successfully paired and is connected to the Internet:
- If Mesh is too close to the GigaSpire, the top of the bar will light up; move it further from the GigaSpire.
- If Mesh is too far away from the GigaSpire, the bottom of the bar will light up; move it closer to the GigaSpire.
- When the GigaMesh is an ideal distance from the GigaSpire, the entire bar will light up.
- After 60 seconds, the bottom of the light bar will reflect a solid Cyan light (not shown).
Service Failure, No Internet
No service, no internet. If the GigaMesh is unable to pair, it will shift from blinking green to solid red for 60 seconds, then revert to the no internet failure status. Note: Both LEDs are On.
Mesh Connected via Ethernet
If your GigaMesh is connected via Ethernet and boots up successfully, the light bar will match the GigaSpire. Cyan = Internet is connected. Red = No service.
How do I reset the GigaMesh without having to unplug the unit?
You can simply press the small red button on the side for less than 10 seconds. This will cause a reset but will maintain the current configuration settings.
How do I reset the GigaMesh back to factory settings?
Pressing the RESET button on the side of the unit for at least 10 seconds will factory reset your GigaMesh.
What mounting options are available for installing the GigaMesh?
The GigaMesh must be plugged into any available 110 VAC standard outlet. The GigaMesh can be oriented in any direction. Note: the WiFi signal strength indicator lights are referenced from the "up" orientation.
Can the GigaMesh use both a wired and wireless connection to the GigaSpire?
The GigaMesh can extend network WiFi coverage using either a wired or wireless connection back to the GigaSpire, but not both at the same time. If you want to switch from wired to wireless or vice versa, you will need to reset the GigaMesh back to factory settings by pressing the RESET button on the side for at least 10 seconds and go back through the setup process.
I received an alert that my satellite device is disconnected. What does this mean or what should I do?
If your satellite device is disconnected from your network, you will see an alert in the Arvig Manage Your WiFi app. Check to see if the satellite device is powered on and still in range of your router. You may also receive this alert during software updates (this is normal behavior, and you should wait five minutes before taking any action).
