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Arris S33 and Orbi AX4200 not handshaking

  • October 23, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 29 views
M
The Many
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I got a new S33 modem because my old one the SB6190 seems to be failing because the internet speeds are all over the place. My router is the Orbi AX4200 or RBR750. The highest speed I was able to attain on the old modem was 750mbps but it’s usually around 500mbps. Optimum service is 1gbps.

The S33 is activated with my ISP Optimum but it won’t handshake with my router AX4200. The light on the front of the modem is blue.

What am I missing?

Your help is appreciated.

Best answer by SURFboard Moderator

To begin, we need to confirm whether the internet connection from the S33 modem is working. Please follow these steps:

  1. Connect a computer directly to the S33 modem using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that only the computer is connected leave the other Ethernet port on the modem empty.
  2. Restart the S33 modem and wait for the Online LED to turn solid blue, which indicates a successful connection.
  3. Once the LED is solid blue, check if the computer has internet access.
  4. If the internet is working, power off the S33 modem, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer, and connect it to the WAN/Internet port on your Orbi router. Make sure the router is powered off during this step.
  5. After making the wired connection, turn on the S33 modem first and wait for the LED to turn solid blue again.
  6. Then, power on the Orbi router and wait for it to fully boot up. Once it's ready, check if the Wi-Fi network is broadcasting and if internet access is available.
This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

M
The Many
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  • MrBillSThe Many
  • Author
  • The Many
  • October 23, 2025

The Optimum website doesn’t list compatible modems other then they should be DOCSIS 3.1.

S
Wi-Fi Warriors
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To begin, we need to confirm whether the internet connection from the S33 modem is working. Please follow these steps:

  1. Connect a computer directly to the S33 modem using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that only the computer is connected leave the other Ethernet port on the modem empty.
  2. Restart the S33 modem and wait for the Online LED to turn solid blue, which indicates a successful connection.
  3. Once the LED is solid blue, check if the computer has internet access.
  4. If the internet is working, power off the S33 modem, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer, and connect it to the WAN/Internet port on your Orbi router. Make sure the router is powered off during this step.
  5. After making the wired connection, turn on the S33 modem first and wait for the LED to turn solid blue again.
  6. Then, power on the Orbi router and wait for it to fully boot up. Once it's ready, check if the Wi-Fi network is broadcasting and if internet access is available.
SURFboard Community Moderator Team
M
The Many
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  • MrBillSThe Many
  • Author
  • The Many
  • October 27, 2025

I replaced the S33 with a Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 cable modem. Installation was seamless and easy. Speeds are in the 900mbps range. I should have done that initially.

Plus I don’t have any laptops. I do have a Windows 11 desktop but to connect it to the modem would be tedious.

I greatly appreciate your response and help. Have a great day.

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