Spectrum is amongst some of the best internet service companies in the United States. Having over a million subscribers in almost 43 states, they have gained a reputable industry position. The Spectrum Wave 2 router has made a good impression on the market by providing a better networking experience.
The Spectrum Wave 2 router comes with clear instructions and guidelines as to how to get started. If you have just signed up for Spectrum services, the first thing you will need to do is log in to the device. To do so, you must first set up your equipment.
We will discuss how you can reset, configure, and log in to the Spectrum Wave 2 router in this article.
12 Steps to Login to the Spectrum Wave 2 Router
Step 1: Setting Up the Hardware
First, you need to connect the modem and the router to a secure power source. You can use the instructions manual to make sure you connect the router to the modem properly. If you do not have your user manual in hand, you can visit Spectrum's website to get a detailed video with instructions to help you connect the modem properly. Or, you can follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 2: The Coaxial Cable
If you have cable service with a receiver, insert a splitter in the outlet before connecting the coaxial cable.
For best results, it is advised to set up your devices at the center location of your office or home for a wider range of Wi-Fi signals.
Step 3: Connecting the AC power cable
Next, you need to plug the device's cable into a wall outlet or surge protector.
Step 4: Connecting the modem
Once you are done, you will need to wait for the modems’ online indicator light to turn on without blinking. Once the online light turns on, plug in your telephone and use your phone cable to connect the telephone to the port named 'voice-port 1.'
Step 5: Ethernet cable connection
Plug the end of the Ethernet cord into the 'internet' port on the router's back. The ports are usually color-coded to make it easy for you to match and place them accordingly.
Step 6: Connecting the router to a power source
Connect the power cord into the router and the router cable into the power source. After connecting, the router will turn on and activate the Wi-Fi signal, indicating a blue light.
Step 7: Use a device that is WI-FI enabled to connect to the internet.
After the router turns on, locate the default SSID and password combination given on your router's back to connect your laptop, cell phone, or PC. Go to the menu, then to Settings, and then to WI-FI connections.
From there on, click on the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz connection and enter the default password to connect.
Step 8: Open an Internet browser.
After having your device connected, open a browser, and register your router on Spectrum's website. The web interface will guide you step by step to how to get done with the activation process.
Step 9: Create Spectrum account after activation
Once you have activated your device, create a Spectrum account to manage and monitor your internet usage.
Step 10: Connect to the Internet
The router can be logged in with a secure internet connection from any Wi-Fi enabled device.
Step 11: Enter Router's Default IP address onto a Browser
Open an internet browser such as Chrome, Safar, or Firefox. Type the router's IP address in the address bar. The IP address is printed on the backside of the unit.
Step 12: Enter credentials
After logging in, you will have access to your Spectrum account and will have successfully logged in. The browser will display the router's interface and all menu settings, which will make changes accordingly.
Once logged in, you will get complete access to your router and Spectrum's interface. You must register and login after getting your Spectrum Device.
How to Reset the Spectrum Wave 2 Router
Resetting your router seems like a big hassle. However, that is not entirely true. As technical as it sounds, it can be quite easy if provided with the right steps. A factory reset is often a good option when experiencing technical difficulties.
If you perform a factory reset, you will lose all your data and reset all your settings again. It is advised that you write down your preferred settings and passwords before performing any reset.
Before performing a reset, try unplugging the modem and the router. Let them stay unplugged for about 30-40 seconds before you re-plug them. If your device has any batteries, make sure to remove them.
Next, replace the batteries and re-plug the device. The modem and router should turn right back on within two minutes. After you have checked your hardware and the reboot is complete, the light will come on without flashing, indicating that the internet is working.
The unplugging method usually resolves any issues that you may be facing. If the issue remains, then a factory reset is the next option. If the issue still stays, then you use the 'reset' button method.
Resetting Through the Web Interface
Here is how you reset your router using the main menu.
1. First of all, you need to log into your router with your preferred internet browser
2. Then, under the settings, click on 'My Account' and then choose the 'Reset' option
It will ask you for Factory Reset, type your password, and confirm to go ahead.
3. The router will then perform a factory reset and will turn off and back on again
4. Once it switches back on, the light will stop blinking, and then you can log into your router using your credentials.
After logging in, you will have the control to change your settings from the default values.
Resetting Through the Reset ButtonHere is how you can go reset your Spectrum Wave 2 router using the Reset button:
- First, you must find the button which is a router's backside.
- It is advised to use a ballpoint pen or the edge of a paper clip to press the reset button and hold it there for about 15 seconds.
- You will see the power light turn off.
- After the lights go off, the device will automatically restart.
- Once it restarts, the lights will stop blinking.
When the blinking stops, you are supposed to log in with the provided default password and begin with the setup and configuration steps, like the ones you followed initially.
How to Configure the Spectrum Wave 2 Router
This product is intended for internet use in homes and workplaces for Spectrum clientele. Ideal for homes and small office spaces, this device can be placed anywhere due to its sleek exterior and aesthetically pleasing design. Although a central location is the most suitable as it helps deliver better Wi-Fi network range.
It has Four Main Features:
1. High Performance
The device comes with Up to 1.7G/1GB DDR RAM, Up to AC2350 Dual-Core ARM Dual-Band connectivity, and 4x LAN Ethernet ports.
2.High Security
Firewall and VPN support it.
3.Easy to Set up
Undoubtedly, it has a friendly wizard, and there is a visual setup guide available along with maintenance for the default mode. It also gives a list of all the functions in the advanced mode.
4.USB-based Services
It offers options for media and printer sharing.
Unpacking Your Spectrum Wave 2 Router
This Wi-Fi Router makes the perfect choice for home and small workplaces to benefit from many wireless services. Once you open the box, you’ll find the following:
- Wi-Fi Router
- AC power adapter
- Quick Start Guide
- Wi-Fi Network Name and Password Sticker
- Ethernet cable
Next, all you will do is set up your profile using the Wi-Fi Network Name and Password Sticker and connect the internet to your home computer using the Ethernet cable. You can check all the items against the list, and if anything seems amiss, you can always get in touch with the company and request a replacement.
Spectrum Wave 2 Router Hardware Features
Before setup, take a moment and get familiar with the Front Panel and Rear Panel of your Wi-Fi Router. Pay attention to the LED on the front panel. You should know the structure of your Wi-Fi Router.
Front Panel
The front and back panels of the Wi-Fi Router display the status. The LED is beneficial in reflecting on the connectivity status or if you face any issues.
Read on to find out what the LED status means, which will help you understand it better.
- No Light means that the device is switched off.
- Blue Flashing Lights indicate that the device is booting up.
- Pulsing light indicates that the device is connecting to the internet.
- Solid Blue Light indicates that the device is connected to the internet.
- Red Flashing lights tell you when the device is facing connectivity issues.
- Solid Red Light lets you know when the device is facing hardware related issues.
Rear Panel
The backside of the device displays the following:
Factory Reset: You can use this feature by pressing the pinhole and holding it for more than five seconds, after which the router will reset to its factory settings.
- WPS Button: This has to be pressed for more than a second, after which the WPS activates.
- Ethernet (LAN) Port: Connect Ethernet cables for LAN (local area network) to any of your devices, such as a network switch, hub, personal computer, or Internet devices.
- Internet (WAN) port: This is used to connect the Ethernet cable for the Wide Area Network (WAN) link to a modem.
- USB (3.0) Port: You can connect a USB Printer, or any other USB drive through it.
- Power: This is for plugging in the AC adapter to give the router a power source.
Positioning the Spectrum Wave 2 Router
Using this device, you can access your chosen network service provider from anywhere that falls within the wireless network's operating parameters. How and where you place your router plays an imperative role in this.
The thickness of the walls blocks good wireless signals from passing through, which can end up restricting the range. Therefore, the placement must follow some of the criteria laid out below;
The device should be positioned in the center of the house/office so that the signals reach every spot evenly.
- It should have access to an AC power outlet.
- The proximity of the device should be such that Ethernet cables reach the wired computer.
- It should be far from other electrical devices such as home security systems, PCs, microwaves, or a 2.4 GHz cordless phone.
- It's recommended to keep the device away from the large metal surfaces and other materials like glass, brick, and thick concrete walls.
Spectrum Wave 2 Specs
Spectrum Wave 2 has some of the best specifications in comparison to its competitors. Some of the best ones have been discussed below;
Gigabit Wi-Fi
Wave 2 has a high PHY rate of 2.34 Gbps that impacts the overall data transfer. Even if the rate were cut down by 50%, it would still be better than 1 Gbps.
Device Connectivity Range
It offers superb flexibility, especially for businesses, as even a single Wave 2 device can handle data transfer through multiple devices, thus cutting your overall monthly bills and also saves the work for a network admin.
Performance
The router has an additional fourth spatial stream, which means better overall performance.
Bandwidth
As the device supports more users and devices in general and can operate at both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, it has a larger bandwidth and is an incredible device for most people.
Licensed for Compatibility With Five Devices
Wave 2 is interoperable with Broadcom, Marvell, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Quantenna devices.
Accessibility
It is fully compatible with other products present in the market since it comes equipped with recent technology, allowing more devices to adapt to it.
Connectivity
This Spectrum router allows for beamforming, enabling clear-cut directions for the signals to travel, meaning you get faster and better signals.
Signal
Wave 2 router can change its phase and call for a better signal, which gives the user a faster connection even at greater distances.
Maximum Transfer Rate
By combining the most optimum spatial streams and then sending those off to the relevant devices, the router works efficiently, resulting in unhindered data transfers.
Software Technology
With the MU-MIMO technology, the router can automatically control the traffic and adapt automatically to the user's coding for full optimization.
The Bottom Line
Spectrum is definitely amongst the best routers available in the market, with easy setup, installation, and configuration. If you are already using Spectrum or considering getting it, then you should visit their official website and find out all there is to know besides what we have mentioned.Spectrum Wave 2 FAQ
After discussing the vital information above, we feel there can be confusion and questions for first-time buyers. So here is a section to help you out with the Spectrum Wave 2 router.
Who Makes the Spectrum Wave 2 Router?
The Wave 2 is manufactured by three different companies that include RAC2V1S Sagemcom, RAC2V1K Askey, and RAC2V1A Arris. All three companies contribute to the greatness of Spectrum.
How Do I Port Forward Wave 2 Router?
Port forwarding on the Spectrum Router is quite easy and simple. It can be done with the following three steps.
- You click on the Network tab, which is found at the top left of the screen.
- Then find the WAN link on the screen and click on it.
- Click the option of Port Forward Tab at the top of the screen.
If you encounter issues when setting up your Spectrum Wave 2 router, you can also find helpful videos on YouTube and Spectrum's website. Let us know in the comments if our guide helped your networking issues.