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This document uses the following safety notice conventions.
Danger indicates the presence of a hazard that will cause severe personal injury or death if not avoided.
Warning indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury if not avoided.
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.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION MAY BE PRESENT. Fiber optic radiation can cause severe eye damage or blindness. Do not look into the open end of an optical fiber.
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 Wi- Fi 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 2.4GHz and 5 GHz. Leveraging the latest Wi-Fi 6 features, the BLAST u4 provides longer range, higher efficiency and less interference compared to earlier generations of Wi-Fi tech- nology. The BLAST u4 also supports the entire 5 GHz band, including Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channels. The BLAST u4 easily delivers HD and UHD (ultra-HD) video and data throughout a subscriber's home in an increasingly video-rich and mobile broad- band environment.
Ensuring consumers can achieve ultra-fast Wi-Fi throughout their premises, the BLAST u4 provides the latest generation of redundant mesh via the Calix Wi-Fi 6 BLAST u4m GigaMesh. With the BLAST 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 BLAST 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).
Key Attributes - BLAST u4
Home Gateway
WI-FI
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 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 BLAST® u4m enables subscriber self- installs and results in fewer costly truck rolls. The combined solution – GigaSpire, BLAST® 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.
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 (MU- MIMO) with beamforming – the 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 BLAST 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 BLAST u4m supports high-power 2x2 MIMO spatial diversity at 2.4 GHz and 2x2 MU-MIMO at 5 GHz. The BLAST u4 and BLAST 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.
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
Radiated Emissions
Power Supply
Note: When using the standard power adapter, units will be inoperable after loss of main power.
An external power supply is included with the following rating:
BLAST u4
BLAST u4m
Using non-approved or incorrect power adapters can result in injury.
Before you install any GigaSpire 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. GigaSpire BLAST 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 cord is required:
Coaxial Cables
Note that Coaxial cable connections are to be internal connections only. Outdoor connections are not allowed.
Before starting the installation process, check that the following conditions are met:
This document describes the installation of the following:
The BLAST u4 and 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
Note: For all models, the power cord configuration must be appropriate for use in the country where the device is being deployed.
Note: Only Calix provided and approved power cords or voltage adapters should be used to connect to this product(s).
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified here may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Follow these tips when installing a GigaSpire device:
About Wi-Fi Placement
Certain building materials are particularly effective at blocking Wi-Fi signals (see table below) and should be taken into consideration when locating the GigaSpire BLAST u4 or Mesh BLAST u4m. Line of sight is not necessary since MIMO technology takes advantage of reflections in the over-the-air path to carry additional data. However, Calix recommends that when possible, Calix GigaSpires should be placed in a centralized location within the home to yield the best possible results for Wi-Fi coverage.
Building Materials and Their Effect on Wi-Fi Signals | |
Material | Wi-Fi Attenuation |
Wood, Drywall, Particle Board, Tile | Low |
Glass | Low |
Water | Medium |
Bricks, Cinder Block | Medium |
Plaster, Stucco | High |
Concrete | High |
Tinted or Low-E Glass (metalized) | Very High |
Metal | Very High |
lower the attenuation, the better the performance. |
Before installing the GigaSpire BLAST u4 or Mesh BLAST u4m, consider what additional services may be implemented. Various access points are available on the back of the unit which may or may not be used. Prior to determining the unit's final location, you need to account for the following variables:
Each GigaSpire BLAST u4 or u4m is shipped individually in its own carton and contains the following:
After opening the carton, remove the protective packaging, ensure all components above are present, and prepare for mounting the unit.
Dimensions are shown here for your reference.
Dimensions for wall mounting of a GigaSpire BLAST u4 or Mesh BLAST u4m are included here for reference.
Note: There is no wall mount bracket necessary to mount these devices. The bottom chassis itself includes appropriate cut-outs and hanger posts to facilitate wall mounting.
Any Calix GigaSpire BLAST u4 or u4m can be mounted flat on a tabletop. Four (4) rubberized feet are pre-installed on the bottom of the unit to provide a non-skid surface when placing the GigaSpire on a table or shelf.
Keep the following information in mind when considering tabletop mounting:
Note: Once the GigaSpire is connected and turned up, Wi-Fi network parameters are persisted in memory. For this reason, if power is lost to the GigaSpire, it will be re- discovered on the network automatically, without operator intervention.
The Calix GigaSpire BLAST u4 and the GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m can be wall mounted using. Keep the following information in mind when considering wall mounting:
Note: Once the GigaSpire is connected and turned up, Wi-Fi network parameters are persisted in memory. For this reason, if power is lost to the GigaSpire, it will be re- discovered on the network automatically, without operator intervention.
Mounting Screws
The two mounting holes on the back of the unit are designed to accommodate the following screw type:
Depending on the material you are attaching to, use a screw of sufficient length and strength to support the GigaSpire BLAST once attached to the bracket. See below for specifications on what type of screw is recommended.
The options for mounting a GigaSpire BLAST system are many. From a best practices standpoint, keep the following in mind:
Calix EDGE systems support a variety of system reset functions and provide multiple methods for invoking each of these functions, as described in this topic. Calix defines these functions and behaviors as follows:
Function | Where Performed |
Basic Reset1 | Hardware: Press Reset button once for 1 second |
Software: EWI > Utilities > Reboot | |
Configuration Reset2 | Hardware: Press and hold Reset button for 15+ seconds |
Software: EWI > Utilities > Restore Defaults | |
Factory Reset | Hardware: no option |
Software (for support user only): EWI > Support > Tools > Smart Activate > Factory Reset | |
Note: For operators with Calix Support Cloud (CSC), remote resets can be invoked as follows:
|
The table below provides additional notes for each Reset event:
BLAST Reset Behavior | |||
Reset Type | How Invoked | Expected Behavior | Notes |
Basic Reset - Hardware | Press Reset button |
| Pressing the Reset button performs a standard power cycle. All configuration information persists. Device goes offline for 2-3 minutes while it completes the reboot process. |
Basic Reset - Software | EWI > Utilities > Reboot |
| Subscriber (Admin user) has access to the EWI to invoke a soft reset. All configuration information persists. Device goes offline for 2-3 minutes while reboot process completes. |
Configuration Reset - Hardware | Press and hold Reset button (10+ seconds) |
| Reset button must be pressed and held until LEDs flash (after about 10 seconds). Device goes offline while it completes the reboot process. Residential Gateway (RG) configuration settings include all subscriber- configurable information such as login credentials for Admin user, SSIDs, LAN IP scope, etc., all of which reset to defaults. |
Configuration Reset - Software | EWI > Utilities > Restore Defaults |
| Subscriber (Admin user) has access to the EWI to invoke a configuration reset. Device goes offline while it completes the reboot process. Residential Gateway (RG) configuration settings include all subscriber- configurable information such as login credentials for Admin user, SSIDs, LAN IP scope, etc., all of which reset to defaults. |
Factory Reset - Software | EWI > Support Menu > Tools > Smart Activate > Factory Reset |
| Function available only to operators via EWI Support user (not available to subscriber/Admin user). Service provider management settings include all information visible on the EWI Support tab, such as login credentials for Support user, TR- 69 ACS URL and login credentials, SPID, etc., all of which reset to defaults. |
The information below describes the powering of any GigaSpire BLAST.
The method by which the GigaSpire BLAST u4 or GigaSpire Mesh BLAST u4m is deployed will impact the internet connection. With power applied to the BLAST, perform the following steps based on the role the device plays in the network.
If the unit is configured as a Residential Gateway, connect an Ethernet Cable to its WAN port from the WAN modem (ONU, cable modem, or DSL modem).
If the unit is configured as a MESH point, connect an Ethernet cable from its WAN port to another GigaSpire or wirelessly connect the two devices.
Additional Comments
Note: For all LED sequences, the BLAST u4 and the Mesh BLAST u4m incorporate a single LED located on the interface side of the unit.
Power Off and Boot-up | ||
Description | Colors | Indication |
OFF
| Off | ![]() |
Booting Up, SW Upgrade in Process
| Off & Cyan Cycles @ 1000 msec | ![]() |
| Off & Red Cycles @ 800 msec | ![]() |
BLAST LED Status | ||
Description | Colors | Indication |
Connect to Internet
| CYAN Continuous | ![]() |
Service Failure - No Internet Connection
| Off & Red Cycles @ 1600 msec | ![]() |
Samsung Smart Things | ||
Description | Colors | Indication |
ST Hub Ready for Setup
| LED green and Red cycles at 500 msecs. Once set-up, reverts to gateway previous status If set-up is not successful, consult Error states under Smart Things | ![]() |
Set-up Error
| If Set-up is not successful, cycle red @ 500 msec, continue flash for 30 secs, then revert to the gateway previous status | ![]() |
Searching for Sensor Flashing Green | During search for sensor, LED cycles green @ 500 msec. If sensor is found, the LED reverts to gateway previous status. If the sensor is not found, the blinking continues for 60 secs, then reverts to gateway previous status | ![]() |
Mesh BLAST u4m with BLAST u4 | ||
Description | Colors | Indication |
GS202xE Mesh Satellite (Backhaul pairing cycle can be started by WPS button press [3+ second press] or equivalent EWI or smartphone app activation) | For backhaul pairing press WPS for at least 3 seconds | N/A |
Booting Up or SW Upgrade in Process
| Off and Cyan (1000 msec) | ![]() |
Boot-up Failure
| Off and Red (800 msec) | ![]() |
WPS Pressed, Pairing Attempt has Begun
| Green and Off (500 msec) | ![]() |
Display Signal Strength (Positioning Strength) Display strength after any of the following conditions (IP address obtained):
| Gray and Green | Too Close: Fast Blink Too Far: Slow Blink |
Gateway Not Found
| Solid Red | ![]() |
After pairing, follow the Gateway Status
| After 60 seconds, Cyan or Red, or Off | ![]() |
Lost Control plane but data plane is still connected Regardless of what stage the mesh unit is in. If the control plane is loss but the data plane is still in connection. Then flash the LED to red for 15 seconds, after that return the LED to cyan | Flash LED to red for 15 seconds, then revert to Cyan | ![]() |
Inside the giftbox of the BLAST u4 or u4m, a printed wall mount template is included. This template is scaled to size and should be used when marking the hole locations for the wall mount option. The figure below is a representative example of the template but should not be used as it is not scaled appropriately.
For additional information, refer to Wall Mounting the u4/u4m located in the Installation chapter of this guide.
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:
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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