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Other SDM Operations
Last Updated: July 07, 2026
Other SDM Operations
User Security

The SDM allows for multiple users with different privileges:

  • Administrators can do anything on the SDM (including adding new users and permissions)

  • Power Users can do anything on the SDM, except add new users.  

  • Users have view-only privileges.  

The SDM can audit any user-initiated operation and report on it accordingly. For more details, see Access User Security.

EntitlementsThe SDM provides the ability to entitle a device for advanced features such as NC Set-top Authorization. The SDM is given a specified number of entitlement authorizations which it can distribute to devices. Entitlements can be moved from one device to another. The SDM also has entitlements that authorize additional SDM features, such as Performance. Northbound Interface is another entitlement-dependent feature. For more details, see Entitlements and Entitlement report overview
Firmware UpgradeThe SDM provides the ability to upgrade the firmware version of one, or many, devices. To access the Modify Device Firmware screen, select Configuration > Upgrade Device Firmware on the SDM. For more details, see Upgrade existing device firmware.
Backup/RestoreThe SDM provides the ability to backup all of the current configurations, either manually or at daily scheduled intervals. The database backups can then be restored to return the SDM to a known configuration. The Database Backup/Restore screen can be accessed from the File menu on the SDM. For more details, see Back-up SDM Data.
Adding/Copying DevicesThe SDM provides the ability to add a new, unconfigured device to a headend, using the ARRIS default configuration. Access the Add New Device screen by selecting Configuration > Add Device on the SDM. Once the device has been added to the SDM, BOOTP the device to give it the default configuration. After the BOOTP operation completes, discover the device, so the SDM can manage the device. For more details, see Add a new device in SDM.

Alternatively, rather than using the ARRIS default configuration, you can copy an existing device's configuration and apply it to a new, unconfigured device. To access the Copy Device screen, right-click on a device and select Copy. Once the device has been copied to the SDM, BOOTP the device. After the BOOTP operation completes, discover the device, so the SDM can manage the device. For more details, see Add new devices – copy existing devices .