Actiontec electronic HPAP108T User Manual
MegaPlug
Wireless
Network
Extender
Model #: HPAP108T
User Manual
Ver 1.0
Solutions for the Digital Life
™
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
Features 1
System Requirements 2
Getting to Know the Network Extender 2
What is HomePlug? 3
Technical Support 4
2 Installing the Wireless Network Extender 5
Plugging in the Extender 5
Installing the Configuration Utility 5
Connecting a Wireless Computer
to the Homeline Network 6
3 Using the Configuration Utility 7
Locate Device 7
Setup Wizard 8
IP Setting 8
Wireless Setting 9
Factory Default 12
Device Info 12
Management 12
4 Using the Web Configuration Interface 13
System Summary 14
Wireless Station List 14
System Properties 15
Administration 15
IP Settings 16
Wireless Network 16
Wireless Security 17
Wireless Advanced Settings 19
MAC Filtering 21
Backup/Restore Settings 22
Firmware Upgrade 23
Reboot 23
5 Troubleshooting 25
Troubleshooting 25
Frequently Asked Questions 26
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Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual
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6 Setting Up Static IP Address 29
Windows 98 SE 29
Windows Me 32
Windows 2000 35
Windows XP 39
7 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 43
File Sharing 43
Printer Sharing 51
A Specifications 53
General 53
Wireless 53
LED Indicators 54
Environmental 54
B Glossary 55
Notices 59
Regulatory Compliance Notices 59
Modifications 59
Miscellaneous Legal Notices 60
Limited Warranty 61
1
Introduction
Congratulations for purchasing the Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network
Extender. The Extender is one of the easiest ways to augment your existing
MegaPlug network by introducing wireless networking. Simply plug the Extender
into a standard electrical outlet, and your AC-wire-based network is now wirelesscapable. Using any wireless-equipped computer, you can surf the Web, exchange
files, even print documents, all without the hassle of installing more cables. If you
want to take your computer networking to the next level, the Actiontec MegaPlug
Wireless Network Extender is sure to be one of the keys to your success.
Features
s Supports HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0
s 85 Mbps data rate (maximum) over standard home power lines
s 56-bit DES encryption
s Supports IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.3, and IEEE 802.3u wireless
standards
s Supports WEP 64/128/152-bit encryption, WPA, WPA-PSK, 56-bit DES
encryption
s Two-pronged US power plug (fits ungrounded power outlets)
s Power and Wireless indicators
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Chapter 1 Introduction
System Requirements
s Router or gateway with HomePlug capability
s Standard home power wiring
s Computer with the following:
· CD-ROM drive
· Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP installed
· Wireless capability
· TCP/IP network protocol installed
Getting to Know the Network Extender
This section contains a quick description of the Network Extender’s external features.
Front Panel
The Network Extender’s front panel features 2 lights (LEDs):
Wireless
Power
Wireless Light
The Wireless light flickers green when the Extender is active.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Power Light
The Power light glows green when sychronized with another device, and flickers
when data is being transferred across the Network Extender. If the Power light is
off, it can still be powered up.
Information Sticker
The information sticker (located beneath the electrical prongs) displays the MAC
(Media Access Control) address, device ID, serial number and other information
about the Extender.
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What is HomePlug?
HomePlug is a new networking technology that uses the existing power lines in
a home to connect devices such as computers, print servers, etc., eliminating the
need for installing new wiring when a device is added to the network. Today’s
HomePlug products are mainly adapter-type devices which plug into existing
Ethernet networks, but more and more devices are being designed with HomePlug
technology built-in. This means, in the near future, plugging in a device into an
electrical outlet will not only power it, but also allow it to communicate with other
HomePlug devices.
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Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual
Technical Support
Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable, high-quality, high-performance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department
is available all day every day to provide professional support.
Actiontec Electronics, Inc.
760 N. Mary Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Technical Support
Phone: (USA) 1-888-436-0657
E-mail: http://support.actiontec.com/email_support/support_form.php
Internet: www.actiontec.com/support
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Installing the Wireless Network Extender
This chapter explains how to plug in the Wireless Network Extender, how to load
the Extender’s Configuration Utility on a computer connected to the Homeline
network, and how to access the Homeline network (via the Extender) with a wirelessly-equipped computer.
☞
Note: The following procedures assume that the user has already
set up a Homeline network with a computer connected to
the network.
Plugging in the Extender
To use the Extender properly, it should be plugged into an electrical outlet already
part of a Homeline network, with other devices (computers, printer servers, etc.)
connected to the network. The Power light will glow steadily green when the
Extender detects a HomeLine network.
Installing the Configuration Utility
To install the Extender’s Configuration Utility:
1. Insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer connected to
the Homeline network.
2. Navigate to the CD’s directory and double-click on the file named “utility.exe.”
3. The Utility is loaded on the computer’s hard drive.
The Extender’s Configuration Utility is now installed on the computer. See
chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Utility,” for more information
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Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual
Connecting a Wireless Computer to the Homeline Network
To connect a wirelessly-equipped computer to the Homeline network via the
Extender:
1. On the wirelessly-equipped computer, access to the wireless network interface.
2. Enter “Actiontec” in the interface’s “SSID” or “Network Name” text box. This is
the Extender’s default ESSID (Extended Service Set Identification) name.
☞
Note: The network name is case-sensitive, so make sure to enter
it exactly as shown.
3. Enter “A374936DCA” in the interface’s “WEP Key” text box. This is the
Extender’s default WEP key.
3. Close the wireless network interface on the computer. The Homeline network
should be accessible on the wirelessly-equipped computer.
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Using the Configuration Utility
Once the Wireless Network Extender has been properly connected and installed
according to the Quick Start Guide, the user can further configure the Extender using
the Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Configuration Utility. The Utility also provides
information about the network. After inserting the CD in the computer’s CD-ROM
drive, the Utility starts up automatically and appears on the desktop. See the following sections for more information about the Utility’s capabilities.
Across the top of the window are additional options: Locate Device, Setup
Wizard, IP Setting, Wireless Setting, Factory Default, Device Info, and
Management.
Locate Device
Clicking Locate Device causes the Utility to search for Wireless Network Extenders
available on the Homeline network. A list of available Extenders will appear in the
window, as shown in the figure above.
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard allows a quick set up of the Extender’s basic settings. To use:
1. Click Setup Wizard in the Utility window. A “Login” window appears. Enter
the user name and password (default user name is “admin”; default password
is blank [no password]) in the appropriate text boxes, then click Next.
2. An “IP Setting” window appears. Select the appropriate setting (for more
details, see “IP Setting” below), then click Next.
3. An “Device Name” window appears. Enter a name for the Extender in the
appropriate text box, then click Next.
4. A “Wireless Setting” window appears. Select the appropriate configuration for the
Extender (for more details, see “Wireless Setting” on page 9), then click Next.
5. A “Wireless Security” window appears. Select the appropriate security con-
figuration for the Extender (for more details, see “Security” on page 10), then
click Next.
6. Another window appears, relevant to the security setting. Enter the pertinent
information, then click Finish. The Setup Wizard is complete.
IP Setting
Clicking IP Setting in the Utility window generates a Login window. After entering the proper user name and password (default user name is “Admin,” and
default password is blank [enter no password]), the “IP Setting” window appears.
There are two options in this window: Obtain an IP address automatically, and
Specify an IP address.
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
Obtain an IP Address Automatically
Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to have the Extender
obtain an IP address automatically (from a router on the Homeline network).
Specify an IP Address
Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to specify an IP
address. After selecting this option, enter the IP address, subnet mask address, and
default gateway address in the appropriate text boxes.
Wireless Setting
Clicking Wireless Setting in the Utility window generates a Login window. After
entering the proper user name and password (default user name is “Admin,” and
default password is blank [enter no password]), the “Wireless Setting” window
appears. Here, the Extender’s wireless settings can be configured.
ESSID
ESSID is the network name assigned to the Extender’s wireless network. The fac-
tory default setting is “Actiontec.” Although Actiontec recommends keeping the
default value intact, the ESSID value can be modified, using any combination of
alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All wireless-capable computers includ-
ed on the Extender’s wireless network must have this same ESSID value.
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
Channel
Channel assigns the frequency band at which the Extender communicates. In
the United States, use channels 1-11, or select Smart Select, which automatically selects a minimally used channel. (The factory default value is set to Smart
Select.)
Wireless Mode
From this drop-down list, select the speed of the wireless network to be created.
Options include 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11 Super G static, and 802.11 Super G
dynamic.
Security
From this drop-down list, select the type of security to be applied to the wireless
network. Options include Disabled, WEP 64 bits, WEP 128 bits, WEP 152 bits,
WPA-PSK, and WPA.
Disabled
Selecting this security option applies no security to the wireless network. Any
user with a wireless-equipped computer will be able to join the network
WEP 64 bits
Selecting this security option applies 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
security on the wireless network. 64-bit WEP requires a key composed of 10
hexadecimal digits or 5 ASCII characters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an
alphanumeric character ranging from 0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be
any character on the keyboard. To create a 64-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexa-
decimal) or “ASCII,” then enter ten hexadecimal digits or 5 ASCII characters in
the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating 64-bit WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if these same keys are entered in the
computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
WEP 128 bits
Selecting this security option applies 128-bit WEP security on the wireless network. 128-bit WEP requires a key composed of 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 ASCII
characters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character ranging
from 0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard. To cre-
ate a 128-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexadecimal) or “ASCII,” then enter 26 hexa-
decimal digits or 13 ASCII characters in the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating
128-bit WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if
these same keys are entered in the computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
WEP 152 bits
Selecting this security option applies 152-bit WEP security on the wireless network. 152-bit WEP requires a key composed of 32 hexadecimal digits or 16 ASCII
characters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character ranging
from 0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard. To cre-
ate a 152-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexadecimal) or “ASCII,” then enter 32 hexa-
decimal digits or 16 ASCII characters in the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating
152-bit WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if
these same keys are entered in the computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
WPA-PSK
Selecting this security option applies WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security with
PSK (Passkey) protection to the wireless network. To set up WPA-PSK, select a
“Cipher Type” (TKIP or AES), then enter 8-63 characters in the “Passphrase” text
box. Once activated, all wireless-enabled devices must support WPA and know
the PSK to join the wireless network.
WPA
Selecting this security option applies WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security to the
wireless network. To set up WPA security, select a “Cipher Type” (TKIP or AES),
enter the IP address of the RADIUS server in the “RADIUS Server” text box, and
then enter the secret key (for communication between the RADIUS server and
the Network Extender) in the “RADIUS_Secret” text box.
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Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual
Factory Default
Clicking Factory Default in the Utility window resets (after entering the user
name and password in the pop-up window) the Extender’s settings to their factory
default settings.
Device Info
Clicking Device Info in the Utility window generates the “Device Information”
window, which displays an overview of the Extender’s settings.
Management
Clicking Management in the Utility window causes the Extender’s Web
Management Interface to appear in a Web browser. See chapter 4, “Using the Web
Management Interface,” for more information.
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Using the Web Configuration Interface
The Wireless Network Extender’s Web Configuration Interface allows the user to
configure and view various aspects of the Extender’s wireless network, including
wireless security. To access the Interface:
1. Insert the CD in the computer’s CD-ROM drive. The Utility will start auto-
matically, and the “MegaPlug Wireless Configuration Utility” appears.
2. Click Management at the top left of the Utility window. A log-in screen
appears. The default user name is “Admin” and there is no password.
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Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface
3. After entering a user name and password in the Login screen, a web browser
starts up, with the Interface displayed in it.
System Summary
Clicking System Summary on the left side of any Interface screen causes the
“System Summary” screen to appear, as shown in the figure above. This screen
displays an overview of the Extender’s settings including system information, current IP settings, and current wireless settings. None of these setting can be changed
from this screen.
Wireless Station List
Click Wireless Station List on the left side of any Interface screen to generate the
“Wireless Station List.” This screen displays the wireless clients connected to
the Extender.
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Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface
System Properties
Clicking System Properties on the left side of any Interface screen causes the
“System Properties” screen to appear.
Device Name
The “Device Name” text box contains the name of the Extender. It can be changed
here; the new name must be from 1 to 32 characters long.
Country/Region
Select the country or region in which the Network Extender is being used from the
“Country/Region” drop-down list. If a particular country or region is not found on
the list, select “NO_COUNTRY_SET-NA.”
Administration
Clicking Administration on the left side of any Interface screen causes the
“Administration” screen to appear. Change the user name and password used to
access the Interface screens here. Actiontec recommends changing the default user
name and password to something more secure, to prevent unwanted access to the
Extender’s settings. Once a new user name and password has been entered, write
them down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place. The user name and
password will be needed to access the Web Configuration Interface in the future.
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Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface
IP Settings
Clicking IP Settings on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “IP Settings”
screen to appear. There are two options in this window: Obtain an IP address
automatically, and Specify an IP address.
Obtain an IP Address Automatically
Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to have the Extender
obtain an IP address automatically from a router on the Homeline etwork.
Specify an IP Address
Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to specify an IP
address. After selecting this option, enter the IP address, subnet mask address, and
default gateway address in the appropriate text boxes.
Wireless Network
Clicking Wireless Network on the left side of any Interface screen causes the
“Wireless Network” screen to appear. Here, the Extender’s wireless settings can
be configured.
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Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface
SSID
SSID is the network name assigned to the Extender’s wireless network. The factory
default setting is “Actiontec.” Although Actiontec recommends keeping the default
value intact, the ESSID value can be modified, using any combination of alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All wireless-capable computers included on
the Extender’s wireless network must have this same ESSID value.
Hide SSID Broadcast
Select this check box to disable SSID broadcast. If deactivated, the SSID of the
Extender’s wireless network is available to any wireless device.
Wireless Mode
From this drop-down list, select the speed of the wireless network. Options include
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11 Super G static, and 802.11 Super G dynamic.
Channel
Channel assigns the frequency band at which the Extender communicates. In
the United States, use channels 1-11, or select Smart Select, which automatically
selects a minimally used channel. (The factory default value is set to Smart Select.)
Wireless Security
Clicking Wireless Security on the left side of any Interface screen causes the
“Wireless Security” screen to appear. Here, the Extender’s wireless network security
settings can be configured.
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Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface
From the “Security” drop-down list, select the type of security to be applied to the
wireless network. Options include No Security, WEP 40/64 bits, WEP 104/128
bits, WEP 128/152 bits, WPA-PSK, and WPA.
No Security
Selecting this security option applies no security to the wireless network. Any user
with a wireless-equipped computer will be able to join the network
WEP 64 bits
Selecting this security option applies 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) security
on the wireless network. 64-bit WEP requires a key composed of 10 hexadecimal dig-
its or 5 ASCII characters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character
ranging from 0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard.
To create a 64-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexadecimal) or “ASCII,” then enter ten
hexadecimal digits or 5 ASCII characters in the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating
64-bit WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if these
same keys are entered in the computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
WEP 104/128 bits
Selecting this security option applies 128-bit WEP security on the wireless network.
128-bit WEP requires a key composed of 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 ASCII char-
acters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character ranging from
0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard. To create a
128-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexadecimal) or “ASCII,” then enter 26 hexadecimal
digits or 13 ASCII characters in the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating 128-bit
WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if these same
keys are entered in the computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
WEP 128/152 bits
Selecting this security option applies 152-bit WEP security on the wireless network.
152-bit WEP requires a key composed of 32 hexadecimal digits or 16 ASCII char-
acters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character ranging from
0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard. To create a
152-bit WEP key, select “Hex” (hexadecimal) or “ASCII,” then enter 32 hexadecimal
digits or 16 ASCII characters in the “WEP Key 1” text box. After activating 152-bit
WEP, a computer with wireless capability can join the network only if these same
keys are entered in the computer’s wireless encryption scheme.
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