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Actiontec electronic
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HPE400T
User Manual
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Actiontec electronic HPE400T User Manual

85 Mbps
MegaPlug
Ethernet Adapter
Model #: HPE400T
User Manual
Ver 1.0
Solutions for the Digital Life
™

Introduction

1
Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub. The MegaPlug 4­Port Hub is one of the easiest ways to enjoy home or small business networking. It operates on the MegaPlug Powerline Specification Turbo standard, providing data transfer speeds up to 85 Mbps over home AC wiring. Since home power lines are the most pervasive medium in households, with multiple outlets in every room, the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub allows multiple desktop and laptop computers to be networked easily, enabling them to share an Internet connection, printers, files, and games, without any additional wiring. If you want to take your computer network­ing to the next level, the Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub is sure to be one of the keys to your success.

Package Contents

Make sure the following items came in this package:
s Actiontec 85 Mbps MegaPlug 4-Port Hub
s Ethernet Cable
s Power Cord
s Installation CD (includes this manual)
s Quick Start Guide
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
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Chapter 1 Introduction

Features

s HomePlug Turbo compliant
s 85 Mbps data rate (maximum)
s 56-bit DES encryption
s Two-pronged US power plug (fits ungrounded power outlets)
s Power and Link indicators

System Requirements

s At least 1 available power outlet
s Standard home power wiring
s Computer with the following:
· CD-ROM drive
· IBM compatible running at 200 MHz or better
· Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP installed
· 64 MB of RAM
· Ethernet network Hub
· TCP/IP installed
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Chapter 1 Introduction

Getting to Know the 4-Port Hub

This section contains a quick description of the Hub’s external features.
Front Panel
The Hub’s front panel features six lights (LEDs):
Power Light
The Power light glows green the Hub is powered up (“On”). If the Power light is off, the Hub is powered down (“Off”).
HP Light
The HP light illuminates when the Hub is connected to a MegaPlug network.
Ethernet Lights (1, 2, 3, 4)
The Ethernet lights glow green when a device is connected to the Hub via the respectively number Ethernet port.
Rear Panel
The Hub’s bottom panel contains an AC port and four Ethernet port:
Ethernet Ports
The Ethernet ports (1, 2, 3, and 4) are used to connect the Hub to a computer or gateway/router via Ethernet cable.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
AC IN Port
The AC IN port is used to connect Hub with an electrical wall socket via the included Power cable
Information Sticker
The information sticker (located on the bottom of the Hub) displays the MAC (Media Access Control) address, device ID, and other information about the Hub.

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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Connecting the MegaPlug Hub

To connect the Hub, it must be connected to a computer, plugged into a standard wall outlet, and the Configuration Utility loaded on the computer.
Connecting the Hub
To use the Hub properly, if should be plugged into electrical outlets, and devices (computers, printers, etc.) connected to them.
Connecting a Hub to a Computer
1. Get a Hub and one Ethernet cable.
2. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the Hub.
3. Plug the Hub into a wall outlet.
Note: Do not plug the Hub into a UPS or power strip with surge
☞
protection. The Hub’s network signal may not pass through these devices.
4. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on the back of
a computer.
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Connecting a Hub to a Router/Gateway
1. Get a Hub and one Ethernet cable.
2. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the Hub.
3. Plug the Hub into a wall outlet.
Note: Do not plug the Hub into a UPS or power strip with surge
☞
protection. The Hub’s network signal may not pass through these devices.
4. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on a router/
gateway connected to a computer.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
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Chapter 2 Connecting the MegaPlug Hubs
5. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on a router/
gateway connected to a computer.
Follow the instructions in the next section, “Installing the Configuration Utility.”

Installing the Configuration Utility

After connecting the Hub, install the Configuration Utility:
1. Insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer connected
to a Hub.
2. When the “Welcome” screen appears, click Next.
3. When the “Choose Destination Screen” appears, click Next.
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Chapter 2 Connecting the MegaPlug Hubs
4. When this window appears, click Finish.
5. Repeat for other computers connected to a Hub.
The MegaPlug Hub is now connected and ready to use, and the Configuration Utility is loaded on the computers. Go to chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Utility” for information about changing the default configuration settings of the Hub.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
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Using the Configuration Utility

Once the Hub has been properly connected and installed, the user can further con­figure the Hub using the Actiontec MegaPlug Configuration Utility. The Utility also provides information about the network. To access the Utility:
1. Click Start on the desktop, then Programs.
2. From the Programs menu, find “Actiontec MegaPlug,” then select MegaPlug
Configuration Utility.
The Utility appears on the desktop. See the following sections for more informa­tion about the Utility’s capabilities.

Quick Setup

Selecting Quick Setup from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window generates the “Quick Setup” tab.
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Use this tab to quickly set up security on all MegaPlug devices on the network.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
Local Device(s) on Your Computer
The list displays all MegaPlug Hubs connected to the computer.
Note: If no Hub appears in the Device List, make sure the Hub
☞
is connected properly (with the appropriate Ethernet cable) to the computer. Then, unplug the Hub, and plug it back in again. If, after performing these actions, no Hub appears in the Device List, the Hub may be defective. Contact technical support.
MegaPlug Encryption Key
Enter an encryption key in this text box to provide security for your MegaPlug network. A key is similar to a password, and can be made up of any combination of letters or numbers, from 4 to 24 characters long. Once activated, this key must be entered into a device’s network configuration to join the MegaPlug network.
Important: All Hubs on the same network must have the
P
same encryption key. If not, they will not be able to connect.
Set Local Device Only
Click this button to encrypt the device selected in the “Local Device(s) on your computer” list box.

Advanced

Selecting Advanced from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window gen­erates the “Advanced” tab.
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Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility
Local Device(s) on Your Computer
The list displays all MegaPlug Hubs connected to the computer.
Note: If no Hub appears in the Device List, make sure the Hub
☞
is connected properly (with the appropriate Ethernet cable) to the computer. Then, unplug the Hub, and plug it back in again. If, after performing these actions, no Hub appears in the Device List, the Hub may be defective. Contact technical support.
Network List
The Network List (the list box at the center of the Network tab) lists all other Hubs connected to this MegaPlug network. Only Hubs with the same password as the Hub connected to this computer are shown on this list. The available Hubs are listed by their MAC addresses, and include their device name, device ID, and the quality of the connection.
Add
Clicking this button allows the user to add a MegaPlug Hub to the network. In the window that appears, enter the device name and password in the appropriate text boxes, then click OK.
Rename
Clicking this button allows the user to rename a MegaPlug Hub listed in the Network List. Select the device from the Network list, click Rename, then enter the new name.
Enter Device ID
Clicking this button allows the user to enter a MegaPlug Hub device ID. The device ID is found on the sticker attached to the Hub (see page 3).
MegaPlug Encryption Key
Enter an encryption key in this text box to provide security for your MegaPlug net­work. A key is similar to a password, and can be made up of any combination of letters or numbers, from 4 to 24 characters long. Once activated, this key must be entered into a devices network configuration to join the MegaPlug network.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
Set All Devices
Click this button to encrypt all devices on the MegaPlug network.

About

Selecting About from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window gener­ates the “About” tab.
The About tab displays the MegaPlug Configuration Utility version.
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Troubleshooting

4
This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub, and techniques to solve them. Note that these techniques may not be successful in all cases. Also included is a list of frequently asked questions.

Troubleshooting

If the Hub is showing signs of trouble, before attempting any other troubleshoot­ing procedures, plug the Hub into a working electrical wall socket.
The Power light doesn’t light up after I plug the Hub into a wall outlet.
First, make sure the Hub is installed and connected correctly. Then, ensure the wall outlet is working by plugging other electric devices into it. If it is working, plug in the Hub again, and if the Power light still doesn’t illuminate, try plugging it into other wall outlets. If the Hub is still experiencing this problem, contact technical support.
The Link light doesn’t light up on the Hub.
If one of the Hub’s Ethernet lights is not illuminating, a LAN connection is not being detected.
s Make sure the Hub is installed and connected correctly.
s Check the Hub on the computer and make sure it is enabled and working
properly. Also, make sure the right type of Ethernet cable is being used.
I can’t connect to the Internet or any of the other computers on the network.
s Make sure the IP address and TCP/IP protocol are set up properly for all the
computers on the network, then try to ping the gateway.
s Use the Hub’s Configuration Utility to detect all other Hubs on the network.
Then, plug the Hubs into adjacent sockets. If the Ethernet lights still don’t illuminate, contact technical support.
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Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual
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Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
The Power and Link lights are on, but I can’t access the router/gateway from the computer
s Try plugging the Hub in different power outlets.
s Make sure all Hubs on the network are using the same security parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the transfer speed over the Hub’s network?
The Hub’s network transfer speed is 85 Mbps (maximum) over a standard home power line network.
What’s the estimated range of the Hub’s network?
Approximately 300 meters (~985 ft.) in wall power lines (one household).
Will the Hub work in any home?
The Hub will work in any home with built-in copper wiring. It may not operate in some older homes (pre-1950) with alternate wiring.
Will the Hub’s network signal pass through circuit breakers?
Yes, the Hub’s network signal will pass through circuit breakers. It will not, how­ever, pass through power transformers.
Does the Hub work with a 100 – 240V AC input ?
Yes.
Does using the Hub cause any interference with other home networking devices?
No. The Hub operates at a different frequency than other power line control devices and can co-exist with technologies such as X-10, CEBus, and LONworks.
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