Aztech HL109EP User Manual

HomePlug AV 200Mbps Ethernet Adaptor with AC Pass-Through
User Manual
Legal Notice
No part of this document may be reproduced, republished, or retransmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, whether electronically or mechanically, including, but not limited to, by way of photocopying, recording, information recording, or through retrieval systems without the express written permission. We reserve the right to revise this document at any time without the obligation to notify any person and/or entity. All other company or product names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DAMAGES
THE PRODUCT AND THE SOFTWARES WITHIN ARE PROVIDED "AS IS," BASIS. THE MANUFACTURER AND MANUFACTURER’S RESELLERS (COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS “THE SELLERS”) DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON­INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, OR USAGE OF TRADE. IN NO EVENT WILL THE SELLERS BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OR LOSS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL WILLFUL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL, DAMAGES, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, OR DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS OF ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR THE SOFTWARES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT OR SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION, OR LOSS OR INACCURACY OF DATA OF ANY KIND, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF THE PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ITS SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY CUSTOMER. BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO THE PARTIES. IN NO EVENT WILL THE SELLERS’ TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY OF EACH AND EVERY KIND IN RELATION TO THE PRODUCT OR ITS SOFTWARE EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY CUSTOMER FOR THE PRODUCT.
Page 2 of 40
Contents
User Manual
About the Product.....................................................................5
How Does It Work? ....................................................................................................................5
For Best Performance................................................................................................................6
Package Contents....................................................................................................... 7
Device Design............................................................................................................. 8
How to Use Simple Connect....................................................................................................10
Creating a HomePlug AV Network .....................................................................................10
Resetting the Private Network Name................................................................................14
Joining an Existing HomePlug AV Network........................................................................15
Determining Connection Rate.................................................................................................18
Getting Started .......................................................................19
Plan Your Network ...................................................................................................20
Local Network..........................................................................................................................20
Gaming Network .....................................................................................................................20
Entertainment Network ..........................................................................................................21
Media Network........................................................................................................................21
Setup the HomePlug AVs..........................................................................................22
For Twin Pack...........................................................................................................................22
For Single Pack ........................................................................................................................22
About HomePlug AV Utility.....................................................23
Requirements...........................................................................................................23
Installation...............................................................................................................24
Opening HomePlug AV Utility...................................................................................25
The User Interface ....................................................................................................25
Home........................................................................................................................................26
Private Network Name ...........................................................................................................27
Local Private Network Name..............................................................................................28
Remote Private Network Name .........................................................................................28
Simulate Simple Connect Button........................................................................................29
Quality of Service ....................................................................................................................30
Devices.....................................................................................................................................32
Page 3 of 40
User Manual
Firmware Upgrade...................................................................................................................33
Appendix ................................................................................35
Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................................... 35
FCC Statement .......................................................................................................... 39
Page 4 of 40
User Manual
About the Product
HomePlug AV is ready to use out of the box and does not require the installation of driver
software to work. It can be connected to computers, routers, gaming consoles, hubs,
IPTV set-top boxes, and other Ethernet devices regardless of operating system. The built-
in push button allows you to have a secure HomePlugAV network without a need to
connect your device to a computer for manual configuration. What’s more, this HomePlug
comes with an AC pass-through feature, allowing the same socket it is occupying to be
freed up for other devices. This AC pass-through comes with a low-pass filter, preventing
noise generating appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers from interfering
with your HomePlugAV Network.
How Does It Work?
HomePlug AV utilizes the existing electrical wiring in the house as a path to create a
secured network of computers and Ethernet devices. With a maximum data rate of up to
200 Mbps, HomePlug AV can reliably handle high requirement applications like
broadband Internet, high definition video streaming, and Voice over IP. HomePlug AV
converts digital signals to a complex analog signal that traverses along the electrical
wires. When receiving the analog signal, HomePlug AV converts the analog signal back to
digital. To make the signal secured, a 128-bit AES encryption is applied.
A HomePlug AV device can only communicate with other HomePlug AV devices that use
the same Private Network Name. The Private Network Name can be changed manually
using the HomePlug AV Utility software on a computer with a Windows operating system.
When you use the software, you have to manually type the Private Network Name for
the device. Another way to change the Private Network Name is to use the Simple
Connect button
Name. It can also be used to reset the Private Network Name or to add a device into an
existing HomePlug AV network.
. Simple Connect automatically creates an encrypted Private Network
Page 5 of 40
User Manual
Note: HomePlug AV devices from the Twin Pack are already configured to use a common Private Network
Name unique for that pair and are ready to use. The HomePlug AV from a Single Pack, on the other hand,
uses a random Private Network Name. You still need to change its Private Network Name to allow it to
communicate with an existing HomePlug AV network.
When a HomePlug AV communicates with another device, the Powerline Activity LED
color will give you an idea about the connection rate: red means below 40 Mbps; amber
means 40 to 105 Mbps; and green means more than 105 Mbps.
For Best Performance
For best performance, connect HomePlug AV directly to a wall outlet. Avoid connecting it
to a power strip where other electrical devices are connected. Other devices create
electrical noise that may affect the performance of HomePlug AV.
Page 6 of 40
User Manual
If any power-draining devices are being used, such as hair dryers or vacuum cleaners, try
plugging them into the built-in AC pass-through; it has an embedded low-pass filter to
prevent electrical noise from interfering on your Powerline network.
Package Contents
The package contains the following items:
1 HomePlug AV for Single Pack or 2 HomePlug AVs for Twin Pack
1 Ethernet cable for Single Pack or 2 Ethernet cables for Twin Pack
Resource CD that contains the HomePlug AV Utility installer and the User Manual.
Easy Start Guide
Page 7 of 40
User Manual
Device Design
Page 8 of 40
Label Status Description/ Function
Off No power.
User Manual
A Power
B Powerline Activity
C Ethernet Activity
D Simple Connect
On
After Simple Connect
is pressed for two seconds, this LED will blink to confirm the button press.
When Simple Connect
is pressed for at least 10 seconds, this LED will blink to confirm the Private Network Name reset.
Off Device is not connected to a HomePlug AV network.
On This LED remains on when the device is part of a
HomePlug AV network.
The LED colors represents the connection rate within the HomePlug AV network whether it is good (red), better (amber), or best (green).
The LED flashes to indicate network activity.
Off An Ethernet device is not connected.
On An Ethernet device is connected.
The LED flashes to indicate Ethernet activity.
Press to create or join a HomePlug AV network. It can also
be used to reset the Private Network Name to a random key.
Built-in AC Pass-through with Powerline Noise Filtering.
E Filtered AC Pass-through
Frequency band 2MHz to 30MHz Filtering with >30dB Insertion Loss, prevents noise-generating appliances from affecting your HomePlug AV performance.
Press for 2 seconds to reset to the factory default settings.
F Reset to Factory Default
When you reset to the factory default, all your configuration changes will be removed.
An automatically operated electrical switch designed to
protect your device from damage caused by overload or
G
Push to Reset Circuit
Breaker
short circuit. Push the button to resume normal operation after overload or short circuit.
Current Rating: 10A Max
H Ethernet Port Accepts either cross or straight Ethernet cable.
Page 9 of 40
User Manual
How to Use Simple Connect
Simple Connect provides a more convenient way of creating your HomePlug AV
network without the need to open the HomePlug AV Utility software from a computer.
The button has three main functions which includes:
Creating a HomePlug AV Network
Resetting the Private Network Name
Joining an existing HomePlug AV Network
Simple Connect Button
Creating a HomePlug AV Network
To create a HomePlug AV network, you need at least two HomePlug AV devices using
random Private Network Names. When you press Simple Connect
common Private Network Name will be automatically generated to enable them to
communicate with each other.
on both devices, a
Page 10 of 40
User Manual
Note: New HomePlug AVs from a Twin Pack can already communicate with each other out of the box.
However, if you intend to create a new Private Network Name using Simple Connect for both devices, you
need to reset their Private Network Names to a random key before proceeding.
To create a HomePlug AV network using Simple Connect:
Step 1
Plug your HomePlug AVs side by side where
you can easily observe the LED behavior.
Upon connection, the LEDs will blink
simultaneously and then the Power LED
lights on steadily.
Step 2
Press Simple Connect for two seconds on
HomePlug X. After you release the button, the
Power LED
not blink, press Simple Connect
two seconds.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2
seconds.
will blink. If the Power LED did
again for
Page 11 of 40
User Manual
Step 3
Press Simple Connect for two seconds on
HomePlug Y. After you release the button, the
Power LED
not blink, press Simple Connect
will blink. If the Power LED did
again for
two seconds.
Make sure to press Simple Connect
on
HomePlug Y within two minutes after you
press Simple Connect
on HomePlug X.
The LEDs on both devices will switch off and
on twice to signify that they are searching for
another device to pair with.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2
seconds
Step 4
To confirm if the connection was established,
check the LEDs. The Power LEDs
Powerline Activity LEDs
on both HomePlugs
are on.
and the
Page 12 of 40
When the Powerline Activity LED on either
HomePlug X or HomePlug Y is off, this means
the pairing is not successful. In this case, you
need to redo the entire process again.
Step 5
User Manual
Unplug the HomePlug AVs and then connect them to your Ethernet devices using the
Ethernet cables from the product package. After connecting the Ethernet cable, plug the
HomePlugs directly to a wall outlet.
An Ethernet-enabled device can be a router, computer, hub, gaming console, IP phone,
network printer, or IP TV set-top box.
Note: HomePlug AVs work best when connected directly to a wall socket. Avoid plugging it to a power strip
or power extension. Other electrical devices in the power strip produce electrical noise that may affect the
performance of the HomePlug.
Page 13 of 40
User Manual
Resetting the Private Network Name
Simple Connect allows you to reset the HomePlug AV’s Private Network Name to a
random key. When a HomePlug AV is reset to a random key, it will not be able to
communicate with any other device.
Note: Resetting the Private Network Name is different from resetting the device to its factory default
settings. If you intend to reset the device to its factory default settings, press RESET on the device.
To reset the Private Network Name using Simple Connect:
Step 1
Press Simple Connect , wait for the
Power LED
It may take at least 10 seconds for the
Power LED
to blink, and then release.
to blink.
Step 2
To confirm the Private Network Name
reset, the Powerline Activity LED
switch off.
will
Page 14 of 40
User Manual
Joining an Existing HomePlug AV Network
To enable a new device to join an existing network, Simple Connect will copy the
Private Network Name of the existing network to the new HomePlug AV. If you pressed
Simple Connect
will be processed.
To join an existing HomePlug AV network using Simple Connect:
from multiple HomePlug AVs, only the signal from the first two devices
Step 1
Plug HomePlug Z near a HomePlug from an
existing network. Make sure you can easily
observe the LED behavior.
Upon connection, HomePlug Z’s LEDs will blink
simultaneously and then the Power LED
lights on steadily.
Step 2
Press Simple Connect for two seconds from a
HomePlug AV in an existing network. After you
release the button, the Power LED
If the Power LED
Connect
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2
seconds.
again for two seconds.
did not blink, press Simple
will blink.
Page 15 of 40
User Manual
Step 3
Press Simple Connect for two seconds
on HomePlug Z. After you release the
button, the Power LED
Power LED
Connect
did not blink, press Simple
again for two seconds.
Make sure to press Simple Connect
will blink. If the
on
HomePlug Z within two minutes after you
press Simple Connect
from the existing
network.
The LEDs on both devices will switch off
and on twice to signify that they are
searching for another device to pair with.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than
2 seconds.
Step 4
To confirm if the connection was
established, check the LEDs. The Power
LEDs
and the Powerline Activity LEDs
on all HomePlugs are on.
Page 16 of 40
User Manual
If the Powerline Activity LED on
HomePlug Z is off, this means the pairing
was not successful. You need to repeat
the process again.
Step 5
Unplug HomePlug Z and then connect it to your Ethernet device using the Ethernet cables
from the product package. After connecting the Ethernet cable, plug HomePlug Z directly
to a wall outlet. An Ethernet-enabled device can be a router, computer, hub, gaming
console, IP phone, network printer, or IP TV set-top box.
Note: HomePlug AVs work best when connected directly to a wall socket. Avoid plugging it to a power strip
or power extension. The other electrical devices in the power strip create noise that may affect the
performance of the HomePlug.
Page 17 of 40
User Manual
Determining Connection Rate
Each LED color of the Powerline Activity represents a connection rating. The connection
rating can only be calculated when the device is part of an existing network. The exact
connection rate value can also be viewed using HomePlug AV Utility.
Good (Red) Better (Amber) Best (Green)
Connection rate is less than 40 Mbps
Connection rate is
between 40 to 105 Mbps
Connection rate is
more than 105 Mbps
Page 18 of 40
User Manual
U
e
Getting Started
Setting up the device is easy. The flowchart below provides an outline of the steps you
need to complete the installation. There are brief descriptions beside each step to help
you along. Detailed instructions are provided in the subsequent pages.
Plan your Network
Setup the
HomePlug AVs
(Optional)
Install HomePlug
AV
tility Softwar
Ready to Use
Use an Ethernet cable to connect HomePlug AV to your computer or Ethernet device.
Install HomePlug AV Utility to apply manual configuration changes and monitor device activity.
Page 19 of 40
User Manual
Plan Your Network
Here are ideas on how you can plan your HomePlug AV network.
Local Network
Share ultra fast Internet connection with any computer wherever it is in the house.
Gaming Network
Connect your gaming console to the Internet and compete with other online players.
Page 20 of 40
Entertainment Network
Experience IP TV streaming into your home entertainment system.
User Manual
Media Network
Realize your high tech lifestyle by converging your IP devices into a single network.
Page 21 of 40
User Manual
Setup the HomePlug AVs
For Twin Pack
HomePlug AVs from a Twin Pack are preconfigured to have a common Private Network
Name unique for that pair. All you need to do is connect the HomePlug AVs to an
Ethernet device and then plug it to a wall socket.
To setup a pair of HomePlug AVs:
1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable to your Ethernet device and then connect the
other end to HomePlug AV.
2. Connect the HomePlug AV to a wall socket.
3. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable to your other Ethernet device and then
connect the other end to HomePlug AV.
4. Connect the HomePlug AV to a wall socket.
For Single Pack
A HomePlug AV from a single pack uses a random Private Network Name that prevents it
from communicating with other HomePlug AVs. To add it into an existing network, you
need to use either the Simple Connect button or the HomePlug AV Utility software to
change the random Private Network Name to the Private Network Name being used by
the existing HomePlug AV network.
To add a HomePlug AV to an existing network:
1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable to your Ethernet device and then connect the
other end to HomePlug AV.
2. Connect the HomePlug AV to a wall socket.
3. Add the new HomePlug AV by using either Simple Connect or the HomePlug AV
Utility software. To use Simple Connect, please refer to Joining an Existing
HomePlug AV Network. To use HomePlug AV Utility, please refer to Private
Network Name.
Page 22 of 40
User Manual
About HomePlug AV Utility
HomePlug AV Utility is a software application that allows you to configure HomePlug AV.
It is mainly used for changing the Private Network Name, detecting other HomePlug AV’s
in the network, and measuring the throughput of devices. Installation is straightforward
and the user interface is easy to use.
Note: To use HomePlug AV Utility, you need a computer using a Windows operating system with the .NET
Framework installed. If you do not have .NET installed, the HomePlug AV installer will installer it for you.
Requirements
Your computer must meet the following requirements:
Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP (32 and 64 bit), or Vista (32 and 64 bit)
300 MHz Processor
128 Mb of RAM
.NET Framework
Network Interface Card
CD-ROM
128 Mb of free hard disk space
Page 23 of 40
User Manual
Installation
To install HomePlug AV Utility:
1. Insert the Resource CD that comes with HomePlug AV into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
3. In the Run dialog box, type D:\Setup.exe (where D: is your CD-ROM drive), and
then click OK.
4. Follow the instructions on the installation wizard.
Two applications will be installed in your computer - HomePlug AV Utility will be
installed first followed by .NET Framework. The installer detects any version of
.NET Framework in your computer. If .NET Framework is not installed, a dialog box
opens to ask if you would like to install .NET Framework. Click Yes. The .NET
Framework will not be installed if the required version is already in your
computer.
Operating System .NET Framework version to be installed
Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 .NET Framework 1.1
XP and Vista 32-bit .NET Framework 2.0 32-bit
XP and Vista 64-bit .NET Framework 2.0 64-bit
Page 24 of 40
User Manual
Opening HomePlug AV Utility
Two ways to open HomePlug AV Utility:
Right-click the HomePlug AV Utility desktop shortcut and then select Open.
Click the Start button, click Programs, click HomePlug AV, click HomePlug AV
Ethernet Adapter, and then click HomePlug AV Utility.
The User Interface
The HomePlug AV Utility user interface is divided into tabs. These tabs include:
Home
Private Network Name
Quality of Service
Devices
Firmware Upgrade
Page 25 of 40
User Manual
Home
Home provides a list of all the possible tasks you can perform in the HomePlug AV Utility.
To start a task, you first need to select the network card connected to your HomePlug AV.
This is most helpful when you have more than one network card in your computer. When
you select a network card, the MAC Address of the HomePlug AV connected to your
computer appears. If there is no HomePlug AV connected to your computer, no MAC
address will appear.
After selecting the network card, there are four possible tasks you can perform. These
tasks include:
Change the Private Network Name
Change the QoS settings
View devices in the network
Upgrade the firmware
When you select any task, you will be forwarded to the tab for the selected task.
Home
Page 26 of 40
User Manual
Private Network Name
Private Network Name provides the function to manually change the Private Network
Name of local and remote HomePlug AVs. A Private Network Name is a string of 8 to 64
characters enables HomePlug AV devices to communicate with each other.
If you intend to create multiple networks, you can assign different Private Network
Names among your devices. You have to, however, make sure that at least two
HomePlug AVs have a similar Private Network Name. A HomePlug AV that uses a unique
or random Private Network Name will not be able to communicate with other devices.
Private Network Name
Note: In case you cannot connect into the network after changing the Private Network Name, please
power cycle the device. To power cycle, disconnect and then reconnect HomePlug AV from the power
outlet.
Page 27 of 40
User Manual
Local Private Network Name
Local Private Network Name refers to the Private Network Name of the HomePlug AV
that is directly connected to the computer where you use HomePlug AV Utility.
To change the local Private Network Name:
1. Open HomePlug AV Utility.
2. Click Private Network Name.
3. Type the new Private Network Name. This field is case sensitive. It accepts 8 to 64
alphanumeric characters including punctuation marks but no spaces.
4. Click Apply. When the process is complete, the message Settings Applied appears.
Remote Private Network Name
Without leaving your computer, you can change the Private Network Name of remote
HomePlug AV devices, provided they are using the same Private Network Name as your
local HomePlug AV. You cannot change the Private Network Name of remote devices that
is not currently networked with your local HomePlug AV.
Note: When changing the Private Network Name of remote devices, you will need the Device ID that
appears on the label pasted on the device. It will be more helpful if you list down the Device ID of all your
HomePlug AVs to enable you to remotely change their settings using the HomePlug AV Utility software.
To change the Private Network Name of a remote HomePlug AV:
1. Open HomePlug AV Utility.
2. Click Private Network Name.
3. Type the new Private Network Name. This field is case sensitive. It accepts 8 to 64
alphanumeric characters including punctuation marks but no spaces.
4. Select Change Private Network Name of remote device.
Page 28 of 40
User Manual
5. Type the Device ID of the remote device. The Device ID can be found on the label
pasted on the device.
6. Click Apply. When the process is complete, the message Settings Applied appears.
After changing the Private Network Name of the remote HomePlug AV, it will no
longer be able to communicate with your local HomePlug AV, unless you use a
similar Private Network Name for your local HomePlug AV.
Simulate Simple Connect Button
Simulate Simple Connect Button allows you to apply functionalities without manually
pressing the Simple Connect button on a HomePlug AV device. However, this only works
on local devices.
Simple Connect Select to search and pair with another device, or search and join
an existing HomePlug AV network.
PNN Randomize Select to reset to a random Private Network Name. A HomePlug
AV using a random Private Network Name will be disconnected from the
HomePlug network and will not be able to communicate with other devices until
it forms a new network or joins an existing network.
AVLN Status Displays the HomePlug AV Logical Network membership status
number.
Note: The Simulate Simple Connect Button functions from HomePlug AV Utility can be used for HomePlug
AV versions with or without the Simple Connect button on the device.
Page 29 of 40
User Manual
To simulate a Simple Connect function:
1. Connect HomePlug AV to your computer.
2. Select a Simulate Simple Connect Button action:
a. Simple Connect
b. PNN Randomize
c. AVLN Status
3. Click Simulate Button Push.
Quality of Service
Quality of Service gives you the capability to prioritize particular applications within your
network. QoS is not enabled by default.
Quality of Service
Page 30 of 40
QoS Modes:
Online Game/Internet Prioritizes data streaming
Audio or Video Prioritizes data streaming multimedia streaming
Voice over IP Prioritizes voice applications
To enable QoS:
1. Open HomePlug AV Utility.
User Manual
2. Click Quality of Service.
3. Check Enable QoS.
4. Select a QoS mode.
5. Click Apply. When the process is complete, the message Settings Applied appears.
Page 31 of 40
User Manual
Devices
Devices displays information about remote HomePlug AV’s detected in the network. Only
HomePlug AVs using the same Private Network Name as the local HomePlug AV will
appear in the Remote Devices list.
Devices
Devices displays the following information:
TEI Displays the Terminal Equipment Identifier.
Device MAC address Displays the HomePlug AV MAC Address.
Bridge MAC Address Displays the MAC Address of the Ethernet network adapter
connected to the HomePlug AV.
Connection Rate Displays the Transmit and Receive connection rates.
Page 32 of 40
User Manual
Firmware Upgrade
Use Firmware Upgrade to upgrade firmware of HomePlug AV. After upgrading the
firmware, HomePlug AV will still retain the same Private Network Name and MAC
address settings. Before you proceed with the upgrade, you need to have both the
configuration file (PIB extension) and the firmware file (NVM extension). You can
download upgrade files from the product’s Web site.
Firmware Upgrade
To upgrade the firmware of a HomePlug AV:
1. Connect HomePlug AV to the computer where you are using HomePlug AV Utility.
2. Open HomePlug AV Utility.
3. Click Firmware Upgrade.
4. Click Browse to select the location of the configuration and firmware files. The
configuration file has a PIB extension while the firmware file has an NVM
extension. After you select the location of the configuration and firmware files,
the upgrade will immediately start.
Page 33 of 40
User Manual
To reset to factory default:
1. Connect HomePlug AV to the computer where you are using HomePlug AV Utility.
2. Open HomePlug AV Utility.
3. Click Factory Default.
Note: You can also perform a reset to the factory default when you press the RESET button on the device
for 2 seconds.
Page 34 of 40
User Manual
Appendix
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use HomePlug AV with older HomePlug versions?
All HomePlug AV versions can communicate with each other. HomePlug AV, however, is
not backward compatible with HomePlug 1.0 releases.
If you will use different versions of HomePlug AV in a single network, you need to use
the HomePlug AV Utility software to create a Private Network Name for all devices.
Unlike the new version of HomePlug AV, older versions do not feature the Simple
Connect button which enables the device to create a common Private Network Name
without using the software.
How does HomePlug AV achieve a higher bandwidth than HomePlug Turbo and HomePlug 1.0 devices?
HomePlug AV complies with the HomePlug AV standard. It achieves higher data
throughput by using a broader frequency spectrum (2-30 MHz rather than 4-21 MHz), by
using a better access method (Time Division Multiple Access rather than Carrier Sense
Multiple Access/Collision Detection), and by using a better processor with a greater
bitload per Hz.
Can HomePlug AV be used alongside HomePlug 1.0 devices within the network?
HomePlug 1.0 and HomePlug AV standards can coexist but they will not be able to
communicate with each other.
Which operating system (OS) is compatible with HomePlug AV?
HomePlug AV is operating system independent. However, the HomePlug AV Utility
requires a Windows operating system (98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista) with the .NET
Framework installed.
Page 35 of 40
User Manual
How difficult is it to set up a network with HomePlug AV?
HomePlug AV is a plug and play device. Connect it to an Ethernet device, plug it to a wall
socket, and it is ready to use. Even the most inexperienced user can set up the network
with ease. Installing the HomePlug AV Utility software is only needed if you intend to
manually change the Private Network Name or view the connection rate.
How many devices do I need to create a HomePlug AV network?
At least two devices are needed to create a HomePlug AV network.
Is HomePlug AV suitable for triple play like the simultaneous use of data, voice, and video applications?
Yes, triple play is supported.
What data transfer rates do I need for high definition TV?
A variety of HDTV resolutions are available. The following are the most common
resolutions opposite the required transfer rate:
720p, mpeg2: 09-10 Mbps
720p, mpeg4: 06-08 Mbps
1080i, mpeg2: 12-15 Mbps
1080i, mpeg4: 08-10 Mbps
Does HomePlug AV have a security mechanism?
Yes. HomePlug AV uses 128-bit AES encryption.
Are Gigabit Ethernet adapters required for use with HomePlug AV?
No. Under ideal conditions, HomePlug AV has a physical gross data rate of up to 200
Mbps. The effective net data rate is somewhat lower. A 100 Mbps Ethernet adapter is
therefore adequate in most cases.
Does the technology support multicast video server streams (IP-TV)?
Yes.
Page 36 of 40
Is HomePlug AV restricted to a specified region?
No. HomePlug AV uses three kinds of pins for different regions. These are:
(UK) – 3 pins UK plug with switch mode AC power supply
(EUR) – 2 pins Euro plug with switch mode AC power supply
(US) – 2 pins US plug with switch mode AC power supply
Do I need an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) for HomePlug AV?
No. HomePlug AV can operate in an environment using 100-240V.
How many HomePlug AVs can operate in one household?
Up to 15 devices can be used within the household.
User Manual
What is the maximum range of HomePlug AV?
The maximum range is 200 meters.
If one HomePlug AV is connected to a LAN switch, is it possible for other computers in the switch to communicate with other HomePlug AV devices?
Yes.
Can my neighbors access my HomePlug AV network?
Your electric meter prevents any signal from going outside your household. However, we
strongly suggest that you create your own personalized Private Network Name to
prevent unauthorized access into your network.
How much is the power consumption of HomePlug AV on a 230-volt power supply?
HomePlug AV has a power consumption of 4.5 watts.
Can I use HomePlug AV to connect computers located in different floors of the building?
Yes, as long as the electric wires are connected and do not exceed 200 meters.
Page 37 of 40
User Manual
Can I use HomePlug AV in an old house with old power supply lines (partly without separated ground wire)?
Yes. However, performance may be affected because of the quality of the wires.
Can I plug HomePlug AV into a multiple socket switch or do I have to plug it directly to the wall socket?
You can plug HomePlug AV into a multiple socket switch. However, we strongly advise to
plug it directly to a wall socket to achieve optimal performance.
Do I need electrical grounding for the device?
HomePlug AV does not require electrical grounding.
After a blackout, will HomePlug AV switch on automatically?
Yes. If you experience connection issues, unplug the device and plug it back.
What will happen if I connect two HomePlug AVs to the same router?
This will cause collision and slow down the network traffic. To prevent collision, you need
to assign different Private Network Names on each HomePlug AV.
Page 38 of 40
User Manual
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
European Regulations
The product has been designed, tested and manufactured according to the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC.
Page 39 of 40
User Manual
Safety Warnings
For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions.
Do not open the device. Opening or removing the device cover can expose you to
dangerous high voltage points or other risks. Only qualified service personnel can
service the device. Please contact your vendor for further information.
Do not use your device during a thunderstorm. There may be a risk of electric
shock brought about by lightning.
Do not expose your device to dust or corrosive liquids.
Do not use this product near water sources.
Make sure to connect the cables to the correct ports.
Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the device.
Page 40 of 40
Loading...