Comtrend PG9172AC User Manual

038

PowerGrid-9172AC

G.hn+11ac Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter

User Manual

261072-

Version A1.0, December 22, 2016

Preface

This manual provides information related to the installation and operation of this device. The
individual reading this manual is presumed to have a basic understanding of
telecommunications terminology and concepts.

If you find the product to be inoperable or malfunctioning, please contact technical support
for immediate service by email at [e-mail]

For product update, new product release, manual revision, or softw are upgrades, please visit
our website at http://www.comtrend.com

Important Safety Instructions

In order to keep the safety of users and your properties, please follow these safety
instructions:

1. This power line access point is designed for indoor use only; DO NOT place this power line
access point outdoor.

2. DO NOT put this power line access point at or near hot or humid places, like a kitchen or
bathroom. Also, do not leave this power line access point in the car under direct sunlight.

3. DO NOT pull any connected cable with force; disconnect it from the power line access point
first.

4. If you want to place this power line access point at high places, please make sure the
power line access point is firmly secured. Falling from high places would damage the power
line access point and its accessories, and warranty will be void.

5. There’s no user-serviceable part inside the access point. If you found that the power line
access point is not working properly , please contact your dealer of purchase and ask for help.
DO NOT disassemble the access point, warranty will be void.

6. If the power line access point falls into water when it’s powered, DO NOT use your hand to
pick it up. Switch the electrical power off before you do anything, or contact an
experienced electrical technician for help.

1

Copyright

Copyright©2017 Comtrend Corporation. All rights reserved. The
information contained herein is proprietary to Comtrend Corporation. No part of this
document may be translated, transcribed, reproduced, in any fo rm, or by any means without
prior written consent of Comtrend Corporation.

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the
GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either v ersion 3 of
the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY;
without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.

You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this
program. If not, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/

NOTE: This document is subject to change without notice.

Protect Our Environment

This symbol indicates that when the equipment has reached the end
of its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed
separate from domestic waste.

The cardboard box, the plastic contained in the packaging, and the parts that make up this
device can be recycled in accordance with regionally established regulations. Never dispose
of this electronic equipment along with your household waste; you may be subject to
penalties or sanctions under the law. Instead, please be responsible and ask for disposal
instructions from your local government.

2

CATALOG

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 5

1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2 HOW TO INSTALL PG-9172AC .................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER 3 LED INDICA TIONS ...................................................................................................................... 12

CHAPTER 4 BUTTON FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................................. 13

CHAPTER 5 WIRELESS SYSTEM AND NETWORK SETUP ...................................................................... 14

5.1 CONNECT TO POWER LINE ACCESS POINT BY WEB BROWSER ........................................................................... 14

5.2 CONNECTING TO WEB MANAGEMENT INTERFACE .......................................................................................... 15

5.3 VIEW SYSTEM INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 NETWORK SETTINGS ....................................................................................................................................... 18

5.5 STATIONS LIST ................................................................................................................................................ 18

5.6 NETWORK TIMING .......................................................................................................................................... 19

5.7 ACCESS POLICY .............................................................................................................................................. 20

5.8 ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................................................................ 21

5.9 MONITOR ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

5.10 LOGOUT ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

CHAPTER 6 WIRELESS CONFIGURATIONS ................................................................................................ 23

6.1 2.4G WIRELESS SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................. 23

6.1.1 Multiple BSS ........................................................................................................................................... 24

6.2 2.4G SECURITY SETTINGS .............................................................................................................................. 25

6.3 2.4G WPS SETTINGS ...................................................................................................................................... 26

6.4 2.4G AIR TIME MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 27

6.4.1 2.4Ghz Air Time Management ................................................................................................................ 27

6.4.2 Configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 28

6.4.3 Per BSS Weights ..................................................................................................................................... 28

6.4.4 Per Station Weights ................................................................................................................................ 28

6.5 5G WIRELESS SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................ 29

6.5.1 Multiple BSS ........................................................................................................................................... 30

6.6 5G SECURITY SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................. 31

6.7 5G WPS SETTINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 32

6.8 5G AIR TIME MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 33

6.8.1 5Ghz Air Time Management................................................................................................ ................... 33

6.8.2 Configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 34

6.8.3 Per BSS Weights ..................................................................................................................................... 34

6.8.4 Per Station Weights ................................................................................................................................ 34



CHAPTER 7 G.HN/POWERLINE SETUP ......................................................................................................... 35

7.1 CONFIGURE STATIC IP MODE ...................................................................................................................... 35

7.2 LOGGING IN .................................................................................................................................................... 36

7.3 G.HN INTERFACE ............................................................................................................................................. 37

7.3.1 Basic Configuration ................................................................................................................................ 38

7.3.2 NDIM Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 38

7.3.3 Encryption Configuration via WEB UI ................................................................................................... 38

7.4 IP INTERFACE .................................................................................................................................................. 39

7.4.1 IP config .................................................................................................................................................. 40

7.5 ETHERNET INTERFACE .................................................................................................................................... 41

7.6 DEVICE INTERFACE ......................................................................................................................................... 42

7.6.1 Hardware information ............................................................................................................................ 42

7.6.2 Software information ............................................................................................................................... 42

7.6.3 Security ................................................................................................................................................... 43

7.6.4 SW update ............................................................................................................................................... 43

7.6.5 HTTP SW update ..................................................................................................................................... 43

7.7 MULTICAST INTERFACE ................................................................................................................................... 44

7.7.1 MCAST Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 44 

7.8 QOS MENU ...................................................................................................................................................... 45

7.8.1 QoS Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 45

3

7.9 VLAN INTERFACE .......................................................................................................................................... 48

7.9.1 VLAN Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 48

7.10 G.HN SPECTRUM INTERFACE .......................................................................................................................... 49

7.10.1 Notches ................................................................................................................................................. 49

7.11 LOG FILE INTERFACE ..................................................................................................................................... 50

7.11.1 Log File ................................................................................................................................................. 50

7.12 ADVANCED INTERFACE ................................................................................................................................. 51

CHAPTER 8 CLI COMMANDS FOR TR069 SETTINGS VIA TEL NET ...................................................... 52

4

Chapter 1 Introduction

Comtrend’s PG-9172AC is designed to meet the growing demand for perfect connectivity
and coverage across multiple devices connected concurrently throughout the home. The
G.hn Powerline Wi-Fi extender allows users to take Wi-Fi with them anywhere throughout the
home or backyard and enjoy a seamless wireless experience.

1.1 System Requirements

 Computer or network devices with wired or wireless network interface card
 Any connected devices must feature a network port
 Web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 4. 0 or above, Google Chrome web browser ,

Opera web browser, or Safari web browser)

 An available AC power socket (100 – 240 V, 50/60Hz)

5

Chapter 2 How to Install PG-9172AC

(A) Understanding the AC1200 G.hn Powerline Adapter

Displays Ethernet
Connection Status

Displays 2.4GHz/5GHz
Enabling/Disabling WiFi
Status

WiFi Power
On/Off Button

Displays
Adapter
Connection
Status

WPS Connection Button

Displays Power
Status

Adapter Pairing
Button

On/Off
Power Button

Power Port

Gigabit
Ethernet Port

Reset Button

Press for more
than10
seconds for
Factory Reset.

How to Create a Basic (2 unit) G.hn Powerline Network

Purpose Recommended

Primary Adapter

 Connecting a single dedicated Internet

Device

 Bringing wireless to a remote location PG-9172** PG-9172AC
 Connecting a PoE Enabled Device PG-9172** PG-9172PoE

A G.hn Powerline Network can consist of a minimum of 2 and up to 16 devices total.
**The PG-9172 can be replaced by another G.hn Powerline Adapter.

NOTE: The following steps show how to create or add onto a G.hn Powerline Network using
a PG-9172AC.

(A minimum of two G.hn Powerline Adapters are required to create a proper connection.)

 If this is the first time you are setting up a G.hn Powerline Network please continue to
Section B.

PG-9172** PG-9172**

Second Adapter

 If you already have an established G.hn P owerline Network and are adding an additional
adapter, please skip to Section C.

6

(

(B) Creating a New G.hn Network

1. Plug a PG-9172* unit into the power outlet closest to the Network Device (Modem,
Router). Do not plug the adapter into a power stri p or surge protector, as network
performance could degrade significantly.

*NOTE: It is suggested that you use the PG-9172 as the primary connection to the

Network Device, however, the PG-9172 can be replaced by another G.hn
Powerline Adapter.

PG-9172

2. Connect the PG-9172 to a Network Device with an Ethernet (RJ-45) cable. (Wait 10
seconds for the Network Indicator

good connection. A flashing GREEN light indicates that the device has a
good connection and is also sending data).

to light up GREEN, which indicates a

PG-9172

Network Device

Modem, Router)

Ethernet Cable

7

(C) Adding to an Existing G.hn Network

3. Plug the PG-9172AC into the power outlet closest to the location you want to
add wireless and/or near an Internet-Enabled Device you would like to

directly connect to the adapter. The Power Indicator

4. Optionally , to add an Internet - Enabled Device, directly connect the PG -9172AC to
the Internet-Enabled Device with an Ethernet cable. (The Network Indicator

on the PG-9172 and the LAN Indicator

GREEN representing a strong connection).

of the PG-9172AC should both be

should light up.

(D) Security Setup

NOTE: G.hn Adapters will automatically “pair” in “non-secure” mode. It is highly

recommended to follow Step 5 to create a secure connection.

5. Press the “Config” Button of a PG-9172 in the e xisting network for 2 seconds. You
will see the Security Indicator

press the “PLC Sync” Button on the PG-9172AC for 2 seconds until yo u see the PLC

Indicator

paired with a strong connection the PG-9172’s Security Indicator
and Connection Indicator

Indicator

start flashing GREEN. (When the adapters are successfully

will be solid GREEN.)

start flashing GREEN. Within two minutes,

will be solid GREEN and the PG-9172AC’s PLC

6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 to add additional adapters/devices.

8

(E) Connecting Your WiFi Devices to the New PG-9172AC
Access Point

7. For some devices (E.g. laptops, cameras, set-top-boxes, etc.)
wireless connectivity can be done via WPS (Wireless Protected Setup). WPS allows
you to simply connect devices to the new Access Point without entering a
username/password manually. To do this, please follow the instructions in
Section F below.

8. You have created a new Internet Access Point and it is now active and ready to use!
T o connect your WiFi devices to yo ur new PG-9172AC WiFi Access P oint, select the
PG-9172AC Access Point using your WiFi device’s standard network list. The
Network Name (SSID) and Password (WiFi Key) can be found on the bottom of the
PG-9172AC.

9. Go to Section G.

(F) Setup of Wireless Devices via WPS
(WiFi Protected Setup)

10. Press and hold the “WPS” Button for more than 2 seconds on the PG-9172AC to
activate its WPS. The PG-9172AC’s WiFi Indicators

indicate a WPS connection is in progress.

should flash to

11. Within two minutes, press the “WPS” Button (often the WPS/R eset Button) on your
remote Internet-Enabled Devices to activate WPS.

9

12. The devices will establish a secure connection.

(G) You Have Successfully Installed Your G.hn Powerline
Adapter with WiFi!

(H) Troubleshooting

The following information should help you diagnose basic setup or installation problems.

1) POWER Indicator is OFF: First try pressing the

POWER

LAN

5 GHz 2.4 GHz

PLC

POWER

LAN

WiFi

PLC

“Power” Button on the rear panel of the device. If the
Power Indicator is still off, please make sure that your
power socket is working properly (perhaps by testing with
another device). Then plug in your PG-9172AC again
and push the “Power” Button on the rear panel of the
device.

2) LAN Indicator is OFF: The LAN Indicator is off when
there is no directly connected device into the G.hn
Adapters’ Ethernet Port. If there is a
device connected and if the LAN Indicator is off, check
that the Ethernet port of the Powerline Adapter
is connected firmly to the Ethernet port of the other
device. Also, you can check the condition of the
Ethernet cable by using another Ethernet cable to test if
the indicator turns on.

3) WiFi Indicators are OFF: To turn on both indicators

(enable WiFi) you can press the “WiFi” Button
front of the device. You can also login to the G-9172AC
Web and enable WiFi (5G only). See section 5.5 of the

10

on the

User Manual for details.

4) PLC Indicator is OFF: This indicator shows that the adapter is paired to the G.hn
Network. If this indicator is off, plug both Powerli ne Adapters that yo u’r e attempting to pai r
into power outlets that are located within the same room. All of the indicators of the device
should blink (approx. 10 seconds), and the PLC Indicator should light up. If th e PLC
Indicator does not light up, it may indicate the existing G.hn network is secure and you
have to pair the PG-9172AC to it in “secure mo de.” T o do so, press the "PLC Sync" Button on
the PG-9172AC for 2 seconds. Within 2 minutes, press the “Config" Button on the PG-9172
for 2 seconds (Holding for more than 4 seconds will clear the security key and require a
re-pairing). The PLC Indicator will then light up GREEN. Afterwards, you can plug the units
back into their original location.

5) PLC Indicator is Blinking RED: This indicator shows that the adapter is paired to the
G.hn Network. If the PLC Indicator is blinking RED, then the adapter is
paired in “non-secure” mode to the G.hn Network. It is optional to pair the device in “secure
mode. ” To pair the device in “secure mode," press the "PLC Sync" Button on the PG-9172AC
and the “Config" Button on the PG-9172 for 2 seconds. The PLC Indicator will then light
up GREEN.

* If you have tried all of the above and are still experiencing problems, you can reset all
devices to factory default by pushing the “Reset” Button on the PG-9172AC for more than 10
seconds AND the “Config” Button on the PG-9172 for 10 seconds.

251841536

PG-9172AC

PG-9172

FOR MORE HELP: For instructions on advanced features, FAQ, etc., please visit the PG-9172AC

online Product Webpage on our website.

11

Chapter 3 LED Indications

LED COLOR MODE DESCRIPTION

Green

Orange On

Red

Green

On

Blink

On

Off No PLC connection exists
Off 2.4GHz WLAN is disabled

On

Blink

The current connection (line rate) is more than 40
Mbps

(1). PLC pairing
(2). System rebooting

The current connection (line rate) is more than 20
Mbps and less than 40 Mbps

(1). The current connection (line rate) is between 1
and 20 Mbps per second)
(2). The PLC is in unsecure mode* and connected to
other PLCs

2.4GHz WLAN is on or activity occurring (tx/rx data
and message)

(1). Fast Blinking:

1.WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed
(2). Slow Blinking:

1. Normal WPS sync activity

2. WPS SSID/Key sync activity

3. System in Factory Reset process

Off 5GHz WLAN is disabled

On

Blue

Blink

Green

Orange Blink

Green

Off LAN Interface down
On LAN Interface up 10/100/1000

Off System is powered off

On System is powered on

Blink

5GHz WLAN is on or activity occurring (tx/rx data
and message)

(1). Fast Blinking:

1.WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed
(2). Slow Blinking:

1. Normal WPS sync activity

2. WPS SSID/Key sync activity

3. System in Factory Reset process

(1). Fast Blinking:

1. WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed

(2). Slow Blinking:

1. WPS SSID/Key sync activity

2. System in Factory Reset process

(1). Fast Blinking:

1. WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed

(2). Slow Blinking:

1. WPS SSID/Key sync activity

2. System in Factory Reset process

12

* Note: PG-9172AC does not support secured LED indication. If the PLC LED is RED in
deployment, it may indicate that the G.h n network is in unsecured mode. The user needs to
manually pair the PLC units to create a secure connection.

Chapter 4 Button Functions

SECONDS

TO PUSH

BUTTON

DESCRIPTION

Press more than 2

BUTTON

WORDING ON

ENCLOSURE

BUTTON

FUNCTION

1 PLC Sync PLC pairing +2sec

2 WPS

3 RESET Factory reset +10 sec

4 WiFi ON/OFF

1&2 N/A

WPS 2-5 sec

WiFi

SSID/PW copy

Switch off/on

2.4GHz/5GHz

WiFi interfaces

Switch off/on all

LED’s

+5 sec

+2 sec

+2 sec

seconds (
starts slow blinking),
and configuration
period is open

1. Press for 2-5
seconds, and both

blink slowly.

2. Then release the
button, the AP WPS
is in process.

Press for +5 seconds,

& , ,

and
slowly, the WLAN is in
sync with main
gateway for SSID
and Key on 2.4GHz

Press more than 10
seconds: a factory
reset of the system
(both G.hn & WiFi) is
performed
Disable/enable both

2.4G/5GHz WLAN

interfaces by pushing
the button for +2s
Turn on/off all LED’s by
pushing both PLC Sync
and WPS buttons
simultaneously for +2s

LED

& LED

LED blink

13

Chapter 5 wireless System and Network Setup

5.1 Connect to power line access point by web
browser

PG-9172AC supports two kinds of management IP.
(1) DHCP client, which gets a dynamic IP address from the

Modem/Broadband Router/Home Gateway that it is connected to by default.

(2) Static IP, 192.168.0.5 by default, which can be configurable in the web UI.
Before you can connect to the power line access point and start configuration procedures,

your computer must be able to get an IP address automatically (dynamic IP address).
PG-9172AC gets a dynamic IP address from Modem/Broadband Router/Home Gateway that
it is connected to by default. However, the current IP info of PG-9172AC would be
displayed at the Modem/Broadcom Router/Home Gateway.

Also, the static IP of PG-9172AC can be accessed by the default static IP address of

192.168.0.5, subnet mask 255.255.255.0. Change your PC’s static IP address to

291.68.0.100, subnet mask 255.255.255.0 for accessing web UI management.

14

5.2 Connecting to Web Management Interface

All functions and settings for the Wi-Fi AP of PG-9172AC must be configured via the
web management interface. Please start your web browser, and input ‘192.168.0.5’in the
address bar, then press the ‘Enter’ key. The following will be displayed:

Please input user name and password in their respective fields, default user name is ‘root,
and default password is ‘12345, then press the Login button, to view the web management
interface of this access point.

NOTE: If you can’t see the web management interface, and you’re
being prompted to input user name and password again, it means you
didn’t input username and password correctly.

15

5.3 View System Information

The system information is on the left-side of the web page as shown below.

16