Devolo dLAN Wireless extender User Manual

dLAN® Wireless extender

While the information in this manual has been compiled with great care, it may not be deemed an

assurance of product characteristics. devolo

shall be liable only to the degree specified in the terms of

sale and delivery.

The reproduction and distribution of the documentation and software supplied with this product and

the use of its contents is subject to written authorization from devolo

. We reserve the right to make

any alterations that arise as the result of technical development.

Declarations and certificates of conformity that were available at the time of going to press are included in the appendix to this documentation.

Trademarks

Windows

and Microsoft® are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Corp.

Mac® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Linux

is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

The devolo® software package contains files distributed under a variety of licenses, including

proprietary devolo® and open-source (i.e.GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License or FreeBSD License) licenses. To obtain the source code of the open-source files, please contact gpl@devolo.de.

dLAN®, devolo® and the devolo® logo are registered trademarks of devolo® AG. All other names

mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Subject to change without notice. No liability for technical errors or omissions.

devolo

Sonnenweg 11 52070 Aachen Germany

www.devolo.com

Preface

Thank you!

With the dLAN® Wireless extender, you have purchased a HomePlug adapter that combines the advantages of the dLAN a single device. The dLAN

Wireless extender also features a LAN port with which you can connect a PC directly to the adapter. With transfer rates of up to 85 Mbps via dLAN

and up to 54 Mbps via WLAN, this convenient adapter lets you access the Internet in any room of your house – and thick concrete walls are no longer a barrier to wireless surfing!

Exacting manufacturing standards and stringent quality control are the basis for our high product standards to ensure your fullest satisfaction with your

devolo

dLAN® Wireless extender. They are the preconditions for the

consistent, outstanding quality of our products.

You can also rely on devolo

for service and support after purchasing one of our products. For example, our website not only contains extensive documentation, but also software and firmware updates. Be sure to visit

www.devolo.com

regularly.

And if you are satisfied with your dLAN closer look at our other products which are also designed to make your connected lifestyle easier and simpler!

and WLAN network standards in

Wireless extender, be sure to have a

About this manual

After a brief introduction to dLAN

Chapter 2 will cover successfully setting up your dLAN Chapter 3 provides detailed information on the options of the integrated

configuration interface. For instructions on connecting your Wireless extender to the dLAN

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

and using WLAN access, see Chapters 4 and 5. For

and WLAN basics in Chapter 1,

Wireless extender.

Preface

technical specifications, declarations of conformity and our warranty terms,

see Chapter 6 at the end of this manual.

A number of places in this manual are highlighted with special icons:

Important note:

you definitely should make a note of these

recommendations.

Interesting information:

configuration of the dLAN

additional tips and background info on the

Wireless extender.

From time to time you will find the icon of a devolo® program in the margin to the left of the text; the program will be explained in greater detail at that point.

We hope you have just as much fun reading this manual as we had writing it. If you have any further ideas or suggestions related to our products, we would be delighted to hear from your at support@devolo.com

devolo® on the Internet

For detailed information on our products, please visit www.devolo.com. The download area not only contains product descriptions and documentation, but also updates of devolo

We especially recommend the extensive devolo home networking that contain a wealth of interesting background information. The devolo

downloaded from the Service & Support area of our website.

software and your device's firmware.

manuals on the topic of

manuals are available free of charge and can be

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Preface

Package contents

Please take a moment to ensure that the contents of the package are complete before starting with the installation of your dLAN extender. You should have the following items:

Wireless

dLAN

Wireless extender adapter,

Printed information leaflet, CD-ROM with

{ devolo { product manual, { additional documentation.

software,

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Contents

Preface..........................................................................................................3

Thank you! ......................................................................................................................3

About this manual...........................................................................................................3

devolo

on the Internet...................................................................................................4

Package contents ............................................................................................................5

1 Introduction.............................................................................................8

1.1 What exactly is dLAN®?........................................................................................8

1.2 What is WLAN? ....................................................................................................8

1.3 What the dLAN® Wireless extender has to offer....................................................9

1.4 Sample applications ...........................................................................................10

1.4.1 dLAN® Wireless extender as an access point..............................................10

1.4.2 dLAN® Wireless extender as a client..........................................................11

2 Initial use..............................................................................................13

2.1 Displays and connections ...................................................................................13

2.1.1 LEDs..........................................................................................................13

2.1.2 Ports .........................................................................................................14

2.2 Connecting the dLAN® Wireless extender ...........................................................14

2.3 Software installation ..........................................................................................15

2.3.1 Software for Windows®.............................................................................15

2.3.2 Software for Mac OS X ..............................................................................16

2.3.3 Software for Linux .....................................................................................16

3 Configuration........................................................................................18

3.1 The devolo Informer ...........................................................................................18

3.2 Accessing the integrated configuration interface ................................................19

3.3 WLAN status ......................................................................................................21

3.4 Change configuration.........................................................................................21

3.4.1 Security .....................................................................................................22

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

3.4.2 Network settings .......................................................................................23

3.4.3 WLAN mode..............................................................................................24

3.4.4 WLAN settings...........................................................................................26

3.4.5 WLAN filters..............................................................................................28

3.4.6 dLAN Settings ...........................................................................................30

3.5 Management .....................................................................................................31

3.5.1 Reset configuration ...................................................................................31

3.5.2 Save and load configuration......................................................................32

3.5.3 Update firmware .......................................................................................33

4 Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network.................................35

4.1 Basics.................................................................................................................35

4.2 Setting up a dLAN® network ..............................................................................35

4.2.1 Step 1: Search for dLAN adapter................................................................36

4.2.2 Step 2: Enter a network password .............................................................37

4.2.3 Step 3: Add dLAN adapters .......................................................................38

4.3 Security in the dLAN®.........................................................................................39

5 Setting up a WLAN network................................................................. 41

5.1 Basics.................................................................................................................41

5.2 Radio network configuration ..............................................................................41

5.2.1 WLAN access point operation....................................................................41

5.2.2 WLAN client operation ..............................................................................44

5.3 Security in the WLAN..........................................................................................46

6 Appendix ..............................................................................................48

6.1 Technical data....................................................................................................48

6.2 Declarations of conformity..................................................................................51

6.3 Warranty conditions ...........................................................................................53

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Introduction

1 Introduction

Intelligent and secure technologies such as dLAN household power grid) and WLAN (wireless networking) have made setting

up a home network fast, easy and economical, while making the installation of expensive, dedicated wiring superfluous. The available performance and effort required for the installation also compares favorably to traditional methods – dLAN expect from a conventional LAN, and installing it is a breeze!

and WLAN technology now attain speeds you would

1.1 What exactly is dLAN®?

dLAN

(direct LAN) uses the household power grid to transfer data

between computers equipped with suitable adapters and other network components. As a result, any power outlet can be used as a network access point.

The data is modulated prior to transfer and sent as a signal via household power lines. State-of- the-art technology ensures that the power and data networks do not interfere with one another. Networking via dLAN and secure. The data is automatically encrypted using a key to prevent easy interception by third parties.

(networking via the

is fast

1.2 What is WLAN?

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) refers to the use of radio technology

to network computers and other devices. While it is possible to wirelessly connect computers in pairs (peer-to-peer, p2p), a central access point is required to set up a network of multiple devices. Such access points are frequently combined in a single device with modems for Internet access and routers to manage network traffic.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Introduction

The wireless network established by an access point using a specific channel (from 1 to 13) and name (SSID) has a limited range. The range of the access point, which is also known as a "radio cell", is impeded by building walls. In some cases, stable connections are often only possible between WLAN devices within a single room.

As it is not possible to rely on hardware such as network cables (in a LAN) or household wiring (in a dLAN networking naturally presents special security challenges. WLANs therefore use a number of security measures, such as a concealed network name, data encryption and access control via the MAC addresses of the network adapters.

®)

to control access to a WLAN, wireless

1.3 What the dLAN® Wireless extender has to offer

The devolo dLAN® Wireless extender lets you quickly and simply interconnect WLAN, dLAN

and LAN networks:

As a WLAN access point, the adapter lets your WLAN devices

communicate with an existing LAN or dLAN can extend your wireless network to rooms that were previously out of range.

Thanks to its integrated LAN port, the Wireless extender can also be

used as a WLAN adapter for a single network device.

As a HomePlug adapter, the Wireless extender can connect a single

device such as a computer or printer to the dLAN outlet.

Alternatively, the Wireless extender can be configured as a WLAN

client to connect your home network to an Internet access point

outside of your home.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

network. In this way, you

via an electrical

Introduction

The combination of LAN, dLAN® and WLAN standards make you completely independent of existing network sockets. Instead, you can connect your devices using power outlets, LAN or wirelessly with complete freedom. You can extend or reconfigure your network at any time by simply plugging in your dLAN

Wireless extender in a different location, for example when

working in another room.

1.4 Sample applications

While it would be feasible to use the Wireless extender as a simple dLAN® or WLAN adapter in combination with a variety of other network components,

devolo

markets other devices such as the dLAN® 200 AV or the WLAN USB Stick which are better suited for such applications. The dLAN extender comes into its own when interconnecting dLAN networks:

1.4.1 dLAN® Wireless extender as an access point

By default, the dLAN® Wireless extender is set up to serve as a WLAN access point for a dLAN access to other client devices such as laptops, desktop PCs and printers.

network connected via a power outlet, thus providing

and WLAN

Wireless

This is especially practical if not all client stations are within range of the WLAN base station, for example if thick concrete walls are obstructing the signal. With dLAN

dLAN

Wireless extender lets you quickly and easily turn any wall outlet into

, rooms can easily be connected via the power grid. A

a WLAN access point with excellent reception quality.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Introduction

The illustration shows how two mobile notebooks can connect to the Internet and to other PCs in the dLAN

home network via the Wireless extender.

1.4.2 dLAN® Wireless extender as a client

Alternatively, the dLAN® Wireless extender can be configured as a WLAN client (see sections 3.4.3 and 5.2.1). In this case, the adapter establishes a connection between an existing WLAN and the devices in the dLAN network. This is especially practical if network access is otherwise not possible via dLAN point to access the Internet, for example).

nor by an Ethernet cable (when using a public access

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Introduction

The illustration shows how the Wireless extender connects computers in the

dLAN

wirelessly to an existing router in another building, which in turn

provides Internet access via Ethernet.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Initial use

2 Initial use

This chapter covers the hardware and software features of the dLAN® Wireless extender, as well as its installation and initial use.

2.1 Displays and connections

2.1.1 LEDs

The current status of the dLAN® Wireless extender is shown by four LEDs on the housing.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Initial use

Operation: lit continuously when the adapter is connected to the

power grid.

dLAN

WLAN: lit continuously when a WLAN exists; flashes when data is

LAN connection: lit continuously when a connection with the

: lit continuously when a connection exists to other HomePlug

adapters; flashes when data is being sent or received via dLAN

being sent or received.

Ethernet exists; flashes when data is being sent or received in the LAN.

2.1.2 Ports

The dLAN® Wireless extender is easy to use. The device has very few ports:

The AC plug connects the adapter to your power outlet. The WLAN antenna provides the connection to other wireless

network devices. It can be set at an angle of up to 90° in order to optimize wireless communications to the adapter's location.

The Ethernet LAN port can be used to connect a single PC or other

network device using a standard RJ45 patch cable.

2.2 Connecting the dLAN® Wireless extender

To connect the dLAN® Wireless extender, simply plug it into a free power outlet at the desired installation location. Ensure that the adapter is fully inserted in the outlet.

If possible, do not plug the adapter into a power strip. This may impair the transmission of the dLAN monitor the speed of the dLAN only low (i.e. single-digit) speeds are reached, then the connection to the power grid is possibly not optimal.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

signals. A free wall outlet is preferable. To

, use the devolo Informer (see section 3.1). If

Initial use

You may then also connect a single computer or other network device with an Ethernet LAN port directly to the dLAN standard RJ45 Ethernet patch cable. This lets you connect devices (generally desktop PCs) without WLAN adapters to your home network.

2.3 Software installation

Wireless extender with a

The Software folder of your dLAN

applications and tools for the Microsoft operating systems.

The

Acrobat folder contains the

reading PDF files.

2.3.1 Software for Windows®

Use the installer in the Software X dLAN folder to set up five software

components for using the adapter with the Windows

The devolo dLAN Wireless extender configuration program

opens the integrated configuration interface in a web browser.

The devolo dLAN Configuration Wizard integrates the Wireless

extender in a dLAN

devolo Informer finds dLAN

displays information on the devices found.

To install the software, insert the included CD-ROM in the CD drive of your computer. If autoplay is installed on your computer, the installation will start automatically. Otherwise, open the folder with the Windows Explorer by

right-clicking on Start and selecting Explorer from the context menu.

Double-click to start the installer manually.

network.

Wireless extender CD-ROM contains

Windows®, Mac OS X and Linux

Acrobat Reader, which is required for

operating system:

adapters in a HomePlug network and

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Initial use

During the installation process, you will be given the choice of installing all

software components (Standard) or selecting individual ones (Custom).

We recommend a complete installation of all applications, or as a minimum the

devolo dLAN Configuration Wizard

devolo

software does not continuously take up resources of your Windows operating system.

When installation is complete, you will be given the option of launching the configuration interface of the dLAN also be asked for permission to transfer anonymous performance data related to your dLAN

adapter to devolo®. The data sent to devolo® is solely related to the performance values of your dLAN anonymized and will be used exclusively for statistical purposes. By providing this data, you can help us improve our products. You can find the installed

software applications in the Start

group.

2.3.2 Software for Mac OS X

The Software X Mac folder contains the following applications:

and

devolo Informer

Wireless extender immediately. You will

devices. The data is

X Programs X devolo program

. The

The dLAN Wizard lets you link different HomePlug adapters into your

own dLAN

network.

The dLAN wireless extender configuration application starts the

integrated configuration interface of your Wireless extender.

The functionality of these two programs corresponds to the similar applications described in this manual for the Windows

2.3.3 Software for Linux

The Software X Linux contains the appropriate software components for

the Linux

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

operating system.

Initial use

The dLAN Linux Package contains all of the components that you

need to set up a dLAN

dLAN wireless extender linux lets you call up the configuration of

the adapter.

network.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

Configuration

3 Configuration

The dLAN® Wireless extender consists of three separate, integrated network components.

The dLAN

power outlet.

The WLAN station can either establish a connection to an existing

wireless network or serve as an access point.

Computers can also be connected directly to the Ethernet port of the

Wireless extender as an alternative to the WLAN or in addition to it.

The dLAN that can be accessed using a standard web browser. Most of the adapter's settings can be configured with it. The only exception is the initial integration of the Wireless extender into an existing dLAN performed using the dLAN Configuration Wizard (see section 4.2).

adapter connects the device to the dLAN

Wireless extender features an integrated configuration interface

network via a

network, which should be

3.1 The devolo Informer

devolo Informer can detect all available dLAN

network and display device information in an overview. After installing the

devolo

software (see section 2.3), it can be found in the Start X

Programs

When the Informer is launched, it initially scans your home network for all available dLAN listed with their names and MAC addresses in the overview window. The transmission speed of active dLAN displayed.

devolo Informer generally updates the list of found dLAN automatically. If newly-added adapters do not appear in the window, refresh

the display with F5 or via the View menu.

devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender

X devolo program group.

devices. This may take a moment. All found adapters are

adapters in your home

connections between adapters is also

devices

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