Gigafast PE902-EB, PE901-UI User Manual

HomePlug USB Adapter/

HomePlug Ethernet Bridge

(PE901-UI/PE902-EB)

User Manual

4.0 Troubleshooting

Problem:

After I connected two HomePlug Adapters and set-up everything
correctly, I still can’t connect!

Possible Cause :

Not under the same IP Network. Signals interrupted by UPS device.

Solution :

Make sure you are under the same IP Network, then try to Ping the
other end. Make sure you are not connecting your unit to an
extension cord.

Problem :

After I plugged the USB side of the adapter into the USB socket, no
installation was prompted.

Possible Cause :

Running XP. Setting error on Auto-detect hardware.

Solution :

No solution as of this time. Please check equipment and cable.

For a more updated troubleshooting guide, please visit

http://www.gigafast.com

Table of Contents

0.0 Introduction to HomePlug networking

0.1 Powerline Networking Concepts ............................... 2

0.2 Encryption and Security ........................................... 2

0.3 Basic Requirements ................................................. 3

0.4 Feature developments ............................................. 3

0.5 Node and Bridge ..................................................... 3

1.0 Installation

1.1 PE901-UI (USB) 2K/XP/98/ME ...................................... 5

1.2 PE902-EB (Ethernet) 2K/XP/ME/98 ............................ 11

2.0 Basic Encryption

2.1 Software Installation ................................................ 15

3.0 Advanced Encryption ...........................................................15

Ver 0.1 3/25/02

4.0 Trouble-shooting .................................................................. 20

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0.0 Introduction to HomePlug Networking

0.1 Understanding HomePlug Networking Concept

HomePlug networking, not to be confused with Power over Ethernet,
has a whole different usage and features. Power over Ethernet is a
device that serves the purpose of a Hub or Switch, drawing its power
from nearby unsuspecting computers connected to it by a Cat. 5.
On the other hand, HomePlug Networking uses your current existing
or featured power line to transfer network data. One might ask, isn’t
there something called X10 or HPNA already? Yes, however,
HomePlug can reach up to the speed of 14Mbps! Also, 24Mbps is
already being tested.

The way HomePlug works is that a device is connected at one end
of the house to your computer and wall plug, where it draws power.
Then, at the second section of the house or building, a second
computer is connected with the same steps. It’s that simple! Now
you have a network connecting two computers. In addition, you
can replace the computers with switches so that you are
connecting networks instead of computers. The process is done
within minutes with no additional cables running all over the place
and no painful cable pulling in the walls or behind closets.

The technology behind the real working mechanism remains
classified. Hopefully in the future, everyone will have a better
understanding.

0.2 Understanding Encryption and Security

Encryption is a method of security used to prevent intruders or
unwanted access from within or outside of your network. It is
basically a string of letters and/or numbers used as keys to encrypt
your data. Any person will need to know the encryption key in order
to access the data. Even though the data may be exposed to all
environments, the encryption will still protect your security from
threats.

This is the end of configuration and ends setup for this HomePlug
device only. This program must be run on all computers that have
connected HomePlug devices. This program cannot be run
remotely. Each computer must have its own program installed.

Upon completion of the installation, this program does not need to

be run again unless the encryption is to be changed. The HomePlug
adapter will not lose its encryption key by unplugging the power, so
the unit can be setup and moved to the correct location.

This will provide basic protection against unwanted access.

However, any person that has physical access to the unit just
configured can still take over a network. If you think such a scenario
is possible, please read the advanced encryption section.

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After the encryption is successfully applied, the program will search
for other HomePlug devices with the same encryption.

HomePlug Encryption and Protection Schemes

The HomePlug device uses encryption to block outside access. The

key is set by using the configuration software that can be loaded
from the CD. By default, the protection is enabled. However, it is
recommended that you change the default encryption key. All your
HomePlug devices must use the same encryption key in order for
the network to work. Make sure that all devices are loaded with the
same key.

0.3 Basic Requirements

- At least 2 Units of HomePlug

- Available Ethernet port or USB port for each computer

- Available empty power slot

- Standard home power line wiring

- CD-ROM drive

0.4 Limitations of Current HomePlug technology and whats ahead.

The current technology and firmware of HomePlug have the

following limitations as of Spring, 2002. The range of a HomePlug
device reaches up to 900 feet under the same power grid or power
transformer. The connection cannot pass through any UPS
(Uninterruptible Power Supply). There is also a limitation to number of
HomePlug Ethernet Bridges. Because of how IP Packets and buffer
zones were designed, there can only be 2 HomePlug Ethernet
Bridges on the same HomePlug network at all times. However, there
can be an unlimited number of nodes present on the network,
technically speaking.

0.5 Nodes and Bridges

What is the difference between a Node and a Bridge? A node is

any device that resides or is connected directly onto an existing
network. A computer with a Network card connected to a switch is a
node. A Mac connected to a hub is also a node. A bridge is used
when connecting one type or group of networks with another type

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