Gigafast PE902-EBX User Manual

HomePlug Ethernet Bridge

PE 902-EBx

User Manual

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Trademarks

All product, company, and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. They are used for identification purpose only. Specifications are subject to be charged without prior notice.

FCC Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio interference in a commercial environment. This equipment can generate, use and radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user, at his own expense, will b required to take whatever measure are necessary to correct the interference.

Table of Content

Chapter 1: Introduction to the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge……..5

Overview.....................................................................................5

Features……………………………………………………………...5 System Requirements………………………………………………6 Panel………………………………………………………………….7 Wire Diagram………………………………………………………...8

Chapter 2: Installation..............................................................................9

Overview……………………………………………………………...9 Running the InstallShield Wizard…………………………………..9

Chapter 3: Configuration

Overview…………………………………………………………….15

Diagnose Powerline Network……………………………………..16

Part 2: Diagnose a Network HomePlug device……………..17

Setting up Security on a Local HomePlug device……………….19

Setting up Security on a Network HomePlug device……………20

Part 1: Diagnose a local HomePlug device…………………16

Appendix A: Troubleshooting……………………………………………..21 Appendix B: IP Addressing………………………………………………...23

What’s an IP address?..............................................................23

Dynamic IP addressing……………………………………………23 Static IP addressing………………………………………………..23 Checking IP addresses Setup Static IP addresses………………………………………...28

Part 2: Win 2000/ XP……………………………………….34 Release and Renew an IP address……………………………..40

Part 2: Win 2000/ XP

Part 1: Win 98SE / ME……………………………………..28

Part 1: Win 98SE / ME……………………………………...40

Appendix C: Local Area Network………………………………………. 51

Sharing Files (Win Part 1: Sharing Folders……………………………………...51 Part 2: Sharing Drives……………………………………….57

Part 3: Accessing Other Computers Shared Files…………...

.......................................................................15

(Win 98SE /ME /2000 / XP)……………..24

………………………………………..46

98SE / ME / 2000 / XP)……………………….51

Sharing Printers (Win 98SE / ME /2000 / XP)…………………..67 Part 1: Setup print server………………………………67 Part 2: Network Printer Installation……………………70 Access Internet…………………………………………………….81 Part 1: Win 98SE / ME…………………………………..81 Part 2: Win 2000 / XP……………………………………88

Appendix D: Glossary

………………………………………………………95

Appendix E: Product Specification

……………………………………97

Appendix F: Warranty Info....................................................................98

Appendix G: Contact Information

……………………………………….98

Chapter 1: Introduction to the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge

Overview

Thank you on the purchase of the GigaFast HomePlug. Most of us don’t enjoy buying long and expensive Ethernet cables or pulling the cables from one place to another, but the GigaFast HomePlug Bridge is one of the easiest ways to enjoy home or small business networking. Users can now experience a total network solution with the GigaFast HomePlug. The GigaFast HomePlug Ethernet Bridge operates on the HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 standard, providing up to 14Mbps bandwidth over home AC wiring. Since the home power lines are the most pervasive medium in households with multiple outlets in every room, the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge allows multiple home desktops and notebooks to be networked to share internet connection, printers, files, and play games without any additional wiring.

The installation of the Ethernet Bridge only requires that a 10/100Mbps Network Adapter is installed on the computers. This makes the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge compatible with any device including Mac, Windows, and UNIX machines.

For security, all GigaFast HomePlug devices are equipped with 56-bit DES encryption. The private home power grid plus encryption makes HomePlug significantly more secure than competing technologies.

The GigaFast HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is the best solution for No-New-Wires home Networking. With easy Plug and Play installation, and the reliability of GigaFast Ethernet’s products, the GigaFast HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is the best solution for high speed networking.

Features

• Up to 14 Mbps bandwidth over standard home power lines

• Estimated range of 300 meters in wall power lines

• No problem for the HomePlug signal passing through circuit breaker

• 56-bit DES encryption assure data security

• Encryption done by hardware, with no sacrifice on bandwidth

• Uses IEEE802.3 computer interface

• Plug-and-Play installation

• HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 compliant

Package Contents

• 1 HomePlug Ethernet Bridge Unit

• 1 HomePlug Quick Start

• 1 HomePlug User Manual

• 1 Installation CD

• 1 Limited Warranty card

• 1 Power Cable

• 1 CAT5/RJ45 Ethernet cable

System Requirements

• At least 2

• Available Ethernet port each computer or network

• Available empty power outlet

• Standard home power line wiring

• CD-ROM drive

HomePlug devices

Panel

Front

PWR: On Receive Power Off Did not receive Power

HP: On Detect other HomePlug devices on the same powerline network Off Did not detect any other HomePlug devices on the same powerline network

Eth LED: Act / Link for Ethernet

Blinking: Ethernet activity

Lit: detect Ethernet connection

Back

Wire Diagram

Chapter 2: Installation

Overview

The installation of the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge will only take minutes. No setting up for long wires through out the house. Just simply install the software CD that is included in the box and after installation, physically plug the unit into the computer and the wall outlet. Users will have options to adjust its security functions and the platform of the network once everything is installed properly. For further assistance, please read our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Running the InstallShield Wizard

Please insert the CD into your CD-ROM and wait a moment for the setup screen to come up. If the CD-ROM does not auto run the CD, please click on ‘Start’ at the bottom left of your screen (for most Microsoft Windows) and go to ‘Run’. Type in: (CD Drive Letter):\eth\setup.exe and click ‘OK’

Once the software is loaded it will display a dialog such as is:

Please click on ‘Next’ to continue the installation.

Please accept terms and continue by clicking ‘Next’

On this screen you will be asked to input the User Name and Organization. It is not crucial to the device itself so enter as desired. The ‘Install this application for’ will work under the circumstances which multiple logins are applied. For example: If the user wishes only he/she can use the utility with that particular account, then bubble in ‘Only for me’. For those without multiple accounts or wishes to allow all users to access the utility choose ‘Anyone who uses this computer (all users)’. When finished, click the ‘Next’ button to continue.

This section allows a user to go ‘Back’ or ‘Install’ the utility. In case if the user wishes to change the previous options then go ahead and click on ‘Back’ to change the settings. If not, continue and click the ‘Install’ button.

When you see this screen showing above, please stop at this screen. Process the next step to install the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge.

Plug your network cable into the computer’s RJ-45 network adapter port

Plug the other end of your network cable into the RJ-45 port locate at the back of the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge

Plug your power connector of your power cable into the power connector at the back of the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge

Plug the power plug of your power cable directly into a power outlet on the wall

**Note: ** Do not plug the device into a UPS or power strip with surge protection. The HomePlug Ethernet Bridge has its own power filter for protection against surges.

Click ‘OK’ when the unit is connected physically.

After the installation is complete, click on the ‘Finish’ button and you will be asked to restart the computer for it to take full effect.

Click the ‘Yes’ button to restart computer or you can choose to restart the computer later. If so, click on the ‘No’ button.

Chapter 3: Configuration

Overview

The HomePlug device uses 56-bit DES encryption to block outside access. The key is set by using the HomePlug Configuration Utility on the CD. By default, the protection is enabled. However, it is recommended that you change the default network password. All your HomePlug devices must use the same network password in order for the computers to be networked. Make sure that all devices are loaded with the same network password.

Diagnose Powerline network Part 1: Diagnose a Local HomePlug Device

Double click the HomePlug Configuration utility icon on your desktop to open this utility show in the screen below

The Device tab shows the HomePlug units that are connected to the current computer. It will also tell Mac Address of each device. It will let you refresh the window, if you change devices, and also will allow you to connect to different networks if multiple units are connected to your computer. The green bar on the bottom of the utility tells the Link Quality to the device connected to your computer.

*Note* If the Link Quality is poor, and appears red, or the Mac Address of any of the units connected to this computer appears to be all 0’s, then you might have a defective unit. Please contact technical support (Appendix G) **

*Note* If you do not see ANY unit in the device status, and there is a device connected to your computer, try to unplug all devices, and plug them back in. Also make sure that the cable connecting your computer to

the HomePlug device is the right type and working correctly. If all of this seems to be correct, and you still receive nothing in the Device window, please contact technical support (Appendix G).

Part 2: Diagnose a Network HomePlug device

The Network tab shows all the other HomePlug Units on your powerline network. It will represent them by MAC Address, and will also show the available bandwidth to each unit (Units farther away from the current computer might have a lower Data Rate, since the distance is farther). If you add or subtract units from your home network, you might want to reScan, by clicking the “Scan HomePlug Network” button. This will rescan the network, and refresh with any changes.

**Note** Only units with the same Network Password will be shown, please check that first, to make sure they all have the same network password (Case sensitive).

**Note** If a Unit shows MAC Address of all 0’s, this unit might not have a solid connection, or might not connect at all. If this is the case please contact technical support (Appendix G).

**Note** If there are Units in your home, that you do not see in this Network scan, try to unplug all devices, and plug them back in (Only do this with the Units that you do not view in the network screen, you don’t have to do this with all units. If the problem persists, try to move the unit closer to this current unit (adjacent plugs on the same wall socket is most preferable). If the problem still persists and that unit is still not shown on the network, then the unit might be defective please contact technical support (Appendix G). Otherwise if you view the unit working, distance might be the only issue.

Setting Up Security on a Local HomePlug device

The Security tab will allow you to change the Network Password to the unit that is currently connected to this computer. This network password encrypts all data that is sent from this unit using

56-bit data encryption

standard (DES). The DES Encryption is very secure, and very difficult to crack, therefore your home network is very secure, and very difficult to breach your home network.

**Note** Every unit on your home network MUST have the same Network Password for connectivity to be established throughout your home. The default network password is “HomePlug”.

Setting Up Security on a Network HomePlug device

The Advanced Tab will allow users to use one primary computer to control the Network Password of all units on the home network. First Find the DEK (Device Encryption Key) Key located on the bottom of each device. Enter this Key into the Device Password area. Click Add. This Device Key will then appear in the Remote Passwords Box. Add all the DEK Keys for each unit in your house. You can then change the password remotely from one computer. This will allow you to change the password from one computer, instead of changing the password individually.

**Note** The DEK is unique for EACH HomePlug device. To use this you will need to input the DEK for each unit.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What’s the speed of HomePlug operate over a standard home power line

network?

A. HomePlug operates up to 14 Mbps bandwidth over a standard home

power line network. Q. What’s the Estimated Range of HomePlug? A. Approximately 300 meters in wall power lines (one household). Q. Will HomePlug work in any home? A. Any home with copper wiring built-in, since some of the older houses built

before 1950 might have older wiring, it may not work in these instances.. Q. Will HomePlug signal pass through circuit breakers? A. Yes, HomePlug signal will have no problem passing through circuit

breakers but not through power transformers. Q. Does Homeplug work with AC input 100 – 240V? A. Yes, HomePlug works with AC input 100 – 240V. Q. Does HomePlug cause any interference with other my other home

networking device? A. No, HomePlug operates in a different frequency band than other power

line control devices and can co-exist with technologies as X-10, CEBus,

and LONworks. Q. Can my neighbor receive my HomePlug signal? A. It is possible for your neighbor receive your HomePlug signal between two

adjacent homes. To prevent this happen, please enable the 56-bit DES

security encryption on your HomePlug Device. To do that, you must run

the HomePlug Configuration Utility on each Homeplug device in your

power line network. This will only allow computers with the same security

password to be able to receive information.

Q. How do I find out what’s my current speed and my signal strength of my

HomePlug device? A. Run the HomePlug Configuration Utility, it will show your current speed

and your signal strength. Q. One of the Powerline LED’s doesn’t light up after I plug the HomePlug

directly into a wall outlet? A. Test that wall outlet with other electric devices first, make sure that wall

outlet is working properly. Then, try to plug your HomePlug device again,

if the same problem happens again, plug both HomePlug units into

adjacent sockets, and see if the lights light up. If you are still having

problems please contact Technical Support (Appendix G). Q. The Ethernet LED doesn’t light up on my HomePlug Ethernet Bridge? A. Most likely, if the Ethernet LED doesn’t light on your HomePlug Ethernet

Bridge is because the Ethernet port on it doesn’t detect a LAN connection.

Check your Ethernet adapter on your computer, and make sure its enable

and working properly. Also, check your Ethernet cable, make sure you

use the right type, it’s plugged in correctly, and it’s working properly. Q. I can’t connect to internet and other computers on my power line

network? A. 1. Check your IP address and TCP/IP protocol are set up properly for all

the computers on your power line network (Appendix B) and try to ping

your gateway (Appendix B).

2. See if HomePlug Configuration Utility to detect all other HomePlug device on your power line network. Try plugging both HomePlug units into

Adjacent sockets and see if the lights light up. If you are still having a

problem, please contact Technical Support (Appendix G). Q. How many HomePlug devices do I need to setup a powerline network? A. You must need two or more HomePlug devices to setup a powerline

network. Q. In order to making the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge working properly, do I

have to install the HomePlug Configuration Utility on every single computer who has the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge plug into it?

A. No, the HomePlug Configuration Utility is a utility to diagnose or setup

encryption for HomePlug device. Due to HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is a

fully plug & play device, no driver require to install. So technically

speaking, the HomePlug Configuration utility is not a requirement to install

on your computer. In other words, you can install the utility, setup the

encryption, and delete it from your computer, but your HomePlug Ethernet

Bridge will still working properly. Q. How many HomePlug Ethernet Bridges that I can install into one same

Local Area Network? A. It recommended install up to 16

password powerline network.

HomePlug Ethernet Bridges in one same

Appendix B: IP Addressing

What is an IP Addresses?

IP Stands for Internet Protocol. An IP Address is the identifier where other computers on the network can contact your computer, when you are connected to the network using the TCP/IP protocols. The format of IP addresses are 32bit numerical addresses in 4 groups of 3. It is ranged from 0-255. For example:

255.255.255.255. This number allows your computer to be unique on the same network, and able to communicate with other computers on the network.

Dynamic IP Addressing

Dynamic IP Addressing is where the computer will automatically be assigned a new IP Address. This IP Address will be unique to the network that it is working on, and should not be the same as any other computer on the same network.

Static IP Addressing

Static IP Addressing is where the computer will have a preconfigured IP Address. This Address will never change, and will always be the same. This scheme should be used if you want to keep the same settings on each computer all the time. If the subnet of the network changes (subnet is the first 3 groups of the IP) the subnet of the static computer must also change.