Gigafast PE909-UI User Manual

HomePlug USB Wall Adapter

(PE909-UI)

User Manual

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 Nodes and Bridges ................................................... 3

1.0 Installation............................................................................. 5

2.0 Encryption ............................................................................ 10

3.0 Trouble-shooting .................................................................. 14

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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 very different usage and features. Power over Ethernet is a
device that acts as a Hub or a Switch and draws its power from
nearby unsuspecting computers connected to it by a Cat. 5 cable.
On the other hand, HomePlug Networking uses your current existing
or featured power lines to transfer network data. There are existing
technologies that are similar to HomePlug, such as X10 or HPNA;
however, HomePlug can reach speeds of up to 14Mbps and is
currently being tested to run at up to 24Mbps.

HomePlug works simply by connecting a device to two computers
in two locations, respectively, inside a house or building and
plugging them into a wall outlet. 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 completed within minutes
with no additional cables running everywhere and without painful
cable pulling in the walls or behind closets.

The technology behind the real working mechanism remains
classified. Hopefully in the future, more people will have a better
understanding of HomePlug.

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. Encryption
works by using a string of letters and/or numbers as keys to encode
your data. Any computer will need to know the encryption key in
order to access the data. Although the data may be exposed to all
environments, encryption will still protect your data from threats.

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HomePlug Encryption and Protection Schemes

The HomePlug device uses encryption to block outside access. The
key is set by using the configuration software on 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 computers to be
networked. Make sure that all devices are loaded with the same
key.

0.3 Basic Requirements

- At least 2 HomePlug devices

- Available USB port for each computer

- Available empty power outlet

- Standard home power line wiring

- CD-ROM drive

0.4 Limitations of Current HomePlug Technology and What’s 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 the
number of HomePlug Ethernet Bridges. Because of how IP Packets
and buffer zones were designed, there can only be two 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

There is a difference between Nodes and Bridges. A Node is any
device that resides in 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

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type or group of networks. Connecting every computer from one

network with another network would result in a mess of cables, so
instead, a bridge is brought in to have a single connection
between the networks instead of many. A Bridge in HomePlug
terms functions like a concentration device that connects
multiple computers onto the HomePlug network using one
HomePlug device.

The Bridge function only works with Ethernet HomePlug models
because USB devices can't be shared yet. The default
connection type for Ethernet adapters is Bridge. The only way to
turn it off is to install the utility that comes with the unit. That will turn
the Bridge into a Node.

It is possible to have both Nodes and Bridges on a network as long
as there is only a maximum of two Bridges. It is possible to have
USB Nodes on the same network as Ethernet Nodes.

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