HomePlug VeseNET Powerline PLA-85-E, VeseNET PLA-14-E, VeseNET PLA-85-3E User Manual
VeseNET HomePlug Powerline
Ethernet Bridge
User Manual
Models Covered:
PLA-85-E and PLA-14-E Wall-Plug
3-Port Desktop
PLA-85-3E
Copyright
The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part of as a whole, stored,
transcribed in an information retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, mechanical, magnetic, electronic, optical, photocopying, manual,
or otherwise, without prior written permission.
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.
CE conformity
These products comply with the technical requirements of the 1999/5/EC Directive (R&TTE)
and the other relevant provisions of the FTEG, and they are designed for use in the EU and
Switzerland.
The products are class A equipment. This equipment may cause interference with radio waves
in home use; if this occurs the operator may be required to take corrective action.
The CE and compliance certificate is available for download from the Solwise web site
Product warranty does not apply to damage caused by lightning, power surges or wrong voltage usage.
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Table of Content
Chapter 1: Introduction to the HomePlug Powerline Ethernet Bridge....................................... 4
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 4
Features .................................................................................................................................. 4
Package Contents ................................................................................................................... 4
System Requirements.............................................................................................................5
Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Top ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: Installation ............................................................................................................... 7
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 7
Running the InstallShield Wizard .......................................................................................... 7
Chapter 3: Configuration......................................................................................................... 10
Overview .............................................................................................................................. 10
Diagnose Powerline network ............................................................................................... 10
Part 1: Diagnose a Local HomePlug Device................................................................... 10
Part 2: Diagnose a Network HomePlug device................................................................ 11
Setting Up Security on a Local HomePlug device............................................................... 12
Setting Up Security on a Network HomePlug device .......................................................... 12
Appendix A: Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 14
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................ 14
Appendix B: IP Addressing...................................................................................................... 17
What is an IP Address? ........................................................................................................ 17
Dynamic IP Addressing ....................................................................................................... 17
Static IP Addressing............................................................................................................. 17
Checking IP Address (Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000 / XP)................................................... 17
Setting Static IP Address...................................................................................................... 19
Part 1: Windows 98 SE / ME .......................................................................................... 20
Part 2: Windows 2000 / XP.............................................................................................. 23
Release and Renew an IP address ........................................................................................ 26
Part 1: Windows 98 SE / ME ........................................................................................... 26
Part 2: Windows 2000 / XP.............................................................................................. 29
Appendix C: Local Area Network .......................................................................................... 33
Sharing Files (Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP)............................................................... 33
Part 1: Sharing Folders.................................................................................................... 33
Part 2: Sharing Drives ..................................................................................................... 36
Part 3: Accessing Other Computers Shared Files ........................................................... 39
Sharing Printers (Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP)........................................................... 41
Part 1: Setup print server.................................................................................................. 41
Part 2: Network Printer Installation ................................................................................. 43
Access Internet ..................................................................................................................... 48
Part 1: Windows 98SE / ME ........................................................................................... 48
Part 2: Windows 2000 / XP............................................................................................. 52
Appendix D: Glossary............................................................................................................. 57
Appendix E: Product Specification ......................................................................................... 59
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the HomePlug Powerline
Ethernet Bridge
Overview
Thank you on the purchase of a VeseNET HomePlug Ethernet Bridge. Most of us
don’t enjoy buying long and expensive Ethernet cables or pulling the cables from one
place to another, but the VeseNET 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 HomePlug Bridge without having to run network cables or worry
about the fragility and security issues of wireless networks. The HomePlug Ethernet
Bridge operates on the HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 standard, providing
speeds of up to 14Mbps or 85Mbps bandwidth (dependant upon model) over home
mains 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 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 HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is the best solution for No-New-Wires home
Networking. With easy Plug and Play installation, and the reliability of VeseNET
HomePlug Ethernet’s products, the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is the best solution for
high speed networking.
Features
• Up to 14 or 85 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 VeseNET HomePlug Powerline Ethernet Bridge Unit
• 1 HomePlug Quick Start
• 1 HomePlug User Manual (on CD)
• 1 Installation CD
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• 1 Power Cable (3 port desktop model only)
• 1 CAT5/RJ45 Ethernet cable
System Requirements
• At least 2 HomePlug devices
• Available Ethernet port each computer or network
• Available empty power outlet
• Standard home power line wiring
• CD-ROM drive
Panel
Top
PL: 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 (1,2,3 for desktop unit): Act / Link for Ethernet
Blinking: Ethernet activity
Lit: detect Ethernet connection
End
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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.
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This section allows you to change the default directory where the program is
installed. If you don’t want to change the directory click on Next to continue the
installation process.
This screen shows the progress of the installation.
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This screen shows that the installation was completed successfully. Click on Finish
to exit the wizard. Now its time to setup you hardware connections please refer to the
next diagrams.
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. If you are using the 3 port desktop product then plug
your power connector into the power connector at the back of the HomePlug
Ethernet Bridge. Next plug your HomePlug Bridge into a convenient mains socket.
**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.
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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 PowerPacket Utility icon on your desktop to open this utility show
in the screen below
The Main tab shows the HomePlug units that are connected to the current
computer and other devices on the network. 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.
*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 of your supplier **
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*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, try rebooting your
computer. If the problem still persists, please contact technical support from
your supplier.
Part 2: Diagnose a Network HomePlug device
The Main 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 re-Scan, by clicking the
“Scan” 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.
**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
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(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. Otherwise if you view the unit
working, distance might be the only issue.
Setting Up Security on a Local HomePlug device
The Privacy 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
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”.
56-bit data encryption standard (DES).
Setting Up Security on a Network HomePlug device
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The Privacy Tab will allow users to use one primary computer to control the
Network Password of all units on the home network.
You will have to go back to the Main Tab first then 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 bottom window . Add all the DEK Keys for each unit in your house. You
can now go back to the Main Tab 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.
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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 14Mbps or 85Mbps bandwidth (model dependant)
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 then this might cause a drop in
performance.
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.
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. HomePlug signals will not normally jump mains phases. Since your immediate
neighbors should all be on a different phase than your home it is almost
impossible for your neighbor receive your HomePlug signal. However, to be
100% sure we advise changing the 56-bit DES security encryption password 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?
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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 from your supplier.
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.
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 simply diagnose or setup
encryption for HomePlug device. 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 work 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
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Q. What factors influence the speed and operation of the HomePlug Ethernet
Bridges?
A. The Homeplug system is generally, extremely resilient to the vagouries of the
typical houses mains wiring. The main problems with mains networking are random
mains noise. Typical factors that can make mains noise are:
i. Cheap switch mode power supplies. Generally this means the small
plug-in power supplies you get with, for example, mobile phone
chargers, some comms equipment like routers or wireless access
points etc... These are also the same type of supplies you get in
‘energy-saver’ light bulbs (if these are used in ceiling lights you’re
okay but, in desk or standard lamps which plug into the mains
sockets they could be a problem). Try unplugging products from the
wall and see if the PHY rate in the diagnostic utility improves.
ii. Bad connections in the wiring. This can mean poor connections in
the mains in the wall or wall sockets or faults in the plugs for one of
your items of home equipment or actually wiring faults in the house
electrical equipment it’s self. These are the types of faults which can
appear over time (e.g. a wire fixing screw in a mains socket can
come loose) but the equipment plugged into the socket continues
working. These problems are hard to trace but, like above, try
unplugging products from the wall and see if the PHY rate in the
diagnostic utility improves.
Q. Will the HomePlug network work through a second distribution panel (fuse
box/consumer unit)?
A. Yes. Each consumer unit produces about 10dB drop in signal strength
however the HomePlug network typically has ample signal strength to be able to
cope with this sort of drop.
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Appendix B: IP Addressing
What is an IP Address?
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.
Checking IP Address (Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000 / XP)
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1. Click Start and click Run
2. Type “Command” in the run prompt, Click OK
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