Lea NetPlug, NetSocket User Manual

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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and

Network Management

July 30, 2013

HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2

HomePlug AV Terms and Explanations ................................................................................................................................... 3

Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Unsecured Network Mode) ...................................................................................................... 5

Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Secured Network Mode) .......................................................................................................... 5

Adding Additional Adapters .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Optimizing Network Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Repairing a Broken Network ................................................................................................................................................... 7

For Further Customer Support ................................................................................................................................................ 8

About LEA Networks ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

Introduction

This application guide will give the average user a more comprehensive understanding of how HomePlug AV adapters work and how to use them. The secure pairing and factory reset buttons are all that’s needed to perform any required operations on an adapter. When adapters are paired, the pairing status light will be on (though it blinks to indicate activity). If the pairing light doesn’t come on, then see the final section “Repairing a Broken Network”. Often it’s easier to understand and interpret your HomePlug network by running and monitoring the network using LEA Networks SoftPlug network management software. This allows the user to see the real-time status, network mode, and connection speed of each device in the network. Once the user is familiar with resetting and secured pairing procedures, the software isn’t as necessary.

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HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

HomePlug AV Terms and Explanations

Secured Pairing (Group) Button- a user accessed button on all HomePlug AV adapters. When held until all the status

lights blink off, and then released (~10 seconds), the adapter is enabled into secured network mode with a new secure network membership key. If an adapter is already in secured mode, pressing for 2 seconds and releasing tells the adapter to broadcast its key and allow other secured mode adapters to join its network.

Network Name- a text name for the HomePlug network (secured or unsecured). This allows the user to identify the adapters in their network when others are present (as in a multi-unit household).

Network Membership Key (NMK)- adapters in secured network mode use a private network password key between each other. This prevents any other adapters from gaining access to the secured network. The key is only known to the secured adapters themselves.

Reset Button- a user accessed button on all HomePlug AV adapters. This button is recessed in a hole to prevent accidental actuation. When pressed for 1 second and released, the adapter is reset to factory defaults (unsecured network mode and default network name such as “HomePlug AV”).

Sleep Mode- most adapters will go into a standby low power mode if no Ethernet signal is detected (after 2-10 minutes of inactivity). The power light will blink slowly. The device will wake back up once a signal is detected, or the unit is power cycled (unplug, then replug into outlet).

SoftPlug- LEA Network’s network management software. This allows the user to see the status of all HomePlug AV adapters in their network (not just LEA Networks versions), change the network name, reset or reboot the adapters, etc. It can be downloaded from LEA Network’s support page here

Secured Network Mode- adapters can be set into a secured mode. This uses a randomly generated private network membership key that can only be shared between adapters after the user enables the device to broadcast it. This prevents accidental and purposeful access to the devices on the network.

Unsecured Network Mode- the default mode for adapters is unsecured networking. Any HomePlug AV compliant adapter plugged in will automatically connect to other adapters in the network. Unless security or adjacent network issues occur, it’s best to leave the adapters in this mode. Communications between the adapters is still encrypted.

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HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

Power Status

Solid: power is on

HomePlug Status

Solid Color: paired to network

Ethernet Status

Solid: adapter is connected to

device

NetPlug 200+ Only

Green: high speed connection

(<15Mbps)

Reset Button

Secured Pairing Button

Status LEDs

Adapter Status LEDs

(>30Mbps) Orange: medium speed connection

(15-30Mbps) Red: low speed connection

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Slow Blinking: standby mode

Blinking: sending or receiving

data Off: not paired to network

attached device Blinking: sending or receiving data Off: no device attached or no connection to Ethernet port on

HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Unsecured Network Mode)

New retail purchased adapters only need to be plugged in and connected to the network, no actions are required. Factory default is unsecured network mode so they will automatically pair to each other. For units that were previously in secured network mode, or in an unknown mode, reset the units back to factory default. Pairing is indicated by the pairing status LED turning green. The adapters will then pair automatically. If difficulties persist, see the last section “Repairing a Broken Network”.

Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Secured Network Mode)

Adapters must first be paired in unsecured network mode before attempting to convert to secure network mode. If all the adapters are already paired in a network, proceed to step 2.

1. Perform a factory reset on all units, and wait for them to form a paired network. This is indicated by the pairing

status light turning green.

2. The following procedure is used regardless of the number of units (2 to 16 adapters can be formed in a

network). On the first unit, preferably at the router or broadband gateway, put the unit into secure network mode by pressing and holding the secure pairing button until the lights blink off (~10 seconds). Release the button after the lights blink off.

3. Repeat step 2 on all other adapters. They are all now in secured mode, but need to share the network key

(password) in order to pair up.

4. On one unit (doesn’t matter which), press the secure pairing button for 2 seconds and release. This tells the

adapter to transmit its key and pair to another adapter in the same mode.

5. Go to a second adapter and press its secure pairing button for 2 seconds and release. The units will pair and

form a secure network. The second adapter must be put into pairing mode within 2 minutes after the button is pressed on the first unit. Successful pairing is indicated by the pairing status LED turning green on both units.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for all remaining adapters. Press the secure pairing button for two seconds on any adapter

already paired in the secure network, and then press the pairing button for two seconds on the adapter not yet in the secure network.

During the pairing procedure, if any units go into standby low power mode, simply unplug and replug the adapter back into the outlet. There is no need to repeat step 2 (10 second button hold).

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HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

Adding Additional Adapters

Unsecured Network Mode: For unsecured (factory default) network adapters, simply plug the new adapter(s) into an

outlet and connect the Ethernet port to the new network device.

Secured Network Mode: To add additional adapters to a secure network, repeat steps 3-5 above.

-Plug the new unit into the outlet desired, press and hold the secure pairing button for 10 seconds (until the lights blink off, then release).

-Press the secure pairing button for two seconds on any adapter already paired in the secure network.

-Press the pairing button for two seconds on the new adapter.

-Repeat these three steps for each additional adapter.

Optimizing Network Performance

-Plug adapters directly into the wall outlet, not in a power strip or extension cord. If needed, it’s better to plug the unit directly into a wall outlet and use a longer Ethernet cable to reach the device, than plug the adapter into a power strip nearby the equipment.

-Do not plug the adapters into a GFCI outlet, the internal circuitry of a GFCI greatly decreases the connection speed.

-Avoid using the adapter in the same outlet or circuit as major appliances such as clothes or dish washers, electric clothes dryers, and refrigerators.

-Avoid using a mobile phone or tablet (wall mount type) charger in the same outlet as the adapter.

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HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

Pairing Adapters using a Power Strip

Repairing a Broken Network

If changes are made to the network and everything stops working, or there is difficulty getting units paired, try the following step by step procedure.

1. Unplug all adapters from their wall positions.

2. Use a power strip or multi-outlet extension cord to do the initial testing and pairing. Normally this is not

recommended, but the units will not have an issue connecting to each other when plugged into the same strip or cord. Using a single cord will allow you to see the status lights and reset/pairing buttons easily. They will be put back to their intended locations once pairing is completed.

3. Plug two units into the active power strip or cord, making sure the buttons and lights are visible.

4. Using a straightened paper clip, press the factory reset button for 1 second and release on each unit. The two

units should pair within 5 seconds, as indicated by the pairing light turning green. It is normal for the pairing light to blink, this indicates they are communicating.

5. If they do not pair, unplug the units for ~1 minute and re-plug them into the strip. Repeat pressing the factory

reset button on each for 1 second. If the pairing light never comes on then the units may be defective.

6. If the units pair successfully, then unplug one and move it to its intended location. It’s ok to plug the adapter in

and connect it to whatever device it’s needed for. If only two adapters are in use, then unplug the second and plug it in at its intended location and connect.

7. If additional adapters are in use, leave the second unit plugged into the strip until all adapters are successfully

paired.

For additional adapters, plug them in one at a time into the strip. Press the reset button on only the new adapter for 1 second. As before, the two units should pair within 5 seconds, as indicated by the pairing light turning green. As the additional adapters are paired, they can be unplugged and moved to their intended location.

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HomePlug Adapter Pairing and Net Management

For Further Customer Support

For more information, email support@lea-networks.com.

About LEA Networks

LEA Networks is a worldwide provider of xDSL splitters/filters, Power Line Carrier (HomePlug AV), Primary Surge Protection and connectivity systems for the telecommunications industry. The company researches, designs, markets, and distributes a wide range of standard and custom products, which have been deployed by over 150 carriers worldwide. Headquartered in Skokie, Illinois, LEA Networks is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HF Company (NYSE Euronext: HF).

USA France China

LEA Networks, LLC LEA SAS LEA Technologies Ltd 5500 W. Touhy Ave, Suite P Immeuble Le Linéa Tianan Hi-Tech Plaza Tower A Skokie, Illinois 1 Rue du Général Leclerc Futian District, Shenzhen 60077 USA 92047 Paris La Défense Cedex PRC 518048, China Phone: +1.847.673.1853 Phone: +33 (0) 1.49.97.05.30 Phone: + 86.755.8287.6321 Fax: +1.847.673.2153 Fax: +33 (0) 1.49.97.05.31 Fax: + 86.755.8287.6331

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Lea NetPlug, NetSocket User Manual

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