Linksys PLEBR10 User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Powerline Ethernet Bridge
WIRED
PLEBR10
User Guide
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Copyright and Trademarks
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco
Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
How to Use this User Guide
The user guide to the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge has been designed to make understanding networking with the
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge .
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge .
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something
you might need to do while using the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge .
In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:
word: definition.
Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section.
plebr10-v3-UG-41110A BW
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning your PowerLine Network 3
Network Topology 3
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the PowerLine Bridge 4
The Top Panel 4
The Bridge’s Port, where the Ethernet Port is connected, is located on the front panel. 4
The Front Panel 4
Chapter 4: Connecting the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge 5
Connecting the Bridge 5
Connecting to a Router 6
Chapter 5: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility 7
Overview 7
Setup Wizard 7
Network 10
Security 11
About 11
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 12
Common Problems and Solutions 12
Frequently Asked Questions 12
Appendix B: Windows Help 14
Appendix C: Glossary 15
Appendix D: Specifications 22
Appendix E: Warranty Information 23
Appendix F: Regulatory Information 24
Appendix G: Contact Information 25
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: PowerLine Network 3
Figure 3-1: Top Panel 4
Figure 3-2: Front Panel 4
Figure 4-1: Ethernet Port on PC 5
Figure 4-2: Ethernet Port on Bridge 5
Figure 4-3: Plug in the Bridge 6
Figure 5-1: Main Menu 7
Figure 5-2: Stop 7
Figure 5-3: Installing Configuration Utility 8
Figure 5-4: Congratulations 8
Figure 5-5: Utility Insattler 8
Figure 5-6: PowerLine Configuration Utility Icon 9
Figure 5-7: Welcome 9
Figure 5-8: Device Tab 9
Figure 5-9: Network Tab 10
Figure 5-10: Scanning Your Network 10
Figure 5-11: Security Tab 11
Figure 5-12: About Tab 11
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge. The Bridge will allow you to network better than ever.
How does the Bridge do all of this? The PowerLine Ethernet Bridge lets you turn the existing powerlines in your
home or office into a high-speed network. Now you don’t have to drill through the walls, and climb through the
attic or cellar to install network cables, just use the wires that already run through the building.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
The PowerLine Bridge interfaces Ethernet devices to the HomePlug PowerLine network standard. Just plug the
PowerLine Bridge into the wall, and connect your Ethernet-equipped device to the Bridge using the included
network cable, and you’ve turned your whole house into a network infrastructure. Attach more computers to the
network by simply plugging them into the wall anywhere in the house, using more PowerLine Bridges, or the
Linksys PowerLine USB Adapter.
Once your computers are connected to the network, they can share resources like printers and storage space,
and all kinds of files: music, digital pictures, and documents. With up to 14Mbps data rates, you can play head-tohead network computer games, too. And if you use a PowerLine Bridge to interface one of the famous Linksys
Broadband Routers from your cable or DSL Internet connection to your PowerLine network, you’ll be able to get to
the Internet from any computer in the house.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Bridge, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different
networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Bridge.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
1
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Bridge’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Planning Your PowerLine Network
This chapter discusses a few of the basics about PowerLine networking.
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the PowerLine Bridge
This chapter describes the physical features of the Bridge.
• Chapter 5: Connecting the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
This chapter shows you how to connect the bridge to your PC.
• Chapter 6: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility
This chapter show you how to use the Configuration Utility
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,
regarding installation and use of the Adapter.
• Appendix C: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix D: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix E: Specifications
This appendix provides the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge’s technical specifications.
• Appendix F: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge’s warranty information.
• Appendix G: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge’s regulatory information.
• Appendix H: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
2
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 2: Planning your PowerLine Network
Network Topology
With the PowerLine products, a network can be created using home powerlines. Computers can be networked
over powerlines using PowerLine devices. The Bridge connects an Ethernet-enabled computer to a powerline
network. The PowerLine USB Adapter is also available for connecting a USB-enabled computer to a powerline
network.
The Bridge is also ideal for any user who already has a router and wants to share high-speed Internet access
across the powerline network. Connect the Bridge to the router after you have configured the Bridge using the
PowerLine Configuration Utility. Connect a straight-through Category 5 Ethernet network cable to the uplink port
of the router, or connect a crossover Category 5 Ethernet network cable to a LAN port on the router.
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website
at www.linksys.com for more information about powerline products.
Figure 2-1: PowerLine Network
Chapter 2: Planning your PowerLine Network
Network Topology
3
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the PowerLine Bridge
The Top Panel
The Bridge’s Port, where the Ethernet Port is connected, is located on the front panel.
Ethernet The Ethernet Port is where you will connect the included Category 5 Ethernet network cable.
The Front Panel
The Bridge’s LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.
Power Green. The Activity LED will flash when there is data transmitted over the powerline network.
Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED will be lit steadily when there is an active Ethernet connection.
Link/Act Green. The Link LED will light up when the PowerLine Bridge is powered on.
Figure 3-1: Top Panel
Figure 3-2: Front Panel
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the PowerLine Bridge
The Top Panel
4
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 4: Connecting the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Connecting the Bridge
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a switch to connect multiple powerline devices to your PC’s Ethernet
port. Each powerline device should be connected to its own Ethernet port on the PC.
1. Plug the included Category 5 Ethernet network cable into the computer’s Ethernet port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port of the Bridge.
Figure 4-1: Ethernet Port on PC
Figure 4-2: Ethernet Port on Bridge
Chapter 4: Connecting the PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Connecting the Bridge
5
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