Linksys PLW400 User Manual

Linksys PLW400 Powerline AV Wireless Network Extender

User

Guide

Linksys PLW400

Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How Powerline networking works . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Example installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installing the PLW400 . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installation overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

How to connect your PLW400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Contents

Setting up advanced security . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Using the Utility . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2

Linksys PLW400

Overview

Overview

Thank you for choosing this Linksys PLW400 wireless Powerline network
adapter. This adapter provides easy setup and let you connect wireless network
devices to your Powerline network.

This setup guide assumes you already have a working Powerline network.

You can find more help from our award-winning, 24/7 customer support at

Linksys.com/support.

Features

Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to connect with
other wireless network devices that have a Wi-Fi Protected Setup
button.

HomePlug Simple Connect button—Configures advanced security
(the network password) for your Powerline network.

Reset button (recessed)—To restore the factory default settings
(including the advanced security settings and the network
password), use a pointed object to press and hold the Reset button
for at least ten seconds.

Powerline LED—The Powerline LED turns on when the adapter is
connected to the Powerline network. The LED flashes to indicate
network activity.

Ethernet LED—The Ethernet LED turns on when a wired network
device is turned on and connected to the adapter’s Ethernet
(network) port. The LED flashes to indicate network activity.

Wireless LED—The Wireless LED turns on when a wireless network
device is connected to your PLW400.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup LED—This LED flashes while a wireless
network device is connecting with your PLW400 using Wi-Fi
Protected Setup.

Power LED—The power LED turns on when the adapter is
connected to a powered electrical outlet.

Ethernet port—Use a network (Ethernet) cable to connect this port
to a wired network device.

3

Linksys PLW400

How Powerline networking works

Electrical wiring runs through your home or office, carrying power to electrical
outlets in every room. The typical wired Ethernet network uses Ethernet
network cables to connect your wired network devices. A Powerline network
uses your existing household wiring as the wiring for your Powerline network.

To create your Powerline network, use two or more Powerline adapters. Each
device on your Powerline network requires a connection (either wired or
wireless) to a Powerline adapter.

Your PLW400 contains one Ethernet port and a wireless access point. You can
connect one wired device and several wireless devices to it.

Example installation

This diagram shows a basic Powerline network in a house. The router upstairs
is connected to a Powerline adapter, which is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Downstairs, the gaming console and a computer are connected to the PLW400,
which is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Using the household wiring of the home, the router expands the local network
to include the gaming console and desktop computer in the living room.
Internet access, files, and printers can be shared between the computers and
other networked devices. For online gaming, you can play downstairs in the
comfort of your living room, while using the high-speed Internet connection
of the router and modem upstairs.

Overview

Router

Modem

PLE400

Computer

PLW400

Gaming
Console

4