NetComm NP285 User Manual

2 NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor YML798 Rev1
Contents
1. Introduction to NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor .....................................................3
Package Contents .............................................................................................................4
Important Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................5
2. All about the Home Network ...................................................................................................8
Windows 98 and Windows Me ..........................................................................................8
Windows 2000 ..................................................................................................................8
3. Installing the Security and Configuration Utility ................................................................... 10
Installation ......................................................................................................................10
Uninstallation .................................................................................................................10
About Network Security with the NP285 .........................................................................11
Network Security .................................................................................................11
How to Use Passwords Correctly ..........................................................................11
Network Volume ..................................................................................................11
4. Configuration Utility for Windows ......................................................................................... 12
Running the Utility .......................................................................................................... 12
Main screen .................................................................................................................... 12
Privacy Screen ................................................................................................................ 15
5. Examples of NP285 Usage .................................................................................................... 18
Home Networking-option 1 .............................................................................................18
Home Networking-option 3 .............................................................................................20
Home Networking-option 4 ............................................................................................. 21
6. Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................................22
General ...........................................................................................................................22
Applications ....................................................................................................................23
Security ...........................................................................................................................24
Technical .........................................................................................................................24
Appendix A: Technical Data .......................................................................................................27
Appendix B: Cable Connections .................................................................................................28
RJ-45 Network Ports .......................................................................................................28
Straight and crossover cable configuration ...................................................................29
Appendix C: Registration and Warranty Information ..................................................................30
NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor 3 YM798 Rev1
1. Introduction to NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet
Adaptor
One of the major drawbacks in setting up a home network is the absence of the required wiring inside the house to interconnect networked computers.
In recent years several technologies have attempted to address this issue. The most prominent technology so far is the family of WIFI (802.11 X) products. Recently, however, another technology called HomePlug has been introduced. It uses electrical power circuits within the walls of a building to transmit data from computer to computer. HomePlug technology modulates computer data in a way that enables them to use the power circuit as a medium of transmission from point to point. Using this technology, two computers have a virtual Ethernet connection without the need to be physically connected to each other.
The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor is simple to install and use. It has 3 indicator lights (LEDs) and an Ethernet port. The LEDs display the connection status, as well as other information, enabling detailed diagnosis of system malfunction. The Ethernet port on the NP285 is used to connect to a network device in the home environment. The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor has a Australian standard power plug for connection to a power outlet.
Typical computer networking applications in the home or office:
1. Share centrally stored data
2. Share a printer
3. Provide shared access to one Internet connection
4. Connect multiple gaming users over a network.
5. Extend an ADSL or Cable modem connection.
.........and many, many more.
Note: Product warranty does not apply to damage caused by lightning, power surges or
wrong voltage usage.
4 NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor YML798 Rev1
Package Contents
Make sure that you have the following items in your HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor Kit. If any of the items is damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.
2 x NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptors
Package Contents Note
2 x CAT-5 UTP Straight Ethernet
Network Cables (RJ-45)
Installation CD containing Utility Software
and NP285 User Guide
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Important Safety Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully:
1. Unplug the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor from the wall outlet before clean­ing. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
2. Do not use the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor near water.
3. The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat source, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
4. The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor should be only connected to a 240Volt power circuit. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
5. The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor relies on the building’s electrical instal­lation for short-circuit (over current) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 240 VAC is used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).
6. For maximum performance we advise that you do not use an extension cord or multi power board between the adapter and the AC power source. Plug the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor directly into a 240V AC power point if possible.
7. Do not attempt to service the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor yourself, as opening or removing covers will expose you to dangerous electrical voltage points and will also void your product warranty.
8. Refer the product to a qualified service personnel for the following conditions:
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are fol-
lowed.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
6 NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor YML798 Rev1
System Requirements
NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor is compatible with all TCP/IP operating systems with Ethernet port. Drivers are not required for this adapter, but you can use the supplied Configuration Utility software to assign the network passwords.
Your computer must meet the following requirements in order to use the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor Configuration Utility:
Windows Operating Systems:
Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP with Ethernet con-
nection
Pentium III 300 MHz MMX PC or greater
At least 128MB hard disk space and memory
CD-ROM drive
Note: Your computer or the device to which you want to connect the NP285 Turbo HomePlug
Ethernet Adaptor must have an Ethernet port, i.e. a network card or a network adaptor.
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Getting to Know your NP285
The NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor has three lights indicator (LEDs) and an RJ­45 Ethernet port:
PWR: Lights up when connected to AC power supply.
PL-LINK: Lights up when detected and connected with another
HomePlug adaptor within the network.
ETH-LINK/ACT: Lights up when connected to the Ethernet port of the
computer or other Ethernet devices.
Flashes during data transfer.
ETHERNET: This is the connection point for connecting it to a computer
or other devices with Ethernet port.
8 NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor YML798 Rev1
2. All about the Home Network
This chapter contains important information on how to set up Window’s Networking. You will need to enable TCP/IP to allow the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptors to communicate with each other.
Please refer to the section below that corresponds to the Windows operating system you have.
Windows 98 and Windows Me
1. Please ensure that you have an Ethernet Network Adaptor card installed in your PC and that you have correctly installed the drivers. If in doubt, please refer to the Installation manual that came with your Ethernet Network adaptor Card for further instructions.
2. Open the properties of the LAN connection on the connected computers by selecting Start > Settings > Control Panel >Network
3. Click the entry for the TCP/IP protocol of the network adaptor and on Properties. Enable the option ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’. You can ignore all other options: they either remain empty or retain their default settings. Click on OK to close the dialog box.
Note: If you cannot find an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adaptor Name’
or ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’, you must install the TCP/IP protocol. Under Add select ‘Protocol’ and click Add again. In the next dialog box under ‘Manufacturer’ select ‘Mi­crosoft’ and under ‘Network Protocol’ select ‘TCP/ IP’.
4. If you wish to share your Internet connection over your network, you will need to ensure that the computers are set up to use the LAN for Internet access. Under Start > Settings > Control Panel > Internet Option select the ‘Connections’ tab and enable the ‘Never dial a connection’ option. Click on OK to close the dialog boxes.
Note: Other Internet applications such as e-mail clients may also need this information. This generally involves changing a setting with a name like ‘Connect to LAN’.
Windows 2000
1. Please ensure that you have an Ethernet Network Adaptor card installed in your PC and that you have correctly installed the drivers. If in doubt, please refer to the Installation manual that came with your Ethernet Network adaptor Card for further instructions.
2. Open the properties of the LAN connection on the connected computers by selecting Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Dial-up Connections. Click with the right mouse button on the corresponding LAN connection and select ‘Properties’.
3. Click the entry for the TCP/IP protocol of the network adaptor and on Properties. Enable the option ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’. You can ignore all other options: they either remain empty or retain their default settings. Click on OK to close the dialog box.
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Note: If you cannot find an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adaptor Name’
or ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’, you must install the TCP/IP protocol. Under Install se­lect ‘Protocol’ and click Add. In the next dialog box select ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’ and confirm with OK.
4. If you wish to share your Internet connection over your network, you will need to ensure that the computers are set up to use the LAN for Internet access. Under Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Dial-up Connections and enable the ‘Never dial a con­nection’ option. Click on OK to close the dialog boxes.
Note: Other Internet applications such as e-mail clients may also need this information. This
generally involves changing a setting with a name like ‘Connect to LAN’.
Windows XP
The Windows XP start menu can be configured in different ways. See the Windows XP docu­mentation for more information.
1. Please ensure that you have an Ethernet Network Adaptor card installed in your PC and that you have correctly installed the drivers. If in doubt, please refer to the Installation manual that came with your Ethernet Network adaptor Card for further instructions.
2. Open the properties of the LAN connection on the connected computers.
Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections. Click with the right
mouse button on the corresponding LAN connection and select ‘Properties’.
3. Click the entry for the TCP/IP protocol of the network adaptor and on Properties. Enable the option ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’. You can ignore all other options: they either remain empty or retain their default settings. Click on OK to close the dialog box.
Note: If you cannot find an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adaptor Name’
or ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’, you must install the TCP/IP protocol. Under Install se­lect ‘Protocol’ and click Add. In the next dialog box select ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’ and confirm with OK.
4. If you wish to share your Internet connection over your network, you will need to ensure that the computers are set up to use the LAN for Internet access. Under Start > Settings > Control Panel > Internet Option select the ‘Connections’ tab and enable the ‘Never dial a connection’ option. Click on OK to close the dialog boxes.
Note: Other Internet applications such as e-mail clients may also need this information. This
generally involves changing a setting with a name like ‘Connect to LAN’.
10 NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet over Power Adaptor YML798 Rev1
3. Installing the Security and Configuration Utility
Installation
1. Locate a power outlet near to your Computer. Ensure that the power is switched off. Plug the NP285 into the power outlet.
2. Connect the ethernet cable to the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor and the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on your PC.
3. Turn on your computer and allow it to boot up.
4. Turn on the power to the NP285 and ensure that the PWR LED is on. You will also notice that the ETH-LINK/ACT LED will also be on indicating that the NP285 is con­nected to your PC.
5. Install the Configuration Utility. The Configuration Utility Installation CD has an auto­run menu system. Click on the button to Install the Utility. If the autorun menu system fails to run, please run the Setup.exe file on the CD. The Setup.exe file can be found in the root directory of the CD.
6. Follow the on screen instructions to install the Configuration Utility.
7. Please refer to the next pages to run the Configuration Utility.
Note:
1) Before connecting the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor, please note its Password located on the Product ID label on each NP285 adaptor and keep it available for configuration of the network.
2) No drivers are required for the installation of the NP285 Turbo HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor. The Security and Configuration Utility is only necessary if you wish to set your network security or see what other adaptor devices are connected to your HomePlug Network.
Uninstallation
1. To uninstall the Configuration Utility, go to the Control Panel of your system.
2. Open the Add/Remove Programs.
3. Select and double click on the PowerPacket Utilities in the Add/Remove Programs Prop­erties.
4. Follow the on screen instructions to uninstallation the Configuration Utility.
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