NetComm Powerline User Manual
NETCOMM POWERLINE SERIES
85Mbps Powerline Adapters
Twin Pack
USER GUIDE
Powerline Adapters User Guide YML285YML285285
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Table of Contents
Introduction to NP285 Powerline Adapter ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Package Contents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Important Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
System Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Getting to Know your NP285 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
All about the Home Network ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Windows 98 and Windows Me ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Windows 2000 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Windows XP .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Installing the Security and Conguration Utility ....................................................................................................................................................8
Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Uninstallation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
About Network Security with the NP285 ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Network Security .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
How to Use Passwords Correctly ..............................................................................................................................................................................................9
Network Volume .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Conguration Utility for Windows .........................................................................................................................................................................10
Running the Utility ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Main screen ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Privacy Screen ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Diagnostics Screen .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
About Screen ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Quality of Service ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Examples of NP285 Usage ....................................................................................................................................................................................15
Home Networking-option 1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Home Networking-option 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Home Networking-option 3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Home Networking-option 4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................................................................................................................17
General ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Applications ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Security ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Technical .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Legal & Regulatory ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Technical Data ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Registration and Warranty Information ............................................................................................................................................................................................24
Introduction
Powerline Adapters User Guide YML285YML285285
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Introduction to the NP285
Powerline Adapters
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 Powerline has been introduced. It uses electrical power circuits within the walls of a
building to transmit data from computer to computer. Powerline 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 Powerline Adapters are simple to install and use. They have 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 Powerline Adapter has a Australian standard power plug for connection to a
power outlet.
Typical computer networking applications in the home or ofce:
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.
Package Contents
Make sure that you have the following items in your Powerline Adapter Kit. If any of the items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer
immediately.
• 2 x NP285 Powerline Adapters
• 2 x CAT-5 UTP Straight Ethernet
Network Cables (RJ-45)
• Installation CD containing Utility Software
and NP285 User Guide
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NetComm PowerlineTM Series - Powerline Adapters 85Mbps Twin Pack
Important Safety Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully:
1. Unplug the NP285 Powerline Adapter 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 Powerline Adapter near water.
3. The NP285 Powerline Adapter 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 Powerline Adapter 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 Powerline Adapter 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 Powerline Adapter directly into a 240V AC power point if possible.
7. Do not attempt to service the NP285 Powerline Adapter 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 qualied 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 followed.
• If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
System Requirements
NP285 Powerline Adapter is compatible with all TCP/IP operating systems with Ethernet port. Drivers are not required for this adapter, but you can
use the supplied Conguration Utility software to assign the network passwords.
Your computer must meet the following requirements in order to use the NP285 Powerline Adapter Conguration Utility:
Windows Operating Systems:
• Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 with Ethernet connection (for manual
conguration). As above and MAC operating systems if using automatic plug and play conguration
• 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 Powerline Adapter must have an Ethernet port, i.e. a network card or a network Adapter.
Getting to Know Your NP285
The NP285 Powerline Adapter has three lights indicator (LEDs) and an RJ-45 Ethernet port:
PWR: Lights up when connected to AC power supply.
PL-LINK: Lights up when detected and connected with another HomePlug Adapter 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.
Home Network
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NetComm PowerlineTM Series - Powerline Adapters 85Mbps Twin Pack
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 Powerline
Adapters 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 Adapter 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 Adapter 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 Adapter 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 nd an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adapter 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 Adapter 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 Adapter 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 Adapter 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 nd an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adapter 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 conrm 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/Vista/7
The Windows XP/Vista/7 start menus can be congured in different ways. See the Windows documentation for more information.
1. Please ensure that you have an Ethernet Network Adapter 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 Adapter 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 Adapter 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 nd an entry similar to ‘TCP/IP’ or ‘TCP/IP -> Network Adapter 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 conrm 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’.
Installing the Security and Conguration Utility
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