Netgear XWN5001 Owner's Manual

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

User Manual

350 East Plumeria Drive

San Jose, CA 95134
USA

October 2012

202-11003-01
v1.0

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Support

Thank you for choosing NETGEAR.

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at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can
NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR
support, visit http://support.netgear.com.

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NETGEAR recommends that you use only the official NETGEAR support resources.

st of phone numbers at

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use NETGEAR telephone support.

website. For product updates and web

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NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Information is subject to change
without notice. NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

Revision History

Publication Part Number Ver sio n Publish Date Comments

202-11003-01 v1.0 October 2012 First publication

2

Contents

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Chapter 2 Using NETGEAR genie

Hardware Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LED and Feature Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

How the Powerline AV 500 Access Point Fits in Your Network . . . . . . . . . . 8

Set Up the Powerline Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Set Up a New Powerline Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Add the Access Point to an Existing Powerline Network . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Set Up the Access Point Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Method A: Use NETGEAR genie for Wireless Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Method B: Use the WPS Button for Wireless Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Join the Access Point Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Powerline Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Use the Security Button to Set the Encryption Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Install NETGEAR genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Powerline Utility Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Security Icon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

View the Link Rate between Powerline Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Change the Name of a Powerline Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Turn LEDs Off or On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Set the Powerline Encryption Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Reset a Device to Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Add a Device to the Powerline Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Access NETGEAR Web genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chapter 3 Troubleshooting

This chapter includes:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Basic Functioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

If You Do Not See All Your Devices with the NETGEAR genie . . . . . . . . . 36

If You Do Not See the Powerline Icon on Your Network Map . . . . . . . . . . 37

Symantec Endpoint Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Appendix A Supplemental Information

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Appendix B Notification of Compliance

Index

4

1. Getting Started

This chapter describes your Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001) and how your access
point can fit into a home network. It also explains the security features and how to customize the
encryption key for added security.

This chapter includes:

• Hardware Features

• How the Powerline AV 500 Access Point Fits in Your Network

• Set Up the Powerline Network

• Set Up the Access Point Wireless Network

• Join the Access Point Wireless Network

• Powerline Network Security

• Use the Security Button to Set the Encryption Key

For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at

http://support.netgear.com.

1

5

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point

Ethernet cable

Power
LED

Factory
Reset
button

On/Off
switch

Ethernet
port

Security
button

Powerline
LED

Wireless
LED

Ethernet
LED

Hardware Features

The package includes a Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001) and an Ethernet
cable.

Figure 1. Package contents

Figure 2. Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Getting Started

6

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

LED and Feature Descriptions

Table 1. LED descriptions

Item Description

Power 
LED

Powerline LED • Solid. The device is connected to a Powerline network.

Wireless LED • Solid green. The wireless radio is on.

Ethernet LED

• Solid green. The electrical power is on.

• Blinking green. The device is in the process of restarting or setting up security.

• Amber. Power saving mode. The unit enters power saving mode if the Ethernet port is not

linked for more than 10 minutes.

• Off. There is no electrical power, or power has been turned off through the NETGEAR
genie.

• Off. The device has not found any other compatible Powerline devices using the same
encryption key or has been turned off through the NETGEAR genie.

The Pick A Plug feature lets you pick the electrical outlet with the fastest link rate, indicated by
the color displayed by the LED:

Green. Link rate > 80 Mbps
(Best)
Good for HD video

• Off. The wireless radio is off.

• Solid green. The device has an active Ethernet connection.

• Off. There is no Ethernet connection.

Amber. Link rate > 50 < 80
Mbps (Better)

Good for SD video

Red. Link rate < 50 Mbps
(Good)
Good for data

Buttons

• Factory Reset. Use the Factory Reset button to return your Powerline device to its

default factory settings. Press the Factory Reset button for 2 seconds, and then release
it.

• Security. The Security button has the following three functions:

- Once the Powerline devices are active, you can use the Security button to add

encryption to your Powerline network. See

Encryption Key on page 17.

- You can use the Security button to clone the WiFi network of your wireless router or

gateway without typing the network name (SSID) and password. See

the WPS Button for Wireless Setup on page 15.

- The Security button provides an easy way (WPS) for your wireless client to join the

WiFi network access point. See

Join the Access Point Wireless Network on page 16.

• On/Off. Use the On/Off switch to turn the device on and off.

Getting Started

Use the Security Button to Set the

Method B: Use

7

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Ethernet Port

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable that comes with the Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point
(XWN5001) into this port and the other end either into your router, or into the computer or
another peripheral device.

Product Label

The product label shows unique details specific to your device. The product label is on the
back of the device. The label contains the following information.

• Model number

• Powerline MAC address

• Ethernet/wireless MAC address

• Serial number

• Device password

• WPS security PIN

• Default wireless network name (SSID)

• Default network key

How the Powerline AV 500 Access Point Fits in Your Network

You can use one or more Powerline 500 WiFi Access Points to extend your home network
anywhere in your house using your electrical power lines.

A Powerline network consists of two or more compatible Powerline devices that communicate
with each other. One of the Powerline devices is connected with an Ethernet cable to your
router so that the Powerline network is linked to your local area network (LAN). That way
each Powerline device can communicate with the router and use its Internet connection.

Getting Started

8

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Reset

Reset

Room 1

Room 2

Room 3

Powerline

Powerline

XWN5001

The following illustration shows an existing Powerline network with one Powerline device in
Room 1, a second Powerline device in Room 2, and a Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point
(XWN5001) in Room 3:

Figure 3. Powerline access point connected to the Powerline network and wireless network

To form a Powerline network you need at least two compatible Powerline devices (including
the Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point).

For best performance, plan the locatio

• Use a

n electrical outlet that is not controlled by a wall switch to avoid someone

n of your Powerline devices:

unknowingly turning off the power to the outlet.

• Do not p

lug Powerline products into a power strip, extension cord, or surge protector as

this might prevent them from working correctly or reduce the network performance.

• A

void plugging Powerline products into electrical outlets located near an appliance that
uses a lot of power, such as a washer or dryer, or a refrigerator. This could potentially
prevent the Powerline devices from working correctly, or reduce network performance.

Getting Started

9

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Reset

Set Up the Powerline Network

You can set up a Powerline network that includes the access point or you can add the access
point to an existing Powerline network.

Set Up a New Powerline Network

Different Powerline models can share the network. All NETGEAR Powerline AV products are
compatible.

 To set up a new Powerline network:

First device

1. Make su

re that your WiFi router or gateway is
connected to the Internet and that your Ethernet
wired connections are working.

a. On

a computer that is connected to your router or
gateway using an Ethernet cable, open a web
browser and navigate to a web page.

b. On

a computer or device that is connected to your
wireless network, open a web browser and
navigate to a web page.

2. Plug the first

Powerline device (sold separately) into a
wall outlet near your router or gateway. Then, connect
the device to the LAN port on your router or gateway
using an Ethernet cable.

For more detailed instructions, see the installation guide that came in the package.

3. During setu

near your router or gateway.

4. Use

the provided Ethernet cable to connect the

p, plug the access point into a wall outlet

XWN5001

access point to an Ethernet port on a computer for
initial setup.

The Powerline devices attempt to detect each other
and f

orm a Powerline network. This process could

take a few minutes.

ait for each Powerline device to be recognized by

5. W

the Powerline network.

The Power and Powerline LEDs should light. This
process could

take as little as 5 seconds, or up to 80
seconds. If the Powerline LEDs are green or amber,
the devices are successfully connected. A red LED
indicates a slow link rate. In this case, move the device or access point to another
electrical outlet with a faster connection.

6. S

et up the access point wireless network as explained in Set Up the Access Point

Wireless Network on

page 12.

Getting Started

10

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Add the Access Point to an Existing Powerline Network

If you have an existing Powerline network, make sure one of the Powerline devices is
connected to your WiFi router or gateway so that the Powerline network is linked to your local
area network (LAN) and WiFi network. Your existing Powerline network must have two or
more compatible Powerline devices that communicate with each other.

 To add the access point to an existing Powerline network:

f you used the Security buttons or the NETGEAR genie to secure your Powerline

1. I

network, press the Reset button on each Powerline device to return it to its factory
settings.

This is the quickest way to allow your new Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point to
co

mmunicate with the other Powerline devices.

2. Conn

ect a computer to the access point for initial

setup.

Use the supplied Ethernet cable to connect the
access point to an Ethernet port on a computer.

3. For

convenience during setup, plug the access

point into an electrical outlet near your router.

The access point attempts to detect the other
comp

atible Powerline devices in your network
and join the Powerline network. This process
could take a few minutes.

4. Check

the Powerline LEDs to make sure that the
Powerline devices are communicating with each
other. If the LEDs are green or amber, the devices
are successfully connected. A red LED indicates a
slow link rate. In this case, move the device or access point to another electrical outlet with
a faster connection.

5. S

et up the access point wireless network as explained in Set Up the Access Point

Wireless Network on p

age 12.

Getting Started

11

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Set Up the Access Point Wireless Network

You need to set up the access point so that it can join your wireless network. To do this, you
can use either NETGEAR genie or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

your router does not have WPS, or you are not sure, use Method A.

• If

• If

your router does have WPS, use Method B.

Method A: Use NETGEAR genie for Wireless Setup

 To use NETGEAR genie to manually configure the wireless settings of your XWN5001:

1. Downloa

on page 20.

2. T

emporarily connect your computer to the Ethernet port on the XWN5001.

3. Lau

• Click the NETGEAR ge

• Select S

4. Click Network M

d and install NETGEAR genie on your computer. See Install NETGEAR genie

nch NETGEAR genie in one of two ways:

nie shortcut icon on your desktop.

tart > All Programs > NETGEAR genie.

ap or select it from the list of menu items on the left.

Getting Started

12

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

5. Click the Powerline icon on the Network Map screen. The Powerline Utility screen displays.

6. On the Powerline Utility screen, right-click the XWN5001 icon.

7. From the pop

-up menu that displays, select Wireless configuration.

Getting Started

13

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

The following screen displays:

8. Enter the following wireless settings:

• Wireless Netw

• Wireless

ork Name (SSID)

Security Type

• Passphrase

If you want to clone your existing

wireless network, enter the same wireless settings that

your router or gateway uses.

If you want to create a new WiFi network, enter n

ew wireless settings. Creating a new

WiFi network lets you have a second network in another zone of your house.

9. Click Apply

10. Wh

en you are finished with the wireless settings, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the

to save your changes.

XWN5001.

Note: You can access advanced wireless settings by right-clicking the

device icon and selecting the IP address on the pop-up menu. The
login and password are admin and password.

Getting Started

14

Powerline 500 WiFi Access Point (XWN5001)

Method B: Use the WPS Button for Wireless Setup

You can use this method if you have a wireless router, or a modem router with a WPS (Wi-Fi
Protected Setup) button. The WPS button might be labeled WPS, or it could look similar to

or .

 To use the WPS button on your router or gateway to clone your existing wireless

network:

1. Pre

ss and hold the Security button on the XWN5001 (about 10 seconds) and release it.

The Wireless LED starts to blink.

2. Press the WPS but

When the Wireless LED stops blinking, t

ton on the wireless router or gateway.

he cloning is finalized and the XWN5001
recreates a WiFi access point with the same SSID and password as your router or
gateway.

You now have two WiFi networks with the same parameters (SSID and password). When

re roaming in your house, your wireless client (laptop, tablet, or smartphone)

you a
switches from one network (router or gateway) to the other (XWN5001), depending on
the signal quality.

Note: This method clones your wireless client and, at the same time,

secures the connection with a random password.

Getting Started

15