Planet Technology PL-102U User Manual

Powerline Communication

Powerline USB Adapter

PL-102U

USER’S MANUAL

Copyright

Copyright (C) 2003 PLANET Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
The products and programs described in this User’s Manual are licensed products of PLANET
Technology, This User’s Manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright, and this User’s
Manual and all accompanying hardware, software, and documentation are copyrighted.
No part of this User’s Manual may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form by any means by electronic or mechanical. Including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use, and without the prior express written permission of PLANET Technology.

Disclaimer

PLANET Technology does not warrant that the hardware will work properly in all environments and
applications, and makes no warranty and representation, either implied or expressed, with respect to the
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.
PLANET has made every effort to ensure that this User’s Manual is accurate; PLANET disclaims liability
for any inaccuracies or omissions that may have occurred.
Information in this User’s Manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of PLANET. PLANET assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be
contained in this User’s Manual. PLANET makes no commitment to update or keep current the
information in this User’s Manual, and reserves the right to make improvements to this User’s Manual
and/or to the products described in this User’s Manual, at any time without notice.
If you find information in this manual that is incorrect, misleading, or incomplete, we would appreciate
your comments and suggestions.

CE mark Warning

The is a class B device, In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Trademarks

The PLANET logo is a trademark of PLANET Technology. This documentation may refer to numerous
hardware and software products by their trade names. In most, if not all cases, these designations are
claimed as trademarks or registered trademarks by their respective companies.

Revision

User’s Manual for Powerline Communication product
Model: PL-102U
Rev: 1.0 (Apr. 2003)
Part No. 2080-000004-000

Table of Content

Chapter 1 Introduction..................................................................................1

1.1 Powerline USB Adapter – PL-102U....................................................1

1.1.1 Features...................................................................................2

1.1.2 Package Contents....................................................................2

1.1.3 Hardware Description...............................................................2

1.1.4 Specification.............................................................................3

1.1.5 System Requirements..............................................................4

Chapter 2 Planning your Powerline Network................................................5

Chapter 3 Powerline USB Adapter Installation..............................................6

3.1 Connecting USB to Powerline Network Adapter.................................6

3.2 Powerline USB Adapter Installation....................................................6

Chapter 4 Encrypting Your Powerline Network.............................................9

4.1 PowerPacket Configuration Utility Installation....................................9

4.2 PowerPacket Configuration Utility Usage.........................................12

4.2.1 Device Screen........................................................................13

4.2.2 Network Screen.....................................................................14

4.2.3 Security Screen......................................................................15

4.2.4 Advanced Screen...................................................................16

4.2.5 About Screen.........................................................................18

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.........................................................................19

Chapter 1 Introduction

Powerline communication is revolution in home and small office networking, greatly simplifying
the task of installing a high-speed local area network. With PLANET’s powerline
communication products, you can utilize existing AC power outlets and wires to connect your
computers, servers and other devices safely, securely and at true LAN speeds of up to 14
Mega bits per second. No complex and expensive specialized wiring usually associated with
LAN’s is required, or management, security and interference problems associated with

802.11x wireless technologies – just convenient, reliable, secure and simple networking where
you need it most. PLANET’s Powerline products allow you to place a computer anywhere in
your home or small office with flawless, uninterrupted high-speed network connection, simply
by plugging your computer’s USB interface into PL-102U equipped power outlet – and you’re
almost guaranteed to have one of these wherever you need it.
PL-102U is an Powerline USB adapter with an USB type B connector for directly connecting to
computer’s USB port. It provides a power socket for connecting to wall outlet.
Security of PLANET’s Powerline communication technology is assured by the use of 56-bit
DES encryption – the same system used to protect banking systems all over the world, and is
interference free, avoiding the problems of wireless systems.

1.1 Powerline USB Adapter – PL-102U

The newest and fastest way to network your PCs is through powerline networking, which
allows you to turn the powerlines in your home into your network cable. The easiest way to
integrate any PC or laptop into such a powerline network is with PLANET Powerline USB
Adapter. Use your existing USB port with your existing powerlines. The Plug-and-Play USB
Adapter connects directly to virtually any USB-ready PC ─ just plug it in and you are ready to
share data, printers, or high-speed Internet access over your existing powerline network. For
desktop installation, you do not have to open your PC case. With user-friendly software, it is
simple to set up.
Not only is PL-102U easy to install and use, but it also powerful. You can send and receive
data at speeds of up to 12Mbps. Plug it into the USB port; set it up, and you are ready to go.
So for full desktop and notebook PC flexibility and powerline convenience, the PL-102U
provides the perfect solution.

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1.1.1 Features

♦ Internal power supply with one power line networking interface
♦ Complies with HomePlug Powerline Alliance Specification 1.0
♦ Up to 14Mbps bandwidth on powerline interface
♦ Support CSMA/CA protocol on powerline interface
♦ 56-bit data encryption to ensure data security and reliability
♦ Easy to use Windows-based security key configuration utility
♦ Significant LED indicators
♦ Up to 90 meters between two powerline nodes
♦ Able to communicate between different electrical phases
♦ Compact size
♦ Compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP

1.1.2 Package Contents

Check the contents of your package for following parts:

n One Powerline USB adapter
n One Power Cord
n One USB cable
n One Manual and Utility CD-ROM
n One Quick Installation Guide

If any of these pieces are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer immediately, if
possible, retain the carton including the original packing material, and use them against to
repack the product in case there is a need to return it to us for repair.

1.1.3 Hardware Description PL-102U top panel

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LEDs status

LED Color Description
PWR Green Steady on indicates PL-102U is connected to a computer.

LNK Green
COL Orange Blinking indicates there existing collision in powerline network.

ACT Green Blinking indicates there existing powerline network traffic.

Steady on indicates PL-102U has detected other Powerline devices in
range.

PL-102U front panel

USB port

The USB port is where you will connect your USB cable. To work with USB ports, your
computer must be running Windows98, ME, 2000 and XP.

PL-102U rear panel

One 2-pin power inlet for both powerline network and power supply

1.1.4 Specification

Model PL-102U
Standards HomePlug 1.0

USB 1.1

Ports One Powerline Port

One USB Type B Connector

Cabling Type Powerline: Power Cord

USB: USB cable

Speed Powerline: 14Mbps (actual throughput is about 6Mbps)

USB : 12 Mbps
Powerline Frequency Band 4.3MHz to 20.9MHz
Encryption 56-bit DES with Key configuration software
LEDs PWR, LNK, ACT, COL
Dimension 93 x 70 x 25 mm
Certifications FCC Class B, CE
Operating Temp. 0 ~ 50 degree C
Storage Temp. -20 ~ 70 degree C
Operating Humidity 10~90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity 5~95% non-condensing
OS support Windows 98, 2000, Me and XP

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1.1.5 System Requirements

§ Pentium-class 90 MHz or higher

§ Minimum 32 MB RAM

§ USB-ready PC

§ Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP

§ CD-ROM Drive (for installing Encryption Utility)

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