Planet Technology PL-401E User Manual

Powerline Communication

Powerline to Ethernet Bridge with 4-port Switch

PL-401E

USER’S MANUAL

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-401E

Rev: 1.0 (Jun. 2003)

Part No. 2080-000004-001

Table of Content

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

1.1 Powerline to Ethernet Bridge with 4-port Switch – PL-401E..............1

1.1.1 Features...................................................................................1

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

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

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

Chapter 2 Planning your Powerline Network................................................4

Chapter 3 Powerline to Ethernet Bridge Installation.....................................5

Chapter 4 Encrypting Your Powerline Network.............................................6

4.1 PowerPacket Configuration Utility Installation....................................6

4.2 PowerPacket Configuration Utility Usage...........................................9

4.2.1 Device Screen........................................................................10

4.2.2 Network Screen......................................................................11

4.2.3 Security Screen......................................................................12

4.2.4 Advanced Screen...................................................................13

4.2.5 About Screen.........................................................................15

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.........................................................................16

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.

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 to Ethernet Bridge with 4-port Switch – PL-401E

PL-401 is a Powerline to Ethernet bridge with four 10base-T/100Base-TX RJ-45 Ethernet

interface for directly connecting to computer's Ethernet card or existing Ethernet switch, hub or

broadband router, gives a high flexibility to expand your powerline or Ethernet network.

Enhanced by new Intellon chipset, PL-401 provides the convenience of communication

between different electrical phases. You do not need to worry about the wire system of your

house or office anymore. Also, a power socket for connecting to wall outlet is offered in its

standard package.

1.1.1 Features

¨ Four 10/100Mbps Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDI/MDIX switching ports for flexibility

network connectivity

¨ 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

1.1.2 Package Contents

Check the contents of your package for following parts:

n One Powerline to Ethernet Bridge

n One Power Cord

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-401E front panel

LED definition

LED Color Description

PWR Green Steady on indicates PL-401E is powered on.

LNK Green

PLC

ACT Green Blinking indicates there existing powerline network traffic.

COL Orange

LNK/ACT Green

LAN

100 Orange Steady on indicates the link speed of the port is 100Mbps.

Steady on indicates PL-401E has detected other Powerline devices in range.

Blinking indicates there existing collision in powerline network. Steady on indicates the Ethernet link of the port is up. Blinking indicates there is network traffic through the port.

PL-401E rear panel

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

1.1.4 Specification

Model

Standards

Ports

Cabling Type

Speed

Powerline Frequency Band Encryption LEDs Dimension Certifications Operating Temp. Storage Temp. Operating Humidity Storage Humidity Utility compatibility

PL-401E

HomePlug 1.0 IEEE 802.3 10Base-T IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX One Powerline Port Four 10/100M Ethernet RJ-45 ports Powerline: Power Cord LAN: UTP Cat 3 or better Powerline: 14Mbps (actual throughput is about 6Mbps) LAN: 10/100Mbps

4.3MHz to 20.9MHz 56-bit DES with Key configuration software PWR, PLC: LNK, ACT, COL, LAN: LNK/ACT, 100 197 x 120 x 35 mm FCC Class B, CE 0 ~ 50 degree C

-20 ~ 70 degree C 10~90% non-condensing 5~95% non-condensing Windows 98, 2000, Me and XP

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