SHARP HNVA401SU Operation Manual

MODEL

HN-VA401SU

PowerLine Ethernet
Adapter Kit

OPERATION MANUAL

FCC regulatory information

WARNING

- FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment

not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Declaration of Conformity

SHARP PowerLine Ethernet Adapter, HN-VA400U and HN-VA100U

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party:
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-1163
TEL: [phone]

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Unpacking Checklist 3

Safety Information 3

Electrical Interference Information 4

Network Security 5

A Look at the PLC Adapter 6

Installation 8

Registering an Additional Adapter 11

Troubleshooting 13

Indicators on the PLC adapters 16

Canceling the Registration of an Adapter 18

Specifications 19

1

Introduction

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a SHARP PLC (PowerLine Communication)
adapter kit.

The SHARP PLC adapter kit lets you use the existing electrical wiring in
your house to create a home network. Simply plug the adapters into
electrical outlets at the desired locations, and then connect your computer
and other devices to the adapters with LAN cables (two LAN cables are
provided).

If you have Broadband Internet
service, connect your router to one of
the adapters to allow all your network

Data can be exchanged at
speeds of up to 85 Mbps
on your powerline network.

devices to access the Internet.

Internet

Connect a network-enabled
AQUOS LCD-TV to your
powerline network with ease.

PLC adapter

PLC adapter

Up to four devices can
be connected to the
HN-VA400U adapter.

Two adapters are provided in the kit. Additional adapters (HN-VA400U/
HN-VA100U) can be purchased to expand your network. A total of 16
adapters (including the adapters in this kit) can be used.

2

Unpacking Checklist

Unpacking Checklist

1-port PLC adapter
(HN-VA100U)

LAN

POWER

LAN cables (2): 59.1" (1.5 m)

4-port PLC adapter
(HN-VA400U)

POW

ER

Operation manual

LAN1 LAN2 LAN3 LAN4

(Part order number: QCNWG337DXHZZ)

Safety Information

Do not disassemble the adapter or attempt any procedures not described
in this manual. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Do not install or use the adapter near water, or when you are wet. For
example, do not install the adapter near a bath tub, kitchen sink or in a wet
basement. Do not spill any liquids on the adapter.

Unplug the adapter from the electrical outlet and consult a qualified
service representative if any of the following situations occur:

- Liquid has been spilled into the adapter or the adapter has been
exposed to rain or water.

- The adapter produces odors, smoke, or unusual noises.

- The power cord is frayed or damaged.

Do not install the adapter near heat sources such as radiators or stoves.
Do not place on top of other electrical devices.

Do not touch the adapter or the power cord during a lightning storm.

Do not use the adapter outdoors.

3

Electrical Interference Information

Do not cover the adapter with a blanket or cloth. Excessive heating may
result and cause fire.

The power outlet must be installed near the adapter and must be easily
accessible.

Do not connect a cable other than a LAN cable to the LAN port on the
adapter. Connecting a different type of cable may cause the adapter to
overheat and result in fire.

Keep at least 4 inches free around the sides and top of the adapter to
allow air circulation and cooling.

4 inches

4 inches

Electrical Interference Information

Devices that may interfere with the powerline network

Cell phone chargers, battery chargers, vacuums, power tools, hair dryers,
and other appliances may cause noise on your power line that will affect
the performance and communication speed of the adapters. It is
recommended that you use noise filters between these devices and the
electrical outlets where they are plugged in.

PLC adapter

Power strip with
built-in noise filter

Devices that may be affected by the powerline network

The powerline network may interfere with the operation of short-wave
radio, wireless devices such as cordless mice, cordless keyboards and
remote controls, and other devices connected to the same power line
such as touch lamps and dimmers.

4

Network Security

Network Security

To prevent others using nearby power lines from accessing or
eavesdropping on your network, only adapters that have been registered
are permitted to connect to the network. In addition, the adapters
communicate using 128-bit AES encryption. Encryption is automatically
enabled when an adapter is registered on your network. (Note that
although 128-bit AES encryption provides a high level of security, it does
not guarantee 100% protection against unauthorized access to your
network.)

♦The adapters in your SHARP PLC adapter kit have been registered at

the factory and 128-bit AES encryption has been enabled.

♦In the event that you transfer one of your adapters to another person or

send an adapter out for service, it is recommended that you cancel the
registration of the adapter (see page 18).

♦If you lose an adapter, it is recommended that you cancel the

registration of your remaining adapters (see page 18) and then re­register the adapters.

Compatibility with other PLC systems

The PLC adapters use the HomePlug® AV 1.1
standard to communicate.

The PLC adapters cannot communicate with adapters that use a previous
HomePlug standard. However, the PLC adapters can coexist on the same
power line with previous HomePlug adapters without mutual interference.

The PLC adapters cannot communicate or coexist with adapters that use
a standard other than HomePlug AV.

The SHARP PLC adapter kit is only for use in the U.S.A.

5

A Look at the PLC Adapter

A Look at the PLC Adapter

Front

1 4

POWER

2 3

SET button

1

This button is used to register the adapter on the network.

The two adapters in the HN-VA401SU kit have already been
registered. Registration using the SET button is only necessary

when you have purchased an additional adapter, or have canceled
the registration of an adapter. (The SET button is also used to
cancel the network registration of the adapter.)

POWER indicator

2

This lights green when the power is on (see page 16).

PLC indicator

3

This lights steadily when communication is possible, and blinks
when communication is taking place (see page 16).

Power cord

4

Plug this into an electrical outlet to connect the adapter to the
network.

6