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Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual

9

Chapter 3

  Using the Configuration Utility

State

The “State” text box in the Device tab displays the 

MAC 

(Media Access Control) 

address of the Adapter connected to the computer.

Device List

The Device List (the list box at the center of the Device tab) displays all HomePlug 
Adapters connected to the computer. To connect to another Adapter from the list, 
select it, then click 

Connect

. To refresh the list, click 

Refresh

.

☞ 

Note:

 If no Adapter appears in the Device List, make sure the 

Adapter is connected properly (with the appropriate Ethernet 
cable) to the computer. Then, unplug the Adapter, and plug 
it back in again. If, after performing these actions, no Adapter 
appears in the Device List, the Adapter may be defective. 
Contact technical support.

Link Quality

The “Link Quality” bar graph in the Device tab provides a graphical representation 
of the quality of the network link between the Adapters.

Poor

When the Link Quality is “Poor,” the bar graph is short and shaded red. This 
kind of network connection results in very slow or no communication between 
the devices on the network. 

☞ 

Note:

 If the Link Quality is Poor, or the 

MAC 

address of the 

Adapter connected to the computer reads all zeroes, the Adapter 
may be defective. Contact technical support.

Fair

When the Link Quality is “Fair,” the bar graph is shaded yellow. This kind of net-
work connection results in average communication speeds between the devices 
on the network. 

Summary of Contents for 14 Mbps HomePlug Ethernet Adapter

Page 1: ...14 Mbps HomePlug Ethernet Adapter Model HPE100I User Manual Ver 1 0 Solutions for the Digital Life ...

Page 2: ...ility 7 Device 7 Network 9 Security 10 About 11 4 Troubleshooting 13 Troubleshooting 13 Frequently Asked Questions 14 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 17 Windows 98 SE 17 Windows Me 20 Windows 2000 23 Windows XP 27 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 31 File Sharing 31 Printer Sharing 39 a Specifications 41 General 41 LED Indicators 42 Environmental 42 b Glossary 43 Notices 47 Regulatory Complianc...

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Page 4: ... multi ple outlets in every room the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter allows multiple desktop and laptop computers to be networked easily enabling them to share an Internet connection printers files and games without any additional wiring If you want to take your computer networking to the next level the Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter is sure to be one of the keys to your success Package Contents Ma...

Page 5: ... encryption s Two pronged US power plug fits ungrounded power outlets s Power and Link indicators System Requirements s At least 2 available power outlets s Standard home power wiring s Computer with the following CD ROM drive IBM compatible running at 200 MHz or better 64 MB of RAM Ethernet network adapter TCP IP installed ...

Page 6: ...l features Front Panel The Adapter s front panel features 2 lights LEDs Power Light The Power light glows green when the Adapter is powered on and remains off or dark when no power is present Link Light The Link light glows green when an Ethernet connection is detected and blinks when data is being transferred across the Adapter ...

Page 7: ...rt Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable high quality high perfor mance products If you need assistance the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available all day every day to provide professional support Actiontec Electronics Inc 760 N Mary Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94085 Technical Support Phone USA 1 888 436 0657 UK 0845 65 80411 E mail http support actiontec com email_support sup...

Page 8: ... Plug the Adapter into a wall outlet Note Do not plug the Adapter into a UPS or power strip with surge protection The Adapter s network signal may not pass through these devices 4 Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on the back of a computer Connecting an Adapter to a Router Gateway 1 Get one Adapter and one Ethernet cable from the package 2 Insert one end of the Ether...

Page 9: ...r connecting the Adapters install the Configuration Utility 1 Insert the Connection 1 2 3 CD in the CD ROM drive of the computer con nected to an Adapter 2 When this window appears click Finish 3 Repeat for other computers connected to an Adapter The HomePlug Adapters are now connected and ready to use and the Configuration Utility is loaded on the computers Go to chapter 3 Using the Configuration...

Page 10: ...lity The Utility also provides information about the network To access the Utility double click on the Actiontec HomePlug Utility icon on the computer s desktop The Utility appears on the desktop See the following sections for more informa tion about the Utility s capabilities Device Selecting Device from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility s window gener ates the Device tab 3 ...

Page 11: ... again If after performing these actions no Adapter appears in the Device List the Adapter may be defective Contact technical support Link Quality The Link Quality bar graph in the Device tab provides a graphical representation of the quality of the network link between the Adapters Poor When the Link Quality is Poor the bar graph is short and shaded red This kind of network connection results in ...

Page 12: ...indow gener ates the Network tab Network List The Network List the list box at the center of the Network tab lists all other Adapters connected to this HomePlug network Only Adapters with the same password as the Adapter connected to this computer are shown on this list The available Adapters are listed by their MAC addresses and include their data rate in megabytes per second Scan HomePlug Networ...

Page 13: ...lug network must have the same password Change the password by entering the new password in the Network Password text box Device ID Enter the Adapter s Device ID in the Device ID text box The Adapter s Device ID is printed on the back of the of the Adapter HomePlug Devices The HomePlug Devices list box contains the Device IDs of all HomePlug devices added to the network To add a HomePlug device to...

Page 14: ...HomePlug Devices list box Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all Adapters on the network 4 When the device IDs for all Adapters of the network appear in the HomePlug Devices list box enter a new network password in the Network Password text box 5 Click Set Password for ALL HomePlug Devices About Selecting About from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility s window gener ates the About tab The About tab ...

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Page 16: ...the Adapter is still experiencing this problem contact technical support The Link light doesn t light up on the Adapter If the Adapter s Ethernet light is not illuminating a LAN connection is not being detected s Check the Ethernet adapter on the computer and make sure it is enabled and working properly Also make sure the right type of Ethernet cable is being used I can t connect to the Internet o...

Page 17: ...ter s network Approximately 300 meters 985 ft in wall power lines one household Will the Adapter work in any home The Adapter will work in any home with built in copper wiring It may not operate in some older homes pre 1950 with alternate wiring Will the Adapter s network signal pass through circuit breakers Yes the Adapter s network signal will pass through circuit breakers It will not however pa...

Page 18: ...he Adapter s Configuration Utility to show current speed and signal strength How many Adapters do I need to set up a network Two To set up the Adapter s network correctly do I have to install the Configuration Utility on each computer on the network No the Configuration Utility is a diagnostic and security tool Since the Adapter is fully plug and play compatible it needs no software drivers to ope...

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Page 20: ...re on the same subnet To set up static IP on a computer select the operating system and follow the instructions Note The following procedures are based on the Adapter s factory default IP address If the Adapter s IP address has been changed enter the new IP address when instructed to enter an IP address Windows 98 SE 1 From the desktop click on the Start button in the lower left corner 2 From the ...

Page 21: ...18 Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 3 Another menu appears Select Control Panel 4 When the Control Panel window appears double click Network ...

Page 22: ... Properties window appears Select IP Address 7 In the IP Address tab make sure the circle next to Specify an IP Address is selected When active a black dot appears in the circle If the circle already contains a black dot leave it alone 8 Enter the following numbers in the IP Address text box 192 168 0 2 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods between the numbers ...

Page 23: ...lick OK The TCP IP Properties window disappears 11 In the Network window click OK The Network window disappears 12 The System Settings Change window appears asking whether the computer should be restarted Click Yes The computer restarts It is now set up with a static IP address Windows Me 1 From the desktop click on the Start button in the lower left corner 2 From the menu that appears select Sett...

Page 24: ...21 Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 3 Another menu appears Select Control Panel 4 When the Control Panel window appears double click Network ...

Page 25: ... 6 The TCP IP Properties window appears Click IP Address 7 In the IP Address tab make sure the circle next to Specify an IP Address is selected When active a black dot appears in the circle If the circle already contains a black dot leave it alone 8 Enter the following numbers in the IP Address text box 192 168 0 2 Do not include the periods they are automatically entered ...

Page 26: ...ck in the box next to Detect connection to network media click on it to uncheck the box 12 In the Network window click OK The Network window disappears 13 The System Settings Change window appears asking whether the computer should be restarted Click Yes The computer restarts It is now set up with a static IP address Windows 2000 1 From the desktop click on the Start button in the lower left corne...

Page 27: ...24 Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 3 Another menu appears Select Control Panel 4 When the Control Panel window appears double click Network and Dial up Connections ...

Page 28: ...may be displayed after the Local Area Connection If there is more than one Local Area Connection listed locate the one that cor responds to the network card installed in the computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column 6 The Local Area Connection Status window appears Select General then click Properties ...

Page 29: ...ol TCP IP 9 The Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties window appears 10 In the General tab make sure the circle next to Obtain an IP Address auto matically is selected When active a black dot appears in the circle If the circle already contains a black dot leave it alone 11 Enter the following numbers in the IP Address text box 192 168 0 2 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods betwe...

Page 30: ...l Area Connection Properties window click OK The Local Area Connection Properties window disappears 15 Click Close in the Local Area Connection Status window The window disap pears 16 Close the Network and Dial up Connections window by clicking on the x button at the upper right corner of the window The computer is now set up with a static IP address Windows XP 1 From the desktop click Start butto...

Page 31: ...s 4 In the Network Connections window double click Local Area Connection A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection If more than one Local Area Connection is listed locate the one that corresponds to the network card installed in your computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column ...

Page 32: ...IP Address 5 The Local Area Connection Properties window appears Select General 6 In the This connection uses the following items list box double click Internet Protocol TCP IP 7 The Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties window appears ...

Page 33: ...rd 10 Enter the following address in the Subnet mask text box 255 255 255 0 Enter the periods in the address by pressing the space bar on the keyboard 11 Click OK The Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties window disappears 12 In the Local Area Connection Properties window click Close The Local Area Connection Properties window disappears 13 Click Close in the Local Area Connection Status window The ...

Page 34: ... the computer then follow the instructions Windows XP After installing and configuring the Adapter Windows XP automatically enables file sharing The only item that needs to be altered is workgroup settings All the computers on the network must have the same workgroup name but different computer names To check or change this 1 Right click the My Computer icon and click Properties The System Propert...

Page 35: ...net Adapter User Manual 3 Click Change 4 When the Computer Name Changes window appears enter a new computer name in the Computer name text box 5 Enter a workgroup name in the Workgroup text book 6 Click OK 7 Restart the computer ...

Page 36: ...ettings All the computers on the network must have the same workgroup name but different computer names To check or change this 1 Right click the My Computer icon on your desktop then select Properties 2 When the System Properties window appears select Network Identification 3 If the Workgroup name is already the same as all the other computers on the network click OK If it is not the same click P...

Page 37: ...hanges window appears In the Computer Name text box type a name different than the other computers on the network 5 In the Workgroup text box enter the network workgroup name This is the same on each computer on the network 6 Click OK 7 Click OK again 8 Restart the computer ...

Page 38: ...ng Windows 98 98SE and Me 1 Click Start select Settings then Control Panel 2 In the Control Panel window double click the Network icon The Network window appears 3 In the Configuration tab click Add The Select Network Component Type window appears ...

Page 39: ...hen click Add The Select Network Service window appears 5 Highlight File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks then click OK 6 The File and Print Sharing window appears Make sure both options have a check mark in their check boxes If not click in the box to activate ...

Page 40: ... box enter the network workgroup name This is the same on each computer on the network 11 Enter any description in the Computer Description text box Traditionally the location name or main user s name is entered 12 Select Configuration to display the Configuration window again 13 In the Primary Network Logon text box make sure Client for Microsoft Networks is entered If not click the down arrow an...

Page 41: ...rties window select Sharing The Sharing tab appears 18 Click in the circle next to Shared As to share the file or hard drive 19 Select an Access Type Read Only Allows other users on the network to view and read the file or hard drive selected They will not be able to modify it in any way You can further restrict their privileges by entering a password in the appropriate text box Full Allows other ...

Page 42: ...20 When finished click Apply then OK Printer Sharing To share a printer connected to the computer follow these instructions Note These instructions are basically identical for Windows XP 2000 Me and 98 SE with some minor differences 1 Click Start Settings Control Panel 2 In the Control Panel window double click on the Printers icon 3 In the Printers window right click on the icon of the printer to...

Page 43: ...are this Printer This automatically inserts a default name for the printer share name You can set a password for the printer at this time if you want to restrict who on the network can use the printer You can also set the default printer settings by modifying information on the other tabs of this window 6 Click OK and close all windows ...

Page 44: ...ter Standards HomePlug 1 0 IEEE 802 3 10BaseT Security 56 bit DES data encryption Frequency Band 4 3 MHz 20 9 MHz Modulation OFDM symbol modulation Carrier Modulation DQPSK DBPSK ROBO Access Methods CSMA CA Other Protocols Automatic Channel Adaptation Forward Error Correction a ...

Page 45: ... External 110 240v 0 2a 50 60 Hz Certifications FCC part 15 CE Operating Temperature 0º C to 40º C 32ºF to 104ºF Storage Temperature 20ºC to 70ºC 4ºF to 158ºF Operating Humidity 10 to 85 non condensing Storage Humidity 5 to 90 non condensing Note Specifications are subject to change without notice ...

Page 46: ...ile computer connected to a network DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol A protocol designed to automatically assign an IP address to every computer on your network DNS Domain Name System Server Address Allows Internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP addresses A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain names and IP addresses so that when...

Page 47: ...ess is only required when using a cable or DSL modem ISP Internet Service Provider A business that allows individuals or businesses to connect to the Internet LAN Local Area Network A group of computers and devices connected together in a relatively small area such as a house or an office A home network is considered a LAN MAC Media Access Control Address The hardware address of a device connected...

Page 48: ...Protocol Internet Protocol The standard protocol for data transmission over the Internet WAN Wide Area Network A network that connects computers located in separate areas i e different buildings cities countries The Internet is a WAN WECA Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance An industry group that certifies cross vender interoperability and compatibility of IEEE 802 11b wireless networking pro...

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Page 50: ... 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 implementing one or more of the following measures s Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna s Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver s Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from th...

Page 51: ...de a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter For questions regarding your product or the FCC declaration contact Actiontec Electronics Inc 760 North Mary Ave Sunnyvale CA 94086 United States Tel 408 752 7700 Fax 408 541 9005 Miscellaneous Legal Notices 2005 Actiontec Electronics Inc Actionte...

Page 52: ...tronics warrants the media con taining software against failure during the warranty period The only updates that will be provided are at the sole discretion of Actiontec Electronics and will only be available for download at the Actiontec Web site www actiontec com Actiontec Electronics sole obligation under this express warranty shall be at Actiontec Electronics option and expense to refund the p...

Page 53: ...epaired or replaced item will be shipped to Customer at Actiontec Electronics expense not later than thirty 30 days after Actiontec Electronics receives the defective product Return the product to In the United States Actiontec Electronics Inc 760 North Mary Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94085 Actiontec Electronics shall not be responsible for any software firmware informa tion memory data or Customer data ...

Page 54: ...VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND LIMITS ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID AT ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS OPTION THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE Disclaimer Some countries states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the...

Page 55: ...Manual Governing Law This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California U S A excluding its conflicts of laws and principles and excluding the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods ...

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