4 Mbps HomePlug Ethernet Adapter Model #: HPE100I User Manual Ver 1.
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 Package Contents Features System Requirements Getting to Know the Ethernet Adapter Technical Support 2 Connecting the HomePlug Adapters Connecting the Adapters Installing the Configuration Utility 3 Using the Configuration Utility Device Network Security About 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 9 10 11 4 Troubleshooting 13 Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions 13 14 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 17 Windows 98 SE Windows Me Windows 2000 Windows XP 17 20 23 27 6 Setti
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1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter. The HomePlug Ethernet Adapter is one of the easiest ways to enjoy home or small business networking. It operates on the HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 standard, providing data transfer speeds up to 14 Mbps over home AC wiring.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual Features s HomePlug 1.
Chapter 1 Introduction Getting to Know the Ethernet Adapter This section contains a quick description of the Adapter’s external 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual Bottom Panel The Adapter’s bottom panel contains one Ethernet port: Ethernet Port The Ethernet port is used to connect the Adapter to a computer or gateway/ router via Ethernet cable. Technical Support Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable, high-quality, high-performance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available all day every day to provide professional support. Actiontec Electronics, Inc.
Connecting the HomePlug Adapters 2 To connect the Adapters, they must be connected to a computer, plugged into a standard wall outlet, and the Configuration Utility loaded on the computer. Connecting the Adapters To use the Adapters properly, one Adapter must be connected to a computer, and the other Adapter must be connected to a router/gateway connected to a computer. Connecting an Adapter to a Computer 1. Get one Adapter and one Ethernet cable from the package. 2.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 5. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on a router/ gateway connected to a computer. Next, follow the instructions in the next section, “Installing the Configuration Utility.” Installing the Configuration Utility After connecting the Adapters, install the Configuration Utility: 1. Insert the Connection 1-2-3 CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer connected to an Adapter. 2. When this window appears, click Finish. 3.
Using the Configuration Utility 3 Once the Adapters have been properly connected and installed, the user can further configure the Adapters using the Actiontec HomePlug Configuration Utility. 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 information about the Utility’s capabilities.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 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.
Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility Excellent When the Link Quality is “Excellent,” the bar graph is shaded green. This kind of network connection results in high communication speeds (at or near 14 Mbps) between the devices on the network. Network Selecting Network from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window generates 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual Security Selecting Security from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window generates the “Security” tab. Network Password Security (56-bit encryption) is set by default when a HomePlug network is created. The default password (HomePlug) should be changed when setting up the network, and all Adapters connecting to the HomePlug network must have the same password. Change the password by entering the new password in the “Network Password” text box.
Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility Setting up Security To set up security on a HomePlug network: 1. Enter the Device ID of one of HomePlug Adapters on the network in the Device ID text box. 2. Click Add. 3. The Adapter’s device ID appears in the 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.
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Troubleshooting 4 This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter, and techniques to solve them. Note that these techniques may not be successful in all cases. Also included is a list of frequently asked questions. Troubleshooting The Power light doesn’t light up after I plug the Adapter into a wall outlet. Make sure the wall outlet is working by plugging other electric devices into it.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual The Power and Link lights are on, but I can’t access the router/gateway from the computer s Try plugging the Adapters in different power outlets, preferably closer together. s Make sure all Adapters on the network are using the same security parameters. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the transfer speed over the Adapter’s network? The Adapter’s network transfer speed is 14 Mbps (maximum) over a standard home power line network.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Can my neighbor receive the Adapter’s network signal? It is possible for a neighbor to receive the network signal. To prevent this, change the default 56-bit DES security encryption password on the Adapter (see chapter 3). How do I find out what the current speed and signal strength of the Adapter’s network is? Run the Adapter’s Configuration Utility to show current speed and signal strength. How many Adapters do I need to set up a network? Two.
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5 Setting Up Static IP Address To communicate with a Home Plug Ethernet Adapter from a computer on the network, the user may have to switch the IP address settings from DHCP-enabled to static IP, so that the computer and the Adapter are on the same subnet. To set up static IP on a computer, select the operating system and follow the instructions. The following procedures are based on the Adapter’s ☞ Note: factory default address.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP. 6. The “TCP/IP 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods between the numbers. 10. Click 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.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP. 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.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Do not include the periods; they are automatically entered. 10. Click OK. The TCP/IP Properties window disappears. 11. If there is a check 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network and Dialup Connections.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. In the “Network and Dial-up Connections” window, double-click Local Area Connection. A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection. If there is more than one Local Area Connection listed, locate the one that corresponds 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 7. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Click General. 8. In the “Components checked are used by this connection” list box, doubleclick Internet Protocol (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 automatically” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 11.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 12. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods between the numbers. 13. Click OK. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window disappears. 14 In the “Local 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 disappears. 16.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 3. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network Connections. 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.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 8. In the General tab, make sure the circle next to “Use the following IP Address” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 9. Enter the following address in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.2 Enter the periods in the address by pressing the space bar on the keyboard. 10. Enter the following address in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.
Setting Up File and Printer Sharing # 6 This chapter describes how to share files, hard drives, and printers over the HomePlug network. File Sharing To share files, directories, or hard drives on the HomePlug network, select the operating system running on 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet 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.
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Windows 2000 After installing and configuring the Adapter, Windows 2000 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 on your desktop, then select Properties. 2. When the “System Properties” window appears, select Network Identification. 3.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 4. The “Identification Changes” 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.
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 4. Select Service, then 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.
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 7. Click OK. The Network window reappears. 8. In the Network window, select Identification. The “Identification” tab appears. 9. In the “Computer Name” text box, type a name different than the other computers on the network. 10. In the “Workgroup” text 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 15. After your computer restarts, Windows prompts for a user name and password. Enter a user name and password, then write them on a sheet of paper, as they will be needed to access the network in the future. 16. Find a file or hard drive to share, right-click its icon, and select Sharing. The “Properties” window appears. 17. In the Properties window, select Sharing. The “Sharing” tab appears. 18.
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Depends on Password - Allows you to set both Read Only and Full access on the shared file or drive. The level of access will depend on the passwords entered in the appropriate field. 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual 4. A “Properties” window appears, with the “Sharing” tab displayed. 5. Select Shared As or Share 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.
a Specifications General Model Number HPE100I (14 Mbps HomePlug Ethernet Adapter) Standards HomePlug 1.0 IEEE 802.3 10BaseT Security 56-bit DES data encryption Frequency Band 4.3 MHz - 20.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual LED Indicators Power, Link Environmental Power 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.
b Glossary Access Point A device that allows wireless clients to connect to one another. An access point can also act as a bridge between wireless clients and a “wired” network, such as an Ethernet network. Wireless clients can be moved anywhere within the coverage area of the access point and remain connected to the network.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual Ethernet Network A standard wired networking configuration using cables and hubs. Firewall A method preventing users outside the network from accessing and/or damaging files or computers on the network. Gateway A central device that manages the data traffic of your network, as well as data traffic to and from the Internet. IP (Internet Protocol) Address A series of four numbers separated by periods identifying a unique Internet computer host.
Appendix b Glossary PPPoE (Point-To-Point Protocol over Ethernet)/ PPPoA (Point-To-Point Protocol over ATM) Methods of secure data transmission. Router A central device that manages the data traffic of your network. Subnet Mask A set of four numbers configured like an IP address used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network. SSID See “ESSID.” TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The standard protocol for data transmission over the Internet.
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Notices Regulatory Compliance Notices Class B Equipment 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.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference 2.
Limited Warranty Hardware: Actiontec Electronics, Inc., warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User Manual THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY A SEPARATE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT. THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRDPARTY SOFTWARE. FOR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH SOFTWARE.
Limited Warranty NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Actiontec HomePlug Ethernet Adapter User 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.
