Powerline Ethernet Adapter User Manual EU type
Introduction This user manual provides practical information for the installation, operation and application of the device. It is suitable for those with little or no networking experience, although some advanced topics are also covered. A glossary of acronyms is included in Appendix A for reference. Save Our Environment This symbol means that when the equipment has reached the end of its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed separate from domestic waste.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Introduction 2 Chapter 2 - Basics 3 2.1 Device Layout 3 2.2 Front Panel 4 2.3 Default Settings 5 Chapter 3 - Quick Setup 6 3.1 Internet Connection 6 3.2 Computer Connection 8 Chapter 4 - Network Performance 12 4.1 Point-to-Point Network 13 4.2 Point to Multipoint Network 14 4.3 Neighboring Networks 15 Chapter 5 - Web User Interface 5.1 IP Configuration 17 17 5.1.1 Fixed IP 17 5.1.2 Isolation 21 5.2 Login Screen 21 5.
Chapter 1 - Introduction This user guide provides details concerning the installation, configuration and application of COMTREND Corporation’s PowerGrid 902 Powerline adapter. The PowerGrid 902 is the first of its kind to incorporate an AC filter with rear socket. It allows for the connection of the adapter to the electrical grid of a home without depriving the user of a single power outlet. The PowerGrid 902 is the physical link between Powerline and Ethernet (10/100M) networks.
Chapter 2 - Basics 2.1 Device Layout The following figure shows the physical layout of the PowerGrid 902 adapter.
2.2 Front Panel This table provides descriptions of the front panel buttons and LEDs. Button Function CONFIG/RESET (Security Setup / Factory Reset) Press for “One Button Security Setup”. Holding down the button for a long period will result in a “Factory Reset”. ON/SBY (Power ON / Standby button) Used to switch the adapter between ON and STANDBY (Power Saving) modes. Turning off the adapter will also set the “Status” & “Ethernet” LEDs to “off” LED Function • Red: Adapter is ON.
2.3 Default Settings The factory default settings are presented below. • • • • Network Mode is AP (Public) IP Configuration is Fixed IP MAC Type is In-Home AV Node type is End Point • Configuration password = paterna • Factory Reset password = betera • Fixed IP address = 10.10.1.69 • Fixed IP subnet mask = 255.255.0.0 • Default Gateway IP address = 192.168.1.105 NOTE: These configuration settings can be customized using a web browser. For further instructions, see Chapter 5 - Web User Interface.
Chapter 3 - Quick Setup PowerGrid 902 units are configured by default with flexible network settings. As a result, when they are plugged into the power mains of a home they will connect to an already existing PowerGrid network. If there is no existing network they will create a new network that will operate smoothly but without enhanced security features. This is why it is recommended to reconfigure your PowerGrid 902 units to form a secure network (with a unique network identifier and encryption key).
AP UNIT CONFIGURATION A PowerGrid network consists of one AP (Access Point) unit connected to multiple EP (End Point) units. The AP unit controls access to the Internet and connects the EP units to the network. Follow step 4 (below) to configure the AP unit. 4.As shown in figure 3, press the CONFIG/RESET button on the PowerGrid 902 unit. Wait for the AP/STBY LED to start blinking and then release it. Wait another thirty (30) seconds until it stops blinking and check the AP/STBY LED.
If the AP/STBY LED is now ON, then setup was successful and you can now proceed to section 3.2, where you will configure the EP unit. If AP/STBY LED is now OFF, or just keeps blinking, you must first press the CONFIG/RESET button for 15 seconds to reset the unit and repeat step 4. After several attempts, if the AP/STBY LED does not stay ON, then disconnect the PowerGrid 902 unit from the modem and the power socket, choose another unit and repeat the process from step 2.
EP UNIT CONFIGURATION As previously discussed, a PowerGrid network can have only one AP unit. This unit was configured in section 3.1. All other units must be set as EP units. To do so, follow these steps: 4.As shown in figure 5, press the CONFIG/RESET button on the AP unit until the AP/STBY LED starts blinking and then release it. You now have thirty (30) seconds to complete the EP set up. 5.
If the AP/STBY LED of the EP unit is now OFF, then proceed to step 6. If the AP/STBY LED of the EP unit is now ON, or just keeps blinking, you must press CONFIG/RESET for 15 seconds and then return to step 4. After several tries, if the AP/STBY LED of the EP unit does not remain OFF, then disconnect it from its power socket and from the computer, or other device. Select another EP unit, if possible, and repeat the process from step 2.
the AP unit does not stay ON, then disconnect it from the modem and its power socket, choose another unit to be the AP unit and repeat the entire process starting from section 3.1, step 2. If all else fails, contact your supplier for further assistance. 7.If the AP/STBY LED on the AP unit is now ON, then you have completed the setup successfully.
Chapter 4 - Network Performance The Status LED shows the estimated available level of throughput in the application layer. There are three levels of throughput indicated by three different LED colors. A particular adapter shows, with one color, the throughput level with reference to the adapter sending the most data to it. In the case of a network consisting of two adapters, they always show the level of throughput with reference to the other.
4.1 Point-to-Point Network • CASE 1: Estimated throughput is less than 6 Mbps. The PLC channel is not able to transmit an SDTV channel.
Set Top Box video server data flow AP/STBY ETHERNET AP/STBY ETHERNET E STATUS S ST STATUS CONFIG RES ET CONFIG RESE T ON STBY ON STBY Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Filt er PLC adapter Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Filt er PLC adapter Status indicator blinking GREEN Estimated throughput < Mbps 4.2 Point to Multipoint Network In the case where the PLC network is composed of three or more adapters, similar situations could arise as with a point-to-point network.
time as illustrated in the figure above. However, traffic flow could change through user intervention and then the status LED in PLC adapter 3 could show the level with reference to the PLC adapter 1 link, as shown in the following figure.
ISOLATED NETWORK Set Top Box video server data flow AP/STBY ETHERNET STATUS AP/STBY ETHERNET E STATUS S ST CONFIG RESE T CONFIG RESE T ON STBY ON STBY Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Filt er PLC adapter Powerline Ethernet Adapter with Filt er PLC adapter Status indicator blinking GREEN Estimated throughput = 0 Mbps In the next figure, the previous network (network 1) sees a new neighboring network (network 2), and a new evaluation of throughput is made to show the user that channel conditio
Chapter 5 - Web User Interface The web-based user interface (WUI) provides information about your PowerGrid 902 units and can also be used to configure or reset their settings. The WUI is accessed using a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer. The instructions that follow assume the PowerGrid network has been configured correctly (i.e. according to the instructions in Chapter 3 or the QIG) and that the host computer is running Windows XP.
that you can access the WUI. STEP 1: Turn on your computer (and login, if necessary). STEP 2:F����������������������������������������������� rom the desktop (as shown below), click on the Start button and select Network Connections. Next, double-click Local Area Connections to open its window and then click the Properties button. NOTE: You may also access this window by doubleclicking the Local Area Connection icon on your taskbar. STEP 3:Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button.
STEP 4:Check the settings in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box (shown on the far right in the figure above). Make sure to record all the settings you see here, as you will need to reset them later. STEP 5:If the “Obtain an IP address automatically” radio button is selected, then your PC is configured in DHCP mode. In this case you should select the “Use the following IP address” radio button instead. If it is not selected then your PC is already in FIXED IP mode.
Click OK STEP 7:Close the previous two windows. Since you made changes, click OK, but not Cancel! You then must wait for the LAN connection to reset. After the connection recovers, you should check the connection status on the support tab of the Local Area Connection Status dialog box, as shown below. This shows the IP address as assigned in STEP 6. Press this button to repair the connection Look here for a status report of the connection.
5.1.2 Isolation Now that the IP configuration of the computer is complete, we will proceed by isolating the PowerGrid 902 unit you wish to access. This is required since every unit on the network is configured by default with the same Fixed IP address. STEP 1:Move the PowerGrid unit you wish to access to a power jack close to your computer. Connect the ETHERNET cable from your computer or network hub to this PowerGrid unit.
STEP 2:The login screen should appear, as shown below. Enter the login password in top section and click OK to continue. To perform a factory reset on the device you must enter the factory reset password in the bottom section and click OK. The WUI login password and other default settings can be found in section 2.3 Default Settings. NOTE: You can change this password in the WUI (see section 5.5). 5.3 WUI homepage If login is successful, you will arrive at the WUI homepage.
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See the table below for details. PLC Connections PLC PORT The PLC data connection port MAC Address Phy Tx/Rx Throughput Bridge State Network Id This is a code that identifies each PowerGrid unit. It can be found on the back label of the unit below the barcode. Physical Transmission / Reception Throughput is a measure of network bandwidth. Available data transmission capacity is roughly half this value. Enabled indicates there is a data connection. Disabled indicates no data connection.
Node Type This will show as Fixed AP, EP or AP. Number of Boots The number of times this PowerGrid unit has been rebooted since the last Factory Reset. NOTE: The remaining fields are advanced settings used for technical support. 5.4 Further Information This screen provides more detailed information concerning your network. It is divided into System Information followed by multiple Status sections: Mac, Network, PHY, Multicast, VLAN, QoS and Security.
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The tables below provide details about each section. Uptime Firmware Version System Information This shows the length of time the PowerGrid unit has been on.
MAC Status This section provides information for identification of the unit by MAC Address, in addition to PowerGrid network encryption details. This is a code that identifies each PowerGrid MAC Address unit. It can be found on the back label of the unit below the barcode. The MAC Address shown above is an InMAC Type Home AV type. Node Type This will show as Fixed AP, EP or AP. This field is used in Fixed AP mode to identify the network.
Wireless (27Mhz) keyboard/mouse notch Power Control Disabled by default. When Enabled, it prevents wireless keyboard/mouse signal interference. This function minimizes the transmission power of each PowerGrid unit while maintaining data throughput performance. Enabled by default. Multicast Status IGMP (Internet Group Membership Protocol) is a protocol used by IP hosts to report their multicast group memberships to any neighboring multicast routers.
5.5 Change Configuration This submenu provides the following configuration sections: MAC, Network, PHY, Multicast, VLAN, QoS, Security, Hardware Reset and Flash Upgrade. Each section is divided by a “Return to main page” link to the WUI homepage.
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The tables below provide details about each configuration section.
MAC Configuration This section provides options to configure the PowerGrid unit MAC characteristics and network encryption mode. In-Home AV is the only option at this MAC Type time. There are 2 types of nodes, Fixed AP Node Type and EP. This field is used in Fixed AP mode to identify the network. Network Identifier The Network ID can be up to 20 ASCII characters long. This key, in either ASCII or HEX Encryption Key format, is used to encrypt the network. It is disabled in AP mode.
Default Gateway IP Address The IP address of the router that forwards traffic to a destination that is out of reach of the PowerGrid 902 unit. PHY Configuration This section provides options to configure the physical parameters of the network Notches Enabled by default. Wireless (27Mhz) Enable this option when using a wirekeyboard/mouse less keyboard or mouse to avoid internotch ference. It is disabled by default.
QoS Configuration Improve the end-user experience by prioritizing audio, video and voice traffic and optimizing the way shared network resources are allocated among applications.
The QoS criteria are applied as follows: a) Criterion 1 is processed first and Criterion 2 second b) If Criterion 1 is met, Criterion 2 will NOT be applied Therefore, Criterion 2 should be more general than Criterion 1, and there are certain incompatibilities that arise between these criteria. Consult this table: If Criterion 1 Protocol is … Origin IP / Destination IP TCP with port UDP with port Then Criterion 2 can be … None of these protocols.
Factory Reset To reset the device to factory settings, enter the factory reset password (see section 2.3 Default Settings) and click OK. Use this function with caution, since, as noted onscreen, this will erase the current configuration settings. Hardware Reset Press the Hardware Reset button to reboot the device but not erase the configuration settings. It performs the same function as holding down the Config/Reset button on the front panel of the unit.
Chapter 6 - HELP This PowerGrid unit has been designed to be a reliable and easy-to-use home networking device. However, should you experience any problems, please refer to the troubleshooting and FAQ sections below to resolve your issue. 6.1 Troubleshooting FACTORY RESET To reset a unit to factory default settings, simply press the CONFIG/RESET button for 15 seconds. The adapter will reset its configuration to factory default settings and auto-reboot.
3.There MUST only be one Fixed AP in a network. Verify that this is the case by examining the AP/STBY LED for all adapters. If there is more than one AP in the network, it means that the key exchange process has failed. h) Perform a factory reset on the adapter you do not wish to be designated as an AP (see step 1 above). i) Repeat the network configuration procedure again (see Chapter 3). j) If the configuration procedure fails again, it is possible the adapters are using different forms of encryption.
m) Check the ETHERNET LED on every PowerGrid 902 unit. n) If the ETHERNET LED on any unit is OFF, check that the PowerGrid unit is connected securely. The ETHERNET LED on every unit should be GREEN. o) Make sure that the settings of all your networked devices are correct. p) Next check the STATUS LED of every unit. If any unit has a RED STATUS LED, plug that unit into a different power outlet and wait for the STATUS LED color to change to ORANGE or GREEN.
6.2 FAQ The following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers. 1. Do PowerGrid units work with surge protected power strips? Basic power strips provide simple protection for a surge increase in voltage. More expensive models have this feature, but also include a filter which provides protection against EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) or RFI (Radio Frequency Interference).
3.What if the flat next door has PowerGrid units as well? In this case, make sure to configure the units according to the procedure in this user manual. That way, each pair of PowerGrid units will have its own unique security key and your connection will be secure. 4. Is it safe to leave the PowerGrid units on all the time? PowerGrid units are CE certified and completely safe to leave plugged in all the time. They may become slightly warm in use - this is perfectly normal.
place to find a double plug socket is in your kitchen. Alternatively plug them into a trailing extension strip (but not an anti-surge strip). When plugged in, after 10-40 seconds, the PowerGrid units will configure themselves so that each has a GREEN STATUS LED and one of the pair has an AP/STBY LED that is GREEN. If the PowerGrid units don’t configure themselves as above, you need to follow the FACTORY RESET procedure in the Troubleshooting section.
Appendix A - Acronyms The following is a list of acronyms referenced in this manual.
260072-014 PowerGrid 902 User Manual A2.
