User manual GIGAFAST PE909-UI

HomePlug USB Wall Adapter (PE909-UI) User Manual Table of Contents 0.0 Introduction to HomePlug networking 0.1 Powerline Networking Concepts ............................... 0.2 Encryption and Security ........................................... 0.3 Basic Requirements ................................................. 0.4 Feature developments ............................................. 0.5 Nodes and Bridges ................................................... 2 2 3 3 3 1.0 Installation............................................................................. 5 2.0 Encryption ............................................................................ 10 3.0 Trouble-shooting .................................................................. 14 -1- 0.0 Introduction to HomePlug Networking 0.1 Understanding HomePlug Networking Concept HomePlug Networking, not to be confused with Power over Ethernet, has very different usage and features. Power over Ethernet is a device that acts as a Hub or a Switch and draws its power from nearby unsuspecting computers connected to it by a Cat. 5 cable. On the other hand, HomePlug Networking uses your current existing or featured power lines to transfer network data. There are existing technologies that are similar to HomePlug, such as X10 or HPNA; however, HomePlug can reach speeds of up to 14Mbps and is currently being tested to run at up to 24Mbps. HomePlug works simply by connecting a device to two computers in two locations, respectively, inside a house or building and plugging them into a wall outlet. Now you have a network connecting two computers. In addition, you can replace the computers with switches so that you are connecting networks instead of computers. The process is completed within minutes with no additional cables running everywhere and without painful cable pulling in the walls or behind closets. The technology behind the real working mechanism remains classified. Hopefully in the future, more people will have a better understanding of HomePlug. 0.2 Understanding Encryption and Security Encryption is a method of security used to prevent intruders or unwanted access from within or outside of your network. Encryption works by using a string of letters and/or numbers as keys to encode your data. Any computer will need to know the encryption key in order to access the data. Although the data may be exposed to all environments, encryption will still protect your data from threats. -2- HomePlug Encryption and Protection Schemes The HomePlug device uses encryption to block outside access. The key is set by using the configuration software on the CD. By default, the protection is enabled. However, it is recommended that you change the default encryption key. All your HomePlug devices must use the same encryption key in order for the computers to be networked. Make sure that all devices are loaded with the same key. 0.3 Basic Requirements - At least 2 HomePlug devices - Available USB port for each computer - Available empty power outlet - Standard home power line wiring - CD-ROM drive 0.4 Limitations of Current HomePlug Technology and What's Ahead. The current technology and firmware of HomePlug have the following limitations as of Spring, 2002. The range of a HomePlug device reaches up to 900 feet under the same power grid or power transformer. The connection cannot pass through any UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). There is also a limitation to the number of HomePlug Ethernet Bridges. Because of how IP Packets and buffer zones were designed, there can only be two HomePlug Ethernet Bridges on the same HomePlug network at all times. However, there can be an unlimited number of nodes present on the network, technically speaking. 0.5 Nodes and Bridges There is a difference between Nodes and Bridges. A Node is any device that resides in or is connected directly onto an existing network. A computer with a network card connected to a switch is a Node. A Mac connected to a hub is also a Node. A Bridge is used when connecting one type or group of networks with another -3- type or group of networks. Connecting every computer from one network with another network would result in a mess of cables, so instead, a bridge is brought in to have a single connection between the networks instead of many. A Bridge in HomePlug terms functions like a concentration device that connects multiple computers onto the HomePlug network using one HomePlug device. The Bridge function only works with Ethernet HomePlug models because USB devices can't be shared yet. The default connection type for Ethernet adapters is Bridge. The only way to turn it off is to install the utility that comes with the unit. That will turn the Bridge into a Node. It is possible to have both Nodes and Bridges on a network as long as there is only a maximum of two Bridges. It is possible to have USB Nodes on the same network as Ethernet Nodes. -4- 1.0 Installation Make sure that your HomePlug USB Wall Adapter is not plugged in when beginning. Insert the installation CD. If the CD does not automatically load, run (CD Drive Letter):\usb\setup.exe Click on Next to start installation. Accept terms and Continue by clicking next. -5- Enter a username and organization and continue installation. (Username and Organization have no importance in device operation.) Click Next. Click install. -6- After installation is successful, a window will pop up prompting for the installation of the HomePlug Wall USB Adapter. Plug in the HomePlug USB Wall Adapter to the wall outlet, and plug in the USB cable. The Found New Hardware wizard will come up prompting for the installation of the PE909-UI. Select "Install the software automatically" and click Next. -7- Windows might ask if you wish to continue. Click Continue Anyway when prompted. Installation will continue until the completion is displayed. Click Finish. -8- You will be brought back to this window after hardware installation. Click OK to continue. This completes installation. The computer may ask to restart. After doing so, please proceed to the next section to set up encryption. -9- 2.0 Encryption Make sure that the software is run from a computer that is directly connected to the HomePlug USB Wall Adapter. 1. Double click the GigaFast HomePlug NetKey 1.1.C Icon on your desktop. Click Next. At this point, your computer will search for any connected HomePlug devices. If there is an error, it is likely the computer that the encryption software is currently running on does not have a HomePlug device connected to it. Please double check before restarting the software. The software must be run from a computer that is directly connected to a HomePlug device. -10- 2. Follow the on-screen instructions. The program will prompt you for a Password/Encryption Key. By default, the encryption key for all GigaFast HomePlug devices is "HomePlug". To ensure that your network is secure, it is recommended that you change the key from the default so that intruders cannot guess your encryption key as the default one. Choose a phrase without symbols or punctuation to be used as the encryption key, for example "HomePlug2". -11- 3. After you have entered your desired encryption key, the software will then proceed to search your immediate network for HomePlug adapters that have the same encryption key and will make a list of them. If you don't see any devices listed, please make sure you have applied the right encryption to them. To add more devices to your network, click Next and proceed to step 4. Otherwise, click Finish. The encryption is now applied to this unit and will not reset unless manually changed. -12- 4. To add more devices to your private network, enter the device's password, which is located on the device or its packaging. This will set the device's encryption key to match your current computer's device's. Once encryption is complete, the program will not be required again unless the encryption needs to be changed. Unplugging the HomePlug adapter will not cause it to lose its encryption key, so the unit can be setup and moved to the correct location. -13- 3.0 Troubleshooting For troubleshooting, please visit http://www.gigafast.com and click on the Support link. Ver 1.0 - 12/04/02 -14-