User manual IOGEAR GHPB21

[. . . ] HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge User Manual (GHPB21) Welcome Thank you for purchasing one of the most user-friendly networking devices on the market. IOGEAR's HomePlug to Ethernet Bridges are first-class networking devices designed to network your computers at home (or in your small office). This device allows you to set up your home network via the most pervasive medium in your house ­ the home power lines. It is easy to set up, and it doesn't require any additional wiring in the house. [. . . ] 21 Network Configuration You will have to use bridges to connect two Macintoshes, because the utility software is only compatible with Windows-based computers. It is possible to have both nodes and bridges on a network as long as there is only a maximum of 16 bridges. It is also fine to have USB nodes on the same network with Ethernet nodes. How do I decide whether I need a USB adapter or Ethernet bridge as a node?It should be determined by the available connection on the computer that you plan to connect to the HomePlug network. If the computer comes with a 10/100 Base-T network card, use the bridge; if the computer comes with USB port, use the USB adapter. If the computer comes with both, you can decide which one to use based upon your unique situation. For Macintosh and other non-Windows based computers, the Ethernet Bridge is the only choice. HomePlug Network Topologies There are various ways to connect your computers via HomePlug. If all HomePlug units are used as nodes, the topology is usually BUS. If bridges are used to connect two networks together, there maybe both BUS and STAR. Using the HomePlug to USB Adapter ONLY 23 Network Configuration b. Using the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode) (Several HomePlug Bridges can be used) 24 Network Configuration c. Using the HomePlug USB Adapter AND Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode) 25 Network Configuration d. Using the HomePlug Ethernet bridge to make a sub network HomePlug ready to communicate with the other HomePlug nodes. (Maximum 16 Homeplug Bridges can be used. ) 26 Networking Basics Prior to installing HomePlug, you may have had some ideas about using your new network. This section will help you get started on those ideas or even give you some new ones. After setting up networks on all your computers on the network, you will be able to use your HomePlug network to share files, printers, and Internet connections. 37 Networking Basics Topic 2: Checking IP addresses in Windows XP/ 2000 Go to Start>Programs>Accessories> Command Prompt. 38 Networking Basics Type "ipconfig" at the prompt, then press Enter. You will see the IP address of this computer. 39 Networking Basics Topic 3: Assigning a Static IP Address (Note: If you use DHCP-capable gateway/router, you don't need to assign any static IP addresses because the gateway/router will automatically assign IP addresses to the computers on the network. ) Go to Star t>Settings>Control Panel>Network Connections>Local Area Connection Right click on Local Area Connection, then double click on Properties, you will see a window similar to this: Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and then click on Properties. 40 Networking Basics At the following window, select "Use the following IP address:", and fill in the desired IP address and subnet mask (it is recommended to use the default subnet mask as shown in the following window. Subnet mask must be the same for all the computers on the network. ) If you need to enter DNS address, you must enter the address of the default gateway. Click on "OK". 41 Networking Basics Click "Close" on the Local Area Connection Properties window. You have completed static IP address assignment. 42 Networking Basics Topic 4. Sharing Disks/Folders Once the network has been checked / configured, you can access other systems via "My Network Places". [. . . ] The hardware encryption process does not affect bandwidth, and the encryption is enabled at all times. 66 Getting Technical Support To help IOGEAR® customers obtain the highest level of performance from their HomePlug devices, the IOGEAR® Service Support team is available to answer your technical questions. Do not hesitate to call if you are having trouble getting your device to work correctly. IOGEAR® Service Support can be reached by phone from 9am to 5pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday or at the following address: Toll Free 866-9-IOGEAR (USA) Phone: 949-453-8782 23 Hubble Irvine, CA 92618 You may also reach us online at www. iogear. com/support 24 hours a day. Please be ready to give a brief description of the problem, and what you were doing when the problem occurred, before calling Service Support. [. . . ]