User manual GIGAFAST PE909-UI

[. . . ] 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 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. 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. 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. [. . . ] 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. [. . . ]