User manual GIGAFAST PE901-UI

[. . . ] 15 3. 0 Advanced Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4. 0 Trouble-shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 For a more updated troubleshooting guide, please visit http://www. gigafast. com Ver 0. 1 3/25/02 -20- -1- 0. 0 Introduction to HomePlug Networking 0. 1 Understanding HomePlug Networking Concept HomePlug networking, not to be confused with Power over Ethernet, has a whole different usage and features. Power over Ethernet is a device that serves the purpose of a Hub or Switch, drawing its power from nearby unsuspecting computers connected to it by a Cat. On the other hand, HomePlug Networking uses your current existing or featured power line to transfer network data. [. . . ] All your HomePlug devices must use the same encryption key in order for the network to work. 0. 3 Basic Requirements - At least 2 Units of HomePlug - Available Ethernet port or USB port for each computer - Available empty power slot - Standard home power line wiring - CD-ROM drive 0. 4 Limitations of Current HomePlug technology and whats 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). Because of how IP Packets and buffer zones were designed, there can only be 2 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 What is the difference between a Node and a Bridge?A node is any device that resides or is connected directly onto an existing network. A bridge is used when connecting one type or group of networks with another type After the encryption is successfully applied, the program will search for other HomePlug devices with the same encryption. -18- -3- or group of networks. Because connecting every computer from one network together with the other network would result in cables everywhere. Instead, a bridge is brought in to have 1 connection between the networks instead of 20. The bridge in HomePlug terms functions like a concentration device that connects multiple computers onto the HomePlug network using 1 HomePlug device. The Bridge function only works with Ethernet HomePlug models because USB devices can't be shared yet. 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 2 Bridge. It is also okay to have USB Nodes on the same network as Ethernet Nodes. At this point, your computer will searching for any connected HomePlug adapters. If you are searching for HomePlug Ethernet Bridge, it will find the closest one to the system. This indicates that the closest HomePlug devices has been located and the encryption is ready to be applied. Insert the correct encryption here and click Next. -4- -17- 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 on them. You will not be able to see the HomePlug device that is directly connected to your current computer. [. . . ] Continue with hardware installation. -14- -7- Windows might ask if you wish to continue. Continue anyway when prompted. Plug the Ethernet cable into either your switch or directly into your computer's Ethernet port, and plug in the device. Click OK. Installation will continue until the completion is displayed. Click Finish. Now look at your network setting and see if your current HomePlug Ethernet Bridge is operating in Node or Bridge mode. [. . . ]