Asoka PlugLink-ETH-500 User manual

PlugLink-ETH-500
User’s Guide
PL9670-Q2
QUICKFIND L
OCATOR
Contact
Information
Getting Help
Table of Contents
Installation
66-0376-01Rev.001

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© 2012 Asoka USA Corporation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Notice: No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or stored in a database or retrieval system for any
purpose without the express written permission of Asoka USA Corporation.
Asoka USA Corporation reserves the right to make changes to this user’s guide at any time without notice and
assumes no responsibility for its use. Asoka USA products and services can only be ordered under the terms and
conditions of Asoka USA Corporation's applicable agreements. All of the features described in this user’s guide
may not be currently available. Refer to the most recent product announcement for information about feature
and product availability.
This user’s guide contains the most current information available at the time of publication. When new and/ or
revised information becomes available, this entire user’s guide is updated and distributed to all registered users.
All company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of
third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a
recommendation. Asoka USA Corporation assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of
these products.
Revision Date Description
66-0376-01Rev.001 July.
2012 Preliminary Release
Changes in This Revision
• Not applicable (preliminary release)

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Contact Information
For more information about the PlugLink-ETH-500 or any of Asoka’s other leading-edge
solutions, please contact us using any of the following methods:
zVoice calls: We welcome your calls Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am
to 5:00 pm Pacific Time at [phone]. Voice mail is available during non-business
hours. zEmail: If you prefer, you can send information requests to our e-mail address:
[email protected].
zFax calls: You can also send your requests for information to our 24-hour fax
number: [phone].
zWeb site: Our Web site contains valuable information about our products,
solutions, and services. We encourage you to visit us at
http://www.asokatech.com.
Getting Help
Asoka USA backs its products with unparalleled customer service and technical support
for our valued customers.
Customer Service
Customer service, the customer-satisfaction arm of Asoka USA, is available Monday
through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time, by calling [phone] or
emailing [e-mail]
Technical Support
Technical support is available Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Pacific Time, by calling [phone] or through email at [e-mail].
Please provide the following information about the problem:
zProduct name, model number, part number (if applicable) and serial number
zSystem configuration, including a description of the devices connected to your
PL9672
zThe circumstances surrounding the error or failure
zA detailed description of the problem and what has been done to try to solve it

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Table of Contents
1 Simple Installation......................................................................5

Package Contents................................................................................................... 5
Types of Connections ............................................................................................. 5
Simple Connection (Peer to Peer) ............................................................................ 6
Simple Broadband
Connection ................................................................................. 6
Other Connections.................................................................................................. 7
Finding a Suitable Location ..................................................................................... 7
Installing the Hardware .......................................................................................... 7

2 Advanced Configuration (Expert Users Only) .............................8

Installing the Software............................................................................................ 8

3 Network Management...............................................................12

Viewing the Device Information (Profile).................................................................12
Changing your device Name and Network Encryption Key (NEK)...............................13
DEVICE NETWORK ENCRYPTION KEY (NEK) ………………………………………………………..16
Resetting and Upgrading the PlugLink-ETH-500.......................................................20
Prioritizing the Network Traffic...............................................................................21
Viewing the Network Statistics screen.....................................................................22
Viewing the Link screen.........................................................................................22
Viewing the LED screen.........................................................................................24
Rescanning your Powerline Network.......................................................................24
Manually Resetting the Firmware and Network ID (NID) ..........................................25

4 Troubleshooting........................................................................26

A Specifications............................................................................28

B Components..............................................................................30

C Warranty...................................................................................34

D FCC Notice.................................................................................36

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Simple Installation
Congratulations on your purchase of the PlugLink-ETH-500 !
This adapter allows you to network your home or office by plugging directly into an
electrical outlet. With your PlugLink-ETH-500, you can easily share your high-speed
Internet, mp3s, video, and gaming throughout the home or office.
This manual describes how to connect your PlugLink-ETH-500 to a PC or cable/DSL
Router.
Package Contents
zPlugLink-ETH-500(PL9670-Q2)
z6-foot Ethernet cable
zQuick Installation Guide
zInstallation Resource CD (for advanced users only)
zWarranty and Support Information Card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact the retailer
where you made your purchase. Keep the carton, including the original packing
materials, in case you need to return the unit for repair.
Types of Connections
This section describes what you need to do to before installing the PlugLink-ETH-500.
You can set up a home or an office network or compliment your existing network by
connecting to any device with a 10BaseT/100BaseT /1000BaseT Ethernet- capable
device.

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Simple Connection (Peer to Peer)
To share a simple connection between computers, attach one PL9670-Q2 device to
each computer.
NOTE: Do not connect the PlugLink-ETH-500 into a power strip, extension
cord, un-interruptible power supply (UPS), or surge protector. This may prevent
the unit from working properly or degrade the network performance.
Simple Broadband Connection
The following items are needed to share a Broadband connection with computers:
zOne (1) PL9670-Q2 device attached to a standard cable, DSL, or wireless router;
zOne (1) PL9670-Q2 device attached to each computer;

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Other Connections
You can also use the PlugLink-ETH-500 with other Ethernet enabled devices, such as
IP Cameras, IP set top box, game consoles, etc.“Up to eight (8) PL9672 can be placed
on the same PLC (Powerline Communication) network.”
Finding a Suitable Location
Find a suitable location to install your PlugLink-ETH-500 . Where you install the units
can affect their performance. Find a location that is:
zAcceptable temperature and humidity ranges.
zFree of strong electromagnetic field generators (such as motors), vibration, dust,
and direct exposure to sunlight.
zAn electrical outlet for your PlugLink-ETH-500 . Outlet must be within six feet (1.82
meters) of the device you are connecting to.
Installing the Hardware
Connect each of your PlugLink-ETH-500 .
1. Connect the unit into a nearby wall outlet (Do not plug the adapter into a power
strip).
2. Connect the enclosed Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port of the unit.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port of the PC or device.
Congratulations! You have completed the installation of the
PL9672 for normal use.

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Advanced Configuration
(Expert Users Only)
This chapter provides information on installing and setting up the PlugLink-ETH-500.
NOTE: Do not connect the PlugLink-ETH-500 into a power strip, extension cord,
un-interruptible power supply (UPS), or surge protector. This may prevent the unit from
working properly or degrade the network performance.
Installing the Software
Following are software installation procedures for advanced users.
NOTE: Software installation is not required for normal use. The utility is used to
change the security settings and view information about the network.
1. Insert the enclosed Installation Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive If the PlugLink-
ETH-500 Installation Utility does not appear within 30 seconds, select your CD-ROM
drive and double-click the Setup.exe icon to start the Installation Utility.
2. Select the language preference, and click the Run button.

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3. In the Start screen, click Install Driver to start the installation.
4. In the Welcome screen of the screen of the wizard, click Next to begin the
installation.

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5. Read the End User Software License Agreement, and if you agree, click the Agree
button to continue the installation.
6. To change the name of the PlugLink AV unit, select Yes, and enter a name in the
text field. Otherwise, select No. Click Next to advance to the next screen.

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7. Select the location where you want to install the drivers and software and click the
Install button.
8. When the installation of the PlugLink drivers and software is complete, you can use
Power Manager Utility for advanced configuration of your PL9672 unit. Click Finish
to finish the installation wizard.

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
Network Management
The PlugLink Power Manager utility software allows you to manually configure a
PlugLink HD AV Adapter that is directly connected to your Personal Computer or to
any PlugLink Adapters that are remotely residing on your PlugLink Home network.
NOTE: The Power Manager Utility software is for all Asoka
PlugLink devices.
Viewing the Device Information (Profile)
Run the PlugLink Power Manager and use the Profile screen to view information
on your PlugLink device attached directly to your PC and other PlugLink
devices on your network.
The Profile screen displays the following information:
•Device Name
•MAC Address
•Firmware version of your devices
•Estimated device transmission rate
To refresh the list of your PlugLink devices, click the Rescan
button.
NOTE: Devices set up with a different Network Encryption Key (NEK)
also known as the network password will NOT appear on this list.

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Profile Screen
Changing your device Name and Network Encryption
Key (NEK)
Use the Device(s) Screen to change your local and remote device name, also to change
your local and remote device Network Encryption Key (NEK) (also known as the
Network Password).
Device(s) Screen

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DEVICE NAME
Changing your local device name:
1. Connect your PlugLink adapter to your PC. For instructions on how to connect
your PlugLink to your PC, please refer to page 7 (Installing the Hardware).
2. Run the PlugLink Power Manager software. If you have not installed the PlugLink
Power Manager software onto a PC, please refer to page 8 (Installing the
Software).
3. From the Power Manager main menu, click “Device(s)”.
4. A list of PlugLink devices will appear on the left side of your Power Manager
screen. Your Local Device will always be the first device in the list by default.
5. Select your local device, by clicking on the first device MAC Address from the
list. Make sure that the device selected is highlighted in yellow. NOTE: It is not
necessary to check the box to the left of the Device Name.
6. Enter the new name in the New Device Name field. The new name must be at
least 4 characters long and can’t have spaces.
7. Click “Update” to update the new name.
8. If the new name was accepted, the message “You have successfully changed
your Device name.” will appear.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully changed your local device name.
Changing your local device name

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Changing your remote device name:
1. Connect your PC to one of your PlugLink adapters. For instructions on how to
connect your PlugLink to your PC, please refer to page 7 (Installing the
Hardware).
2. Run the PlugLink Power Manager software. If you have not installed the PlugLink
Power Manager software onto a PC, please refer to page 8 (Installing the
Software).
3. From the Power Manager main menu, click “Device(s)”.
4. A list of PlugLink devices will appear on the left side of your Power Manager
screen. Your Remote Devices will always appear under the first device in the list
by default.
5. Select your remote device, by clicking on the device MAC Address from the list.
Make sure that the device selected is highlighted in yellow. NOTE: It is not
necessary to check the box to the left of the Device Name.
6. Enter the new name in the New Device Name field. The new name must be at
least 4 characters long and can not have spaces.
7. Click “Update” to update the new name.
8. If the new name was accepted, the message “You have successfully changed
your Device name.” will appear.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully changed your remote device name.
Changing your remote device name

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DEVICE NETWORK ENCRYPTION KEY (NEK)
Understanding the Network Encryption Key: The Network Encryption Key (NEK) is
similar to a domain name or work group. Only those devices encrypted with the
same domain name or work group, will have access to your Powerline Network. All
Asoka PlugLink adapters are encrypted with the same default Network
Encryption Key. The default Network Encryption Key is: HomePlugAV.
It is recommended to change your device default Network Encryption Key (NEK) to
secure your Powerline Network from unauthorized access; especially if you live in
an Apartment building.
Use caution when changing your device Network Encryption Key (also known as the
Network Password). If you change the Network Encryption Key on one device, you
must change the Network Encryption Key on all your PlugLink adapters to the
new Network Encryption Key.
You can change your device Network Encryption Key by:
¾Using the PlugLink Power Manager described in this section “Changing
your local device Network Encryption Key” (bellow).
¾Using the Network ID (SECURITY) button described on page 32 “SETTING A
RANDOMIZED NETWORK PASSWORD”.
Changing your local device Network Encryption Key (NEK):
WARNING: If you change your local device Network Encryption Key
(Network Password) your local device will no longer be able to
communicated with all your other PlugLink adapters. You must
change the Network encryption key on all your PlugLink adapters to
the new Network Encryption Key in order for them to communicate.
1. Connect your PlugLink adapter to your PC. For instructions on how to connect
your PlugLink to your PC, please refer to page 7 (Installing the Hardware).
2. Run the PlugLink Power Manager software. If you have not installed the PlugLink
Power Manager software onto a PC, please refer to page 8
(Installing the Software).
3. From the Power Manager main menu, click “Device(s)”.
4. A list of PlugLink devices will appear on the left side of your Power
Manager screen. Your local Device will always be the first device in the list
by default.

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5. Select your local device, by clicking on the first device MAC Address from
the list. Make sure that the device selected is highlighted in yellow.
IMPORTANT: You must check the box to the left of the Device Name.
6. Enter the new Network Encryption Key (NEK) in the New Network Password
field. The new Network Password must be at least 8 characters long and
can not have spaces.
7. Click “Update” to update the new Network Password.
8. If the new Network Password was accepted, the message “Network
Encryption Key is successfully changed. The utility will now scan the
powerline network” will appear.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully changed your local device Network
Password.
Changing your local device Network Encryption Key (NEK)

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Changing your remote device Network Encryption Key (NEK):
WARNING: If you change your remote device Network Encryption Key (Network
Password) your remote device will no longer be able to communicated with all
your other PlugLink adapters. You must change the Network encryption key on
all your PlugLink adapters to the new Network Encryption Key in order for them
to communicate.
NOTE: When changing your remote device NEK, you will be prompted to enter the
selected device 16-digit Password at least once. You can find the device password on
the label. See image bellow.
1. Connect your PC to one of your PlugLink adapters. For instructions on
how to connect your PlugLink to your PC, please refer to page 7
(Installing the Hardware).
2. Run the PlugLink Power Manager software. If you have not installed the PlugLink
Power Manager software onto a PC, please refer to page 8 (Installing the
Software).
3. From the Power Manager main menu, click “Device(s)”.
4. A list of PlugLink devices will appear on the left side of your Power Manager
screen. Your Remote Devices will always appear under the first device in the list
by default.
5. Select your remote device, by clicking on the device MAC Address from the list.
Make sure that the device selected is highlighted in yellow. IMPORTANT: You
must check the box to the left of the Device Name. If you are prompted; enter
the 16 digits remote device password (Example Password: AIAI-AFZO-FMP-FLUI).
See image above for your reference.
6. Enter the new Network Encryption Key (NEK) in the New Network Password field.
The new Network Password must be at least 8 characters long and
Can’t have spaces.
7. Click “Update” to update the new Network Password.

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8. If the new Network Password was accepted, the message “Network Encryption
Key is successfully changed. The utility will now scan the Powerline network”
will appear.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully changed your local device Network
Password.
Changing your remote device Network Encryption Key (NEK)

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Resetting and Upgrading the PlugLink-ETH-500
Run the PlugLink Power Manager and use the Upgrade screen to:
zReset your PlugLink-ETH-500 to Factory Defaults
zReset (Reboot) your PlugLink-ETH-500
zUpgrade the Firmware
How to reset your PlugLink-ETH-500 to its Factory Defaults, reboot and Upgrade the firmware.
1. Connect your PC to one of your PlugLink adapters. For instructions on how to
connect your PlugLink to your PC, please refer to page 7 (Installing the
Hardware).
2. Run the PlugLink Power Manager software. If you have not installed the PlugLink
Power Manager software onto a PC, please refer to page 8 (Installing the
Software).
3. From the Power Manager main menu, click “Upgrade”.
4. A list of PlugLink devices will appear on the left side of your Power Manager
screen.
5. Select the device, by clicking on the device MAC Address from the list.
6. Select the option button that you want to perform (Factory Default, Reset
Device or Upgrade).
NOTE: Asoka may, from time to time, create new firmware for your device. Visit
www.asokatech.com for the latest firmware. – Resetting the PlugLink to its Factory
Defaults, will reset the Network Encryption Key (NEK or Network Password) to
HomePlugAV.
Upgrade Screen