Aztech HomePlug Turbo Product information sheet

Easy Start
85Mbps High Speed HomePlug Ethernet
Adapter
Easy Start
Easy Start Page 1 of 20

Easy Start
Easy Start Page 2 of 20
Table of Contents
Preliminary Pages Page
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................2
Chapter 1 – Introduction......................................................................................................5
Chapter 2 – Installation & Connection ................................................................................6
2.1 System Requirements.......................................................................6
2.2 Installation & Uninstallation of Configuration Utilty......................6
2.3 Connection & Indicator Lights.........................................................8
Chapter 3 – All About The Home Network.........................................................................9
3.1 Remove/Disable Conflicts................................................................9
3.1.1 TCP/IP..............................................................................................9
3.1.2 Internet Properties ............................................................................9
3.2 Examples Of Applications..............................................................10
3.2.1 Home Networking – Option 1........................................................10
3.2.2 Home Networking – Option 2........................................................10
3.2.3 Home Networking- Option 3..........................................................11
3.2.4 Home Networking – Option 4........................................................11
3.3 Care Instructions.............................................................................12
3.3.1 Network Volume............................................................................12
3.3.2 Network Security............................................................................12
3.3.3 How to Use Passwords Correctly...................................................12
Chapter 4 – Configuration Utility For Windows...............................................................13
4.1 Main Screen....................................................................................13
4.2 Privacy Screen................................................................................17
4.3 QoS Screen.....................................................................................18
4.4 Diagnostics Screen .........................................................................19
4.5 About Screen..................................................................................20
All the pictures shown in this Easy Start Manual are for illustration only.

Easy Start
Safety Summary Messages
WARNING
Easy Start Page 3 of 20
HIGH VOLTAGE
is used in the equipment. Make sure equipment is properly grounded
BEFORE opening. Failure to observe safety precautions may result in electric
shock to user.
CAUTION
Check voltages before connecting equipment to power supplies. Wrong
voltages applied may result in damage to equipment.

Easy Start
Easy Start Page 4 of 20
Important Safety Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully:
1. Unplug the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
2. Do not use the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor near water.
3. The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation provided.
4. The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor should be operated from the type of power indicated on
the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer
or local power company.
5. The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor relies on the building’s electrical installation for short-
circuit (over current) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 120
VAC or 230 VAC (depends on the power supply type in your country) is used on the
phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).
6. Plug the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor directly into a 120V AC or 230V AC (depends on
the power supply type in your country) wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord between
the adapter and the AC power source.
7. Do not attempt to service the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks as well as
ruin the product warranty. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only.
8. Unplug the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor from the wall outlet and refer the product to
qualified service personnel for the following conditions:
• If liquid has been spilled into the product.
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are
followed.
• If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Easy Start
Chapter 1 – Introduction
One of the major drawbacks in setting up home network is the absence of required wiring inside
the house to interconnect networked computers. In recent years several technologies have
attempted to address the issue. The most prominent technology so far is the family of WIFI
(802.11 X) products. Recently, however, another technology called HomePlug has come forth. It
uses electrical grids, already available inside walls to transmit data from computer to computer.
HomePlug technology modulates computer data in a way to enable them use power grid as a
medium of transmission from point to point. Using this technology, two computers have a virtual
Ethernet connection without the need to be physically connected to each other.
The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor provides No New Wires ®communications to any rooms, over
any powerline wires, at the speed of up to 85Mbps. It has 3 indicator lights (LEDs) and an
Ethernet port. The LEDs depict the connection status, as well as other information, enabling
detailed diagnosis of system malfunction. The Ethernet port is to connect to a device in the home
network. The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor has a standard power plug for connection to a power
outlet. There are three main kinds of power plugs:
• (UK) – 3 pins UK plug with integrated 100-240V AC power supply.
• (EUR) – 2 pins Euro plug with integrated 100-240V AC power supply.
• (US) – 2 pins US plug with integrated 100-240V AC power supply.
Computer networking in the office or at home has the following advantages:
1. Share centrally stored data
2. Share one printer
3. Multi-access to one Internet connection
4. Multi-user games over the network.
Package Contents
Make sure that you have the following items. If any of the items is damaged or missing, please
contact your dealer immediately.
85Mbps High Speed HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor Easy Start (Qty:1)
(QTY:1 for Single Pack ; QTY:2 for Twin Pack)
Networkcable ResourceCD
(QTY:1 for Single Pack ; QTY:2 for Twin Pack) (Qty:1)
Easy Start Page 5 of 20

Easy Start
Chapter 2 – Installation & Connection
2.1 System Requirements
HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor is applicable with all TCP/IP operating systems with Ethernet port.
Drivers are not required for this adapter. But the supplied software and the network password
operates only with Windows operating systems.
Your computer must meet the below mentioned minimum requirements in order to use the
HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor Configuration Utility:
• Windows Operating Systems:
• Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Windows XP, or Windows Vista
with Ethernet connection
• Pentium III 300 MHz MMX-Compatible PC or greater
• 128MB hard disk space and memory
• CD-ROM drive
Note…
Your computer or the device to which you want to connect the HomePlug
Ethernet Adaptor must have an Ethernet port, i.e. a network card or a network
adaptor.
2.2 Installation & Uninstallation of Configuration Utilty
Windows Operating Systems
Installation:
1. Connect the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor to the computer or the device with the Network
cable.
2. Connect the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor to the Power Outlet.
3. Install the Configuration Utility (PowerPacket). The Resource CD has auto run feature. If
the Resource CD auto run fails, please run the Setup.exe file in the CD.
4. Follow the on screen instructions to install the utility drivers.
Easy Start Page 6 of 20

Easy Start
Note…
1. Before connecting the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor, please note its Security
ID / Device Password and keep it available for configuration of the network.
2. No drivers are required for installation of the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor.
Note…
If there is no connection/link among the HomePlugs with the Network cable
inserted onto the HomePlugs OR the ping test among the HomePlugs are not
successful, please power off and on again for the HomePlugs.
You can also plug out the HomePlugs and then plug in again with the present of
the Network cable.
Uninstallation:
1. To uninstall the Configuration Utility, go to the Control Panel of your system.
2. Open the Add/Remove Programs.
3. Select and double click on the PowerPacket Ethernet Adapter in the Add/Remove
Programs Properties.
4. Follow the on screen instructions to uninstall the PowerPacket Utility.
Easy Start Page 7 of 20

Easy Start
2.3 Connection & Indicator Lights
The HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor has three lights indicator (LEDs) and an Ethernet port. See
Figure 1-1 below.
Power LED
PL
-
ACT LED
ETH
-
LINK/ACT LED
ETHERNET
CONNECTION POINT
Figure 1-1 : 85Mbps High Speed Homeplug Ethernet Adapter
PWR: Lights up when connected to AC power supply.
PL-ACT: Lights up when detected and connected with another HomePlug adaptor
within the network. Flashes during data transfer.
ETH-LINK/ACT: Lights up when connected to the Ethernet port of the computer or other
Ethernet devices. Flashes during data transfer.
ETHERNET: 10/100 Base-T Auto-MDI/MDIX (allows either cross or straight Network
cable) Network jack to connect to your Ethernet Network card or Ethernet
Hub / Switch.
Easy Start Page 8 of 20

Easy Start
Easy Start Page 9 of 20
Chapter 3 – All About The Home Network
This chapter contains important and useful information on networks—from the configuration of
your computer to examples of applications to general tips.
3.1 Remove/Disable Conflicts
You may need to check the TCP/IP and Internet properties to make sure there are no conflicts
with the way devices in the network are identified.
3.1.1 TCP/IP
High Speed HomePlug Ethernet Adapter’s IP Address should be obtained automatically.
To set the TCP/IP properties:
1. Select Start > Run. This opens the Run dialog box.
2. Enter control ncpa.cpl and then click OK. This opens the Network Connections in your
computer.
3. Right-click LAN and then select Properties. This opens the Local Area Connection
Properties dialog box.
4. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. This opens the Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) dialog box.
5. Select Obtain an IP address automatically.
6. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) dialog box.
7. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box.
3.1.2 Internet Properties
To set the Internet Properties:
1. Select Start > Run. This opens the Run dialog box.
2. Enter control inetcpl.cpl and then click OK. This opens the Internet Properties dialog
box.
3. Click Connections tab.
4. In the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings pane, select Never dial a
connection.
5. Click OK to close the Internet Properties dialog box.

Easy Start
3.2 Examples Of Applications
This section demonstrates some of the application scenarios
3.2.1 Home Networking – Option 1
Workstation with Internet connection over an ADSL/Cable modem. See Figure 1-2 below.
Figure 1-2 : Home Networking Option 1
3.2.2 Home Networking – Option 2
Networking for Online Gaming. See Figure 1-3 below.
Figure 1-3 : Home Networking Option 2
Easy Start Page 10 of 20

Easy Start
3.2.3 Home Networking- Option 3
Networking for several workstations with IP-STV and one Internet connection over an
ADSL/Cable modem router. See Figure 1-4 below.
Figure 1-4 : Home Networking Option 3
3.2.4 Home Networking – Option 4
Networking for several workstations with IP-STV and one Internet connection over an
ADSL/Cable router and an ADSL/Cable modem. See Figure 1-5 below.
Figure 1-5 : Home Networking Option 4
Easy Start Page 11 of 20

Easy Start
3.3 Care Instructions
3.3.1 Network Volume
The maximum number of HomePlug adaptors in a single-family house is theoretically 253
connections, but in practice no more than 10 devices should be transferring data simultaneously.
3.3.2 Network Security
Normally the electric meter forms a physical barrier, i.e. only devices connected to this meter
can be part of the network and benefit from the phase coupling. We strongly recommend that
you use the HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor internal device encryption. It is configured with the
HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor Configuration Utility.
3.3.3 How to Use Passwords Correctly
• You can improve your security substantially by following some important rules
regarding the use of passwords.
• Keep your passwords as secret as possible.
• Never write a password down nor store them in notebooks, wallets and text files
in computers.
• Do not pass on your password unnecessarily.
• Select a random password. Use random strings of letters and numbers. Passwords
from common language usage are not secure.
• Change the password regularly or immediately if you feel it has been
compromised.
• Passwords should be changed as frequently as possible. This requires a little
effort, but increases your security considerably. Even if only the slightest
indication of a leak exists, the password should be changed.
Note…
Always use the internal device encryption (the Private Network Name) for
security. It can be configured using the HomePlug Utility.
Easy Start Page 12 of 20

Easy Start
Chapter 4 – Configuration Utility For Windows
Running the Utility:
To run the utility, double click the PowerPacket Utility icon on your desktop. See Figure 1-6
below.
Figure 1-6 : PowerPacket Utility Icon
4.1 Main Screen
The Main screen essentially provides a list of all powerline devices logically connected to the
computer where the utility is running. (If the status is not updated, please close and open the
utility again).
The top panel shows all local HomePlug devices found connected to the computer’s NIC
(Network Interface Card). In most cases, only one device will be seen. In situations where there
are more than one device connected, such as a USB and also an Ethernet device, the user may
click to select the one to manage through and then click the Connect button to it’s right. The
status area above the button indicates that your PC is connected to that same device.
See Figure 1-7.
Easy Start Page 13 of 20

Easy Start
Figure 1-7 : Main Screen
The lower panel displays all the HomePlug devices, discovered on the current logical network
(remote devices). Displayed immediately above this panel is the number of remote devices
found, the type of logical network (Public or Private), and a message area that reports
connectivity and scan status. The following information is displayed for each of the devices
discovered that appear in the lower panel.
The Device Name column shows the default device name, which may be user re-defined. A user
may change the name by clicking on the name and editing in-place, or by using the Rename
button.
An icon is optionally shown with the name. A distinction in icons is made between low-speed
and high-speed devices (HomePlug 1.0 and Turbo). By default, the icon is displayed with the
name.
Easy Start Page 14 of 20
HomePlu
g
1.0 HomePlu
g
Turbo

Easy Start
The MAC Address column shows the device’s MAC address.
The Password column shows the user-supplied Device Password (initially left blank). The
Device Password can be found on the label at the back of the unit. A user may enter the
password by using the Enter Password button (explained below).
To set the Password of the device (required when creating a private network), first select the
device by clicking on it’s name in the lower panel and then click on the Enter Password button.
A dialog box will appear as shown in Figure 1-8 to type the password. The selected device name
is shown above the field for entering the password. Hit OK after entering the new password.
A confirmation box will appear if the password was entered correctly. If a device is not found,
the user will be notified and suggestions to resolve common problems will be presented.
Figure 1-8 : Device Password
Easy Start Page 15 of 20

Easy Start
The Add button is used to add a remote device to your network that is not on the displayed list in
the lower panel, for example, a device currently on another logical network. Users are advised to
locate the Device Passwords for all devices they wish to manage and add them to the local
logical network by clicking on the Add button. A dialog box will appear as in Figure 1-9. The
dialog box allows the user to enter both a Device Name and the Device Password.
A confirmation box will appear if the password was entered correctly and if the device was
found. If a device is not found, the user will be notified and suggestions to resolve common
problems will be presented.
Figure 1-9 : Adding Device To Network
Note…
The device must be present on the power line (plugged in) in order for the
password to be confirmed and added to the network. If the device could not be
located, a warning message will be shown.
The Scan button is used to perform an immediate search of the HomePlug devices connected to
the computer. By default the utility automatically scans every few seconds and updates the
display.
Easy Start Page 16 of 20

Easy Start
4.2 Privacy Screen
The Privacy dialog screen provides a means for managing the local network and providing
additional security. All HomePlug devices are shipped using a default logical network (network
name), which is normally “HomePlug”. The Privacy dialog screen allows user to make the
network private by changing the network name (network password) of devices. The user can
always reset a HomePlug network to the universal one (public) by entering “HomePlug” as the
network name or by clicking on the Use Default button. See Figure 1-10.
Note…
Changing the network name to any other name other than HomePlug will show
the network type on the main screen as Private. The Network Name is between
4 to 24 characters.
Figure 1-10 : Privacy Screen
The Set Local Device Only button is used to change the network name (network password) for
the local device only. After doing this, all the devices seen on the Main panel prior to this will no
longer be able to communicate or respond to the computer, as they will be on a different logical
network. Devices previously set up with the same logical network (same network name) will
appear in the device list afterward selecting this option.
The Set All Devices button is used to change the logical network of all devices that appear on
the Main panel. The user must have entered the Device Password in order to set it to the new
logical network. A notification message will appear to report the success of this operation.
Easy Start Page 17 of 20

Easy Start
4.3 QoS Screen
With the QoS screen, you can select the type of application intended for the HomePlug device.
There are three choices:
• Online Game / Internet
Select this option if the device will be connected to a computer or a game console
• Audio or Video
Select this option if the device will be used with IPTV or audio/video steaming
• Voice over IP
Choose this if the device will be used with your IP phone
Upon selecting the application type, click Update QoS to save the settings.
Figure 1-11 : QoS Screen
Easy Start Page 18 of 20

Easy Start
4.4 Diagnostics Screen
The Diagnostics screen shows system information and a history of all devices seen. See Figure
1-12.
The upper panel shows technical data concerning software and hardware on the host computer
used to communicate over HomePlug. It shall include the following:
• Operating System Type/Version
• Host Network Name
• User Name
• MAC Address of all NICs (network interface card)
• Identify versions of all Driver DLLs and Libraries used (NDIS) and optionally
• HomePlug chipset manufacturer name (Turbo Only devices)
• MAC Firmware Version (Turbo Only devices)
• Vendor name
Figure 1-12 : Diagnostics Screen
Easy Start Page 19 of 20

Easy Start
The lower panel contains a history of all remote devices seen on the computer, over time.
Devices are shown here regardless of whether or not they are on the same logical network.
• Adapter Alias Name
• Adapter MAC Address
• Adapter Password
• Adapter Last known rate
• Adapter Last Known Network
• Date device last scanned.
• Vendor
4.5 About Screen
The About screen shows the software version. Users are also able to activate or de-activate the
Autoscan feature by clicking on the check-box under the ‘Preferences’ column. See Figure 1-
13.
Figure 1-13: About Screen
© Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Easy Start Page 20 of 20