Comtrend Corporation PowerGrid 9142s User manual

1
PowerGrid 9142s
Powerline Ethernet Adapter
with WiFi
User Manual
Version A1.0, December 23, 2014
261072-025

Preface
This manual provides information related to the installation and operation of this
device. The individual reading this manual is presumed to have a basic
understanding of telecommunications terminology and concepts.
If you find the product to be inoperable or malfunctioning, please contact technical
support for immediate service by email at INT[email protected]om
For product update, new product release, manual revision, or software upgrades,
please visit our website at http://www.comtrend.com
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

Copyright
Copyright© 2014 Comtrend Corporation. All rights reserved. The information
contained herein is proprietary to Comtrend Corporation. No part of this document
may be translated, transcribed, reproduced, in any form, or by any means without
prior written consent of Comtrend Corporation.
This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the
terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more
details.
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
along with this program. If not, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/
NOTE: This document is subject to change without notice.
Protect Our Environment
This symbol indicates that when the equipment has reached the end of
its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed
separate from domestic waste.
The cardboard box, the plastic contained in the packaging, and the parts that make
up this router can be recycled in accordance with regionally established regulations.
Never dispose of this electronic equipment along with your household waste; you
may be subject to penalties or sanctions under the law. Instead, please be
responsible and ask for disposal instructions from your local government.

CHAPTER 1: PRODUCT INFORMATION................................................................................................6
1.1 WIFI FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................6
1.2 POWERLINE FEATURES .........................................................................................................................6
1.3 SAFETY INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................7
1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................................7
1.5 PACKAGE CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2: NETWORK SETUP ............................................................................................................9
2.1 HARDWARE SETUP ..............................................................................................................................9
2.2 POWERLINE LOGICAL NETWORK...........................................................................................................12
2.2.1 Initial Setup ..........................................................................................................................13
2.2.2 Device Connection ................................................................................................................14
2.2.3 Adding a New Device............................................................................................................15
2.2.4 PowerGrid 9142s WiFi setup................................................................................................16
2.2.5 WPS Setup ............................................................................................................................17
2.2.6 How to use a power strip with the PowerGrid 9142s ...........................................................18
2.2.7 How to understand the STATUS LED colors...........................................................................18
2.2.8 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................19
2.2.9 Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................................................20
2.3 CONNECTING TO PG-9142S WIRELESS-N POWERLINE ADAPTER BY WEB BROWSER .......................................23
2.3.1 Windows 7 IP address setup ................................................................................................24
2.3.2 Connecting to Web Management Interface .........................................................................25
2.4 QUICK SETUP ...................................................................................................................................26
2.4.1 LAN Settings .........................................................................................................................26
2.4.2 Wireless Settings..................................................................................................................27
2.4.3 Security Settings...................................................................................................................29
2.5 STATUS............................................................................................................................................30
2.5.1 Device Status........................................................................................................................30
2.5.2 System Log ...........................................................................................................................32
2.5.3 Statistics ...............................................................................................................................33
2.6 GENERAL SETUP ...............................................................................................................................34
2.6.1 Time Zone Setting ................................................................................................................34
2.6.2 Password ..............................................................................................................................35
2.6.3 TR-069 Client ........................................................................................................................36
2.6.4 LAN Settings .........................................................................................................................38
2.7 WIRELESS ........................................................................................................................................39
2.7.1 Basic settings........................................................................................................................39

2.7.2 Advanced settings ................................................................................................................42
2.7.3 Security settings ...................................................................................................................44
2.7.3.1 Disable Security.................................................................................................................45
2.7.3.2 WEP...................................................................................................................................45
2.7.3.3 WPA/WPA2/WPA-Mix .......................................................................................................46
2.7.4 Access Control ......................................................................................................................48
2.7.5 WPS ......................................................................................................................................49
2.8 TOOLS.............................................................................................................................................52
2.8.1 Configuration Tools ..............................................................................................................52
2.8.2 Firmware Upgrade ...............................................................................................................53
2.8.3 Factory Defaults ...................................................................................................................54
2.8.4 Save/Reload setting .............................................................................................................55
CHAPTER 3: HOMEPLUG AV USER APPLICATION TOOL ..................................................................... 56
3.1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................................................................56
3.2 USER GUIDE ....................................................................................................................................60
3.2.1 Configuration .......................................................................................................................60
3.3 NETWORK TOPOLOGY ........................................................................................................................61
3.3.1 Topology Information ...........................................................................................................61
3.3.2 Device Details.......................................................................................................................63
3.3.3 Connectivity Information on the Entire Network .................................................................64
3.3.4 Connectivity Information for a Specific Device.....................................................................65
3.3.5 Average Network PHY Rate ..................................................................................................67
3.3.6 Network Topology Legend....................................................................................................68
3.4 CHANGE DEVICE ID ...........................................................................................................................69
3.5 UPDATE FIRMWARE ...........................................................................................................................71
3.6 CONFIGURATION WIZARD ...................................................................................................................74
3.6.1 First Step –Creating a New Private Network .......................................................................75
3.6.2 Second Step –Adding Remote Devices to the New Private Network ...................................76
3.7 LANGUAGE ......................................................................................................................................79
3.8 TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................................................80
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 81

Chapter 1: Product Information
1.1 WiFi Features
Compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless network standard
Supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, and WPA2 wireless data encryption
Supports MAC address filtering
Supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
Easy to use web-based GUI (Graphical User Interface) for network
configuration and management purposes
1.2 Powerline Features
High speed PHY rate - Up to 200Mbps
Supports 128-bit AES link encryption with key management
Supports Quality of Service (QoS)
Support for IPv4/IPv6, IGMP and MLD snooping
Easy installation - just plug and play
Wall-mount design

1.3 Safety Information
1. This Wireless-N Powerline Adapter is designed for indoor use only; DO NOT place
this Wireless-N Powerline Adapter outdoors.
2. DO NOT put this Wireless-N Powerline Adapter at or near hot or humid places, like
kitchens or bathrooms.
3. DO NOT pull any connected cable with force; disconnect it from the Wireless-N
Powerline Adapter first.
4. There‟s no user-serviceable part inside the Wireless-N Powerline Adapter. If you
found that the product is not working properly, please contact your dealer of
purchase and ask for help. DO NOT disassemble the product; this will void your
warranty.
1.4 System Requirements
Computer or network devices with wired or wireless network interface card.
Any connected devices must feature a network port.
Web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or above, Opera web browser,
or Safari web browser).
An available AC power socket (100 –240 V, 50/60Hz).

1.5 Package contents
The following items are included in your PG-9142s package:
• A single PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapter
• One Ethernet cable
• Quick Installation Guide

Chapter 2: Network Setup
2.1 Hardware Setup
Front Panel and LED indicators
LED
Color
Power
OFF: No power (perhaps the socket to which the Wireless-N
Powerline Adapter is connected does not work or is disabled)
Green: Wireless-N Powerline Adapter is plugged in with voltage
present
Blink: Establishing connection
Status
Green: Excellent network traffic (i.e. the connection speed is more
than 90 Megabits per second)
Orange: Good network traffic (i.e. the connection speed is
between 40 and 90 Megabits per second)
Red: Normal network traffic (i.e. the connection speed is between
1 and 40 Megabits per second)
Blink: Wireless-N Powerline Adapter in power saving mode (blinks
twice every 5 seconds)

WLAN
Green: WiFi connection established
Blink: Data transmitting or receiving over WLAN (secured
network)
OFF: WiFi disabled
WPS
Blink: WPS mode is on for 120 seconds
OFF: WPS mode is off
ETHERNET
Green: LAN connection established
OFF: LAN connection is not established
Blink: Data transmitting/receiving
Bottom Panel
Item Name
Description
LAN
Local Area Network (LAN) port
Reset
Press 11 seconds to reset the system with factory defaults

Front Panel Buttons
Item Name
Description
Press more than 2 seconds to start WPS connection
Config
Press for between 2 –11 seconds to join/establish a powerline
network
Press for over 11 seconds to leave a powerline network

2.2 Powerline Logical Network
In the following example we are going to show how our PG-9142s works in
conjunction with the PG-9141s. See the following illustration for reference.
These steps show how to connect a PowerGrid 9141s unit to a modem or router. This
guide assumes that a PowerGrid 9141s will be the primary connection to the modem
/ router and the PowerGrid 9142s will be used within the network to connect to WiFi
capable devices (E.g. Tablet, IP Phone, Access Point).

2.2.1 Initial Setup
1. Ensure that your modem or router is powered on.
2. Plug a PowerGrid 9141s unit into the power socket closest to the modem/ router.
The Power LED will blink GREEN.
3. Connect the PowerGrid 9141s unit to the LAN port of the modem/router with an
Ethernet (RJ-45) cable. Wait 10 seconds for the PowerGrid‟s Ethernet LED and
Power LED to light up GREEN indicating a stable connection.

2.2.2 Device Connection
These steps show how to connect a PowerGrid 9142s to a network device.
Below we use an Ethernet camera as a network device.
1. Plug a PowerGrid 9142s unit into the power socket closest to the
camera or other device. The Power LED on the PowerGrid 9142s should
light up GREEN.
2. Power on your camera (or Ethernet device). Connect the PowerGrid
9142s to the camera with an Ethernet cable. The Ethernet LED on the
PowerGrid 9142s should light up GREEN.
3. The Status LED on the PowerGrid 9142s (s) should now be RED,
GREEN or ORANGE.
4. If the Status LED is off , Press the “Config” button on each of the two
PowerGrid 9142s and 9141s devices for 2-11 seconds. Upon successful
connection of the PowerGrid 9141s, the Status LED will light up.
5. If the connection process is not successful, please refer to the trouble
shooting steps in 2.2.8

2.2.3 Adding a New Device
Follow steps 1-4 in section 2.2.2 to add additional PowerGrid 9142s devices to the
network. Press the “Config” button on the new device and one other PowerGrid
device in the network so they can pair and transmit data successfully.

2.2.4 PowerGrid 9142s WiFi setup
1. To connect your WiFi device (e.g. computer, tablet, smartphone) to the
PowerGrid 9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapter, go to your device‟s WiFi
settings to search for - and select - the SSID that is located on your PowerGrid
9142s device label.
2. When prompted, input the WiFi key located on the PowerGrid 9142s device
label to connect.
3. You should now be successfully connected to the PowerGrid 9142s WiFi
network.
Note: To configure the WiFi settings of your PowerGrid 9142s using a desktop
computer/notebook via an Ethernet cable, please refer to section 2.3 & 2.4

2.2.5 WPS Setup
If your client (e.g. smartphone, notebook, tablet) supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected
Setup) then you can use this method to set up your PowerGrid 9142s‟ Wi-Fi
network.
1. Press and hold the WPS button for more than 2 seconds on the PowerGrid 9142s
to activate its WPS. The PowerGrid 9142s‟ WPS LED should flash to indicate a
WPS connection is in progress.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button (often the WPS/Reset button) on
your client to activate WPS.
Note: Please check the instructions for your wireless client for how long you need to
hold down its WPS button to activate WPS.
3. The devices will establish a connection. You can now connect to the PowerGrid
9142s‟ wireless network with a Wi-Fi device, as described in section 2.2.2 To
confirm a successful connection you can see if your client device
(e.g. smartphone, notebook, tablet) displays the WiFi connected icon

2.2.6 How to use a power strip with the PowerGrid 9142s
If you must plug your Wireless-N Powerline Adapter into a power strip, we suggest
you use a basic power strip as the more advanced ones have a filter that can
interfere with the Powerline signal.
SURGE PROTECTED POWER STRIPS: Avoid plugging
PowerGrid units into power strips with surge protection as this will
reduce network speed and may even prevent their use.
2.2.7 How to understand the STATUS LED colors
The STATUS LED displays quality of the network and provides important
information that will provide solutions to common questions, such as why a High
Definition (HD) movie is not showing or shows with pixels. The STATUS LED
indicator will vary its color depending on the estimated speed of the Powerline
connection. The speed is measured in Megabits Per Second (Mbps).
Color
Information
RED
Normal network traffic (ex. the connection speed is between 1
and 40 Megabits per second).
ORANGE
Good network traffic (ex. the connection speed is between 40
and 90 Megabits per second).
GREEN
Excellent network traffic (ex. the connection speed is more
than 90 Megabits per second).

2.2.8 Troubleshooting
The following information should help you diagnose basic setup or installation
problems.
1) POWER LED is OFF: If the POWER LED goes off, please make sure that your
power socket is working properly (perhaps by testing with another device).Then
plug in your PowerGrid 9142s again. If the POWER LED does not light up, please
contact your equipment supplier for further information.
2) ETHERNET LED is OFF: If the ETHERNET LED fails to light up, check that the
LAN port of the PowerGrid unit is connected firmly to the LAN port of the other
device. To check the condition of the Ethernet cable, use another cable to test the
same connection.
3) STATUS LED is OFF: Plug both PowerGrid units that you‟re attempting to pair
into power sockets that are within the same room; both PowerGrid devices should
have an Ethernet cable connected to their respective devices e.g. PC, Router, Set
Top Box, camera, etc…). After 10 seconds (approx, until all the LEDs of the device
blink), the STATUS LED should light up GREEN. If not, press the Config button on
each for 2-5 seconds and let go.
* If you have tried all of the above and are still experiencing problems, you can reset
both devices to factory default by using a pin to push the Reset button of each
device for 11 seconds. The WPS LED will flash every second. After the Reset button
is released, the WPS LED will be steady ON for around 5 seconds, then the system
will reboot to factory defaults.
PowerGrid 9142s PowerGrid 9141s
Reset Reset

2.2.9 Frequently Asked Questions
This PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapter has been designed to be reliable and
easy to use in creating or extending your existing home network. However,
should you experience any problems, please refer to the list below to aid in
troubleshooting.
1. What to do if the LEDs do not display as expected?
Power indictor is flashing, the other indicators are off: The PG-9142s
Wireless-N Powerline Adapter went into power saving mode. It occurs 60
seconds after the Ethernet signal connection stops.
Ethernet LED is off: If the Ethernet LED does not light up, check or
connect your devices (PC, STB…etc.) to the port Ethernet PowerGrid to
check whether your Ethernet cable works. Alternatively, you can use
another similar cable.
Status LED is off: After performing step 2. (for 2 single units to pair up),
if still not working, please do the following 2 steps:
Simple Connect: Press the CONFIG push button for more than 11
seconds on each of PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapters, then
press the CONFIG push button for 2-5 seconds on one adapter (the
Power LED should blink). Within 2 minutes, press the CONFIG
push button for 2-5 seconds on the second adapter. After 10
seconds the two adapters should communicate and the Status LED
should be solid on both adapters at the end of the pairing process.
Simple Pairing: Plug 2 PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapters in
to power outlets, then connect these 2 devices directly to one
another using an Ethernet cable. Wait for the Ethernet LED to
turn ON, and then disconnect the Ethernet cable. The Status LED
should be solid ON both PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapters
at the end of the pairing process.
2. How do I RESET to factory default settings?
If you have tried the FAQ above action 1., and you are still experiencing
problems, you can return both PG-9142s Wireless-N Powerline Adapters to factory
settings using the pin by pressing (RESET) for 11 seconds (until the WPS LED flashes
every second).
If the power LED on any of the PG-9142s units (in the network) does not light
up Green, press the Config button on the problem PG-9142s unit for more than 10
seconds to disconnect it from the network. Then, see section 2.2.1 & 2.2.2 for
Network Setup. If the problem persists, please contact your local agent for further
assistance.