Comtrend Corporation PG-9172AC User manual

261072-042
Version A1.1, March 31, 2017
PG-9172AC
G.hn+11ac Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter
User Manual

1
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 [e-mail]
For product update, new product release, manual revision, or software upgrades, please visit
our website at http://www.comtrend.com
Important Safety Instructions
In order to keep the safety of users and your properties, please follow these safety
instructions:
1. This power line access point is designed for indoor use only; DO NOT place this power line
access point outdoor.
2. DO NOT put this power line access point at or near hot or humid places, like a kitchen or
bathroom. Also, do not leave this power line access point in the car under direct sunlight.
3. DO NOT pull any connected cable with force; disconnect it from the power line access point
first.
4. If you want to place this power line access point at high places, please make sure the
power line access point is firmly secured. Falling from high places would damage the power
line access point and its accessories, and warranty will be void.
5. There’s no user-serviceable part inside the access point. If you found that the power line
access point is not working properly, please contact your dealer of purchase and ask for help.
DO NOT disassemble the access point, warranty will be void.
6. If the power line access point falls into water when it’s powered, DO NOT use your hand to
pick it up. Switch the electrical power off before you do anything, or contact an experienced
electrical technician for help.

2
Copyright
Copyright©2017 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
device 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.

3
CATALOG
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................5
1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2 HOW TO INSTALL PG-9172AC....................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 3 LED INDICATIONS......................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 4 BUTTON FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 5 WIRELESS SYSTEM AND NETWORK SETUP ......................................................................14
5.1 CONNECT TO POWER LINE ACCESS POINT BY WEB BROWSER ...........................................................................14
5.2 CONNECTING TO WEB MANAGEMENT INTERFACE ..........................................................................................15
5.3 VIEW SYSTEM INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................16
5.4 NETWORK SETTINGS.......................................................................................................................................18
5.5 STATIONS LIST ................................................................................................................................................18
5.6 NETWORK TIMING ..........................................................................................................................................19
5.7ACCESS POLICY ..............................................................................................................................................20
5.8ADMINISTRATION............................................................................................................................................21
5.9 MONITOR........................................................................................................................................................22
5.10 LOGOUT........................................................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 6 WIRELESS CONFIGURATIONS................................................................................................23
6.1 2.4G WIRELESS SETTINGS..............................................................................................................................23
6.1.1 Multiple BSS ...........................................................................................................................................24
6.2 2.4G SECURITY SETTINGS..............................................................................................................................25
6.3 2.4G WPS SETTINGS ......................................................................................................................................26
6.4 2.4GAIR TIME MANAGEMENT.......................................................................................................................27
6.4.1 2.4Ghz Air Time Management ...............................................................................................................27
6.4.2 Configuration.........................................................................................................................................28
6.4.3 Per BSS Weights.....................................................................................................................................28
6.4.4 Per Station Weights................................................................................................................................28
6.5 5G WIRELESS SETTINGS.................................................................................................................................29
6.5.1 Multiple BSS ...........................................................................................................................................30
6.6 5G SECURITY SETTINGS.................................................................................................................................31
6.7 5G WPS SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................................32
6.8 5GAIR TIME MANAGEMENT..........................................................................................................................33
6.8.1 5Ghz Air Time Management ..................................................................................................................33
6.8.2 Configuration.........................................................................................................................................34
6.8.3 Per BSS Weights.....................................................................................................................................34
6.8.4 Per Station Weights................................................................................................................................34
CHAPTER 7 G.HN/POWERLINE SETUP........................................................................................................35
7.1 CONFIGURE STATIC IPMODE......................................................................................................................35
7.2 LOGGING IN....................................................................................................................................................36
7.3 G.HN INTERFACE.............................................................................................................................................37
7.3.1 Basic Configuration................................................................................................................................38
7.3.2 NDIM Configuration...............................................................................................................................38
7.3.3 Encryption Configuration via WEB UI...................................................................................................38
7.4 IPINTERFACE..................................................................................................................................................39
7.4.1 IP config..................................................................................................................................................40
7.5 ETHERNET INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................41
7.6 DEVICE INTERFACE.........................................................................................................................................42
7.6.1 Hardware information ............................................................................................................................42
7.6.2 Software information...............................................................................................................................42
7.6.3 Security...................................................................................................................................................43
7.6.4 SW update...............................................................................................................................................43
7.6.5 HTTP SW update.....................................................................................................................................43
7.7 MULTICAST INTERFACE...................................................................................................................................44
7.7.1 MCAST Configuration ............................................................................................................................44
7.8 QOSMENU......................................................................................................................................................45
7.8.1 QoS Configuration..................................................................................................................................45
7.9 VLAN INTERFACE ..........................................................................................................................................48
7.9.1 VLAN Configuration...............................................................................................................................48

4
7.10 G.HN SPECTRUM INTERFACE .........................................................................................................................49
7.10.1 Notches .................................................................................................................................................49
7.11 LOG FILE INTERFACE.....................................................................................................................................50
7.11.1 Log File.................................................................................................................................................50
7.12ADVANCED INTERFACE .................................................................................................................................51
CHAPTER 8 CLI COMMANDS FOR TR069 SETTINGS VIATELNET......................................................52

5
Chapter 1 Introduction
Comtrend’s PG-9172AC is designed to meet the growing demand for perfect connectivity and
coverage across multiple devices connected concurrently throughout the home. The G.hn
Powerline Wi-Fi extender allows users to take Wi-Fi with them anywhere throughout the
home or backyard and enjoy a seamless wireless experience.
1.1 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, Google Chrome web browser,
Opera web browser, or Safari web browser)
An available AC power socket (100 –240 V, 50/60Hz)

6
Chapter 2 How to Install PG-9172AC
(A) Understanding the AC1200 G.hn Powerline Adapter
How to Create a Basic (2 unit) G.hn Powerline Network –Recommended Setup
A G.hn Powerline Network can consist of a minimum of 2 and up to 16 devices total.
**The PG-9172 can be replaced by another G.hn Powerline Adapter.
NOTE: The following steps show how to create or add onto a G.hn Powerline Network using
a PG-9172AC.
(A minimum of two G.hn Powerline Adapters are required to create a proper connection.)
If this is the first time you are setting up a G.hn Powerline Network please continue to
Section B.
If you already have an established G.hn Powerline Network and are adding an additional
adapter, please skip to Section C.
Purpose
Recommended
Primary Adapter
Second Adapter
Connecting a single dedicated Internet
Device
PG-9172**
PG-9172**
Bringing wireless to a remote location
PG-9172**
PG-9172AC
Connecting a PoE Enabled Device
PG-9172**
PG-9172PoE
Displays Ethernet
Connection Status
Displays Security
Status
Displays
Adapter
Connection
Status
Displays 2.4GHz/5GHz
Enabling/Disabling WiFi
Status
Reset Button
Press for more
than10
seconds for
Factory Reset.
WPS Connection Button
Gigabit
Ethernet Port
Power Port
WiFi On/Off
Button
On/Off
Power Button
Adapter Pairing
Button

7
(B) Creating a New G.hn Network
1. Plug a PG-9172* unit into the power outlet closest to the Network Device (Modem,
Router). Do not plug the adapter into a power strip or surge protector, as network
performance could degrade significantly.
*NOTE: It is suggested that you use the PG-9172 as the primary connection to the
Network Device, however the PG-9172 can be replaced by another G.hn
Powerline Adapter.
2. Connect the PG-9172 to a Network Device with an Ethernet (RJ-45) cable. (Wait 10
seconds for the Network Indicator to light up GREEN, which indicates a
good connection. A flashing GREEN light indicates that the device has a good
connection and is also sending data).
2
Network Device
(Modem, Router)
Ethernet Cable
PG-9172
PG-9172

8
(C) Adding to an Existing G.hn Network
3. Plug the PG-9172AC into the power outlet closest to the location you want to add
wireless and/or near an Internet-Enabled Device you would like to directly connect
to the adapter. The PLC Indicator should light up.
4. Optionally, to add an Internet-Enabled Device, directly connect the PG-9172AC to
the Internet-Enabled Device with an Ethernet cable. (The Network Indicator
on the PG-9172 and the LAN Indicator of the PG-9172AC should both be
GREEN representing a strong connection).
(D) Security Setup
NOTE: G.hn Adapters will automatically “pair” in “non-secure” mode. It is highly
recommended to follow Step 5 to create a secure connection.
5. Press the “Config” Button of a PG-9172 in the existing network for 2 seconds. You will
see the Security Indicator start flashing GREEN. Within two minutes, press the “PLC
Sync” Button on the PG-9172AC for 2 seconds until you see the Security Indicator
start flashing GREEN.(When the adapters are successfully paired and secured
with a strong connection the PG-9172’s Connection Indicator and Security
Indicator will be solid GREEN and the PG-9172AC’s PLC Indicator and Security
Indicator will be solid GREEN.)
6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 to add additional adapters/devices.

9
(E) Connecting Your WiFi Devices to the New PG-9172AC
Access Point
7. For some devices (E.g. laptops, cameras, set-top-boxes, etc.) wireless
connectivity can be done via WPS (Wireless Protected Setup). WPS allows you to
simply connect devices to the new Access Point without entering a
username/password manually. To do this, please follow the instructions in
Section F below.
8. You have created a new Internet Access Point and it is now active and ready to use!
To connect your WiFi devices to your new PG-9172AC WiFi Access Point, select the
PG-9172AC Access Point using your WiFi device’s standard network list. The
Network Name (SSID) and Password (WiFi Key) can be found on the bottom of the
PG-9172AC.
9. Go to Section G.
(F) Setup of Wireless Devices via WPS
(WiFi Protected Setup)
10. Press and hold the “WPS” Button for more than 2 seconds on the PG-9172AC to
activate its WPS. The PG-9172AC’s WiFi Indicators should flash to
indicate a WPS connection is in progress.
11. Within two minutes, press the “WPS” Button (often the WPS/Reset Button) on your
remote Internet-Enabled Devices to activate WPS.
12. The devices will establish a secure connection.

10
(G) You Have Successfully Installed Your G.hn Powerline
Adapter with WiFi!
(H) Troubleshooting
The following information should help you diagnose basic setup or installation problems.
1) SECURITY Indicator is OFF: The SECURITY Indicator is off
when the Powerline Adapter is paired in “non-secure”
mode to the G.hn Network. It is optional to pair the device
in “secure mode.” To pair the device in “secure mode,"
please refer to Section D, Step 5.
2) LAN Indicator is OFF: The LAN Indicator is off when the
Powerline Adapter does not have a device directly
connected to its Ethernet Port. If there is a device
connected and if the LAN Indicator is off, please check
that the Ethernet port of the Powerline Adapter is
connected firmly to the Ethernet port of the device. You
can also check the condition of the Ethernet cable by
using another Ethernet cable to test if the indicator turns
on.
3) WiFi Indicators are OFF: The WiFi Indicators are off when the WiFi is not enabled.
You can turn on both indicators, (i.e. enable WiFi) by pressing the “WiFi” Button on
the front of the device. You can also login to the PG-9172AC Web Interface and
enable WiFi (5GHz only). Please refer to section 6.5 of the User Manual for additional
details.
SECURITY
LAN
WiFi
PLC
PLC
Security
LAN
5 GHz 2.4 GHz

11
4) PLC Indicator is OFF: The PLC Indicator is off when the Powerline Adapter is not
paired to the G.hn Network. If this indicator is off, then plug both Powerline Adapters
that you are attempting to pair into power outlets that are located within the same
room. All of the indicators of the device should blink (approx. 10 seconds), and the PLC
Indicator should light up. If the PLC Indicator does not light up, it may indicate the
existing G.hn network is secure and you have to pair the PG-9172AC to it in “secure
mode.” To do so, press the “Config" Button on the PG-9172 for 2 seconds (Holding for
more than 4 seconds will clear the security key and require a re-pairing). Within 2
minutes, press the "PLC Sync" Button on the PG-9172AC for 2 seconds. The PLC Indicator
will then light up GREEN. Afterwards, you can plug the units back into their original
location.
* If you have tried all of the above and are still experiencing problems, you can reset all
devices to factory default by pushing the “Reset” Button on the PG-9172AC for more than 10
seconds AND the “Config” Button on the PG-9172 for 10 seconds.
FOR MORE HELP: For instructions on advanced features, FAQ, etc., please visit the PG-9172AC
online Product Webpage on our website.
PG-9172AC
PG-9172

12
Chapter 3 LED Indications
LED
COLOR
MODE
DESCRIPTION
Green
On
The current connection (line rate) is more than 40
Mbps
Blink
System rebooting
Orange
On
The current connection (line rate) is more than 20
Mbps and less than 40 Mbps
Red
On
(1). The current connection (line rate) is between 1
and 20 Mbps per second)
(2). The PLC is in unsecure mode* and connected to
other PLCs
Off
No PLC connection exists
Green
Off
2.4GHz WLAN is disabled
On
2.4GHz WLAN is on or activity occurring (tx/rx data
and message)
Blink
(1). Fast Blinking:
1.WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed
(2). Slow Blinking:
1. Normal WPS sync activity
2. WPS SSID/Key sync activity
3. System in Factory Reset process
Blue
Off
5GHz WLAN is disabled
On
5GHz WLAN is on or activity occurring (tx/rx data and
message)
Blink
(1). Fast Blinking:
1.WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed
(2). Slow Blinking:
1. Normal WPS sync activity
2. WPS SSID/Key sync activity
3. System in Factory Reset process
Green
Off
LAN Interface down
On
LAN Interface up 10/100/1000
Orange
Blink
(1). Fast Blinking:
1. WPS SSID/Key sync copy failed
(2). Slow Blinking:
1. WPS SSID/Key sync activity
2. System in Factory Reset process
Green
Off
Node is not secure, it has neither received nor
generated network key parameters (domain name
and encryption key)
On
Node is secure (it has either received or generated
network keys)
Blink
Node is in configuration mode (able to exchange
network keys)

13
Chapter 4 Button Functions
BUTTON
WORDING ON
ENCLOSURE
BUTTON
FUNCTION
SECONDS
TO PUSH
BUTTON
DESCRIPTION
1
On/Off
Power the device
On and Off
N/A
Press the power button
once to turn the
PG-9172AC On.
Press the power button
once to turn the
PG-9172AC Off.
2
PLC Sync
PLC pairing
+2sec
Press more than 2
seconds ( LED
starts slow blinking),
and configuration
period is open
3
WPS
WPS
2-5 sec
1. Press for 2-5
seconds, and both
& LEDs
blink slowly.
2. Then release the
button, the AP WPS
is in process.
WiFi SSID/PW
copy
+5 sec
Press for +5 seconds,
& , ,
and the LEDs
blink slowly, the WLAN
is in sync with main
gateway for SSID and
Key on 2.4GHz
4
RESET
Factory reset
+10 sec
Press more than 10
seconds: a factory
reset of the system
(both G.hn & WiFi) is
performed
5
WiFi ON/OFF
Switch off/on
2.4GHz/5GHz
WiFi interfaces
+2 sec
Disable/enable both
2.4G/5GHz WLAN
interfaces by pushing
the button for +2s
2&3
N/A
Switch off/on all
LED’s
+2 sec
Turn on/off all LED’s by
pushing both PLC Sync
and WPS buttons
simultaneously for +2s

14
Chapter 5 wireless System and Network Setup
5.1 Connect to power line access point by web
browser
PG-9172AC supports two kinds of management IP.
(1) DHCP client, which gets a dynamic IP address from the Modem/Broadband
Router/Home Gateway that it is connected to by default.
(2) Static IP, 192.168.0.5 by default, which can be configurable in the web UI.
Before you can connect to the power line access point and start configuration procedures,
your computer must be able to get an IP address automatically (dynamic IP address).
PG-9172AC gets a dynamic IP address from Modem/Broadband Router/Home Gateway that
it is connected to by default. However, the current IP info of PG-9172AC would be displayed
at the Modem/Broadcom Router/Home Gateway.
Also, the static IP of PG-9172AC can be accessed by the default static IP address of
192.168.0.5, subnet mask 255.255.255.0. Change your PC’s static IP address to
192.168.0.100, subnet mask 255.255.255.0 for accessing web UI management.

15
5.2 Connecting to Web Management Interface
All functions and settings for the Wi-Fi AP of PG-9172AC must be configured via the web
management interface. Please start your web browser, and input ‘192.168.0.5’in the address
bar, then press the ‘Enter’ key. The following will be displayed:
Please input user name and password in their respective fields, default user name is ‘root’,
and default password is ‘12345’, then press the Login button, to view the web management
interface of this access point.
NOTE: If you can’t see the web management interface, and you’re
being prompted to input user name and password again, it means you
didn’t input username and password correctly.

16
5.3 View System Information
The system information is on the left-side of the web page as shown below.

17
Here are descriptions of every item:
Heading
Description
2.4GHz Network
Displays 2.4GHz AP status, Channel, MAC, BSSID and
SSID string.
5GHz Network
Displays 5GHz AP status, Channel, MAC, BSSID and SSID
string.
Common
WiFi and G.hn Image version information.
WiFi Image version:
PG-9172AC-WLAN-684125CTU-C01_R01
G.hn Image version:
PG-9172AC-PLC-64R39873CTU-C01_R01

18
5.4 Network Settings
This page allows you to set the IP address for the web UI. Click the Apply button to reboot
the system and implement your changes.
5.5 Stations List
This is page shows the information of wireless Stations that are connected to PG-9172AC.
Here are descriptions of every item:
Heading
Description
MAC address
This option will list the Wireless stations connected to the
PG-9172AC at the 2.4G or 5GHz Interface.
Rate (MCS)
MCS# on the wireless interface with the station.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth, 20/40MHz for 2.4GHz, 20/40/80MHz for 5GHz

19
5.6 Network Timing
This page allows you to set the local time zone for TR069 management.
Heading
Description
Enable NTP
You can decide to set up NTP client by clicking checkbox.
Primary NTP Server
Input the Primary NTP Server, for example:
us.pool.ntp.org, etc.
Secondary NTP Server
Input the Secondary NTP Server, for example:
wwv.nist.gov
Local Time Zone
You can select your Time Zone from the drop-down menu.