Devolo dLAN 500 AVplus User manual

The Network Innovation
dLAN®
500 duo

devolo dLAN®500 duo

© 2012 devolo AG Aachen (Germany)
While the information in this manual has been compiled with great care, it may not be deemed an assurance of product characteristics. devolo shall be liable only
to the degree specified in the terms of sale and delivery.
The reproduction and distribution of the documentation and software supplied with this product and the use of its contents is subject to written authorization from
devolo. We reserve the right to make any alterations that arise as the result of technical development.
Trademarks
HomePlug®is a registered trademark of HomePlug Powerline Alliance.
Linux®is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Ubuntu®is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.
Mac®and Mac OS X®are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Windows®and Microsoft®are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Corp.
devolo, dLAN®, Vianect®and the devolo logo are registered trademarks of devolo AG.
All other names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Subject to change without notice. No liability for technical errors
or omissions.
devolo AG
Charlottenburger Allee 60
52068 Aachen
Germany
www.devolo.com
Aachen, July 2012

devolo dLAN 500 duo
Contents
1 Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Thank you! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 What exactly is dLAN? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 devolo—Up to speed on green IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 dLAN 500 duo at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 Sample applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4.1 Internet standalone solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4.2 Distributed Internet access solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1 Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
3.3 Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4 Connecting the dLAN 500 duo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.5 Software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.5.1 Software for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.5.2 Software for Mac OS X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.5.3 Software for Linux (Ubuntu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 dLAN network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1 Security in the dLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2 dLAN Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2.1 Encrypting a network with dLAN Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.3 dLAN AV network encryption at the touch of a button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

devolo dLAN 500 duo
5 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.1 Bandwidth optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.2 Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5.3 Disposal of old devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
5.4 Warranty conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Preface 5
devolo dLAN 500 duo
1Preface
1.1 Thank you!
The dLAN 500 duo allows you to set up your own
home network with almost no effort. Because the
clever dLAN technology transmits the data over the
household electrical wiring, you do not have to lay
any new cables.
The special thing about dLAN 500 duo is its two net-
work jacks. This way two devices in a room, such as
a computer and a NAS hard drive or an entertain re-
ceiver and a game console, are connected with all of
the other devices in the network and to the Internet
in no time. Thanks to the dLAN 500 duo's flat
housing design, you can discreetly place the adapter
virtually anywhere.
To protect your data, simply press a button on the
dLAN 500 duo to activate the convenient and secure
128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryp-
tion. In addition, the patented power saving mode,
which comes standard, automatically reduces the
power consumption.
1.1.1 About this manual
After a brief introduction to "dLAN" and "Green IT"
basics in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 will cover successfully
setting up your dLAN 500 duo. Chapter 4 explains
how to configure your dLAN AV network. Tips for
bandwidth optimisation, information about product
safety and environmental compatibility of the device
and our warranty conditions can be found in
Chapter 5 and conclude the manual.
Description of the symbols
Here we briefly describe the meaning of the symbols
used in this manual.
Very important note. Failure to ob-
serve this note may result in damage.
Important note that should be ob-
served.
Additional information, background material
and configuration tips for your device.
If you have any further ideas or suggestions related to
our products, we would be delighted to hear from you
at [email protected]!

6 Preface
devolo dLAN 500 duo
devolo on the Internet
For detailed information on our products or "dLAN",
visit www.devolo.com. The Service Centre area con-
tains downloadable product descriptions and docu-
mentation, as well as updates to devolo software and
device firmware.
For the CE declaration for this product, refer to
the accompanying product CD under CE.
For the permitted voltage range for
operating the device and the power
consumption, refer to the label on the
rear side of the device. Additional
technical information is available in
the download area at www.devolo.com.

Introduction 7
devolo dLAN 500 duo
2 Introduction
dLAN is an intelligent, secure technology that lets you
set up a home network easily, quickly and economical-
ly via your household electrical wiring, without the
need for complex and expensive dedicated cabling.
The available performance and effort required for the
installation also compares favourably to traditional
methods—dLAN technology now attains speeds you
would expect from other LAN technologies, and install-
ing it is a breeze!

8 Introduction
devolo dLAN 500 duo
2.1 What exactly is dLAN?
dLAN (direct Local Area Network) uses the household
power grid to transfer data between computers
equipped with suitable adapters and other network
components. As a result, any power outlet can be used
as a network access point. The data is modulated prior
to transfer and sent as a signal via household power
lines. State-of-the-art technology ensures that the
power and data networks do not interfere with one an-
other. Networking via dLAN is fast and secure. The
data is encrypted using a key to prevent easy intercep-
tion by third parties.
2.2 devolo—Up to speed on green
IT
The topic everyone is talking about is green IT. devolo
has an easy solution: the power saving mode, which
comes standard with the home network adapters, sets
the company apart from many competitors in the IT in-
dustry. And that has been the case even before global
warming and the scarcity of resources have become
concerns on everyone's mind.
Developers at devolo, have for a long time kept a close
eye on how much power dLAN adapters may consume.
After all, a devolo network via electrical sockets should
not only be convenient, but also require as little energy
as possible—particularly during times when it is not
being used.
That devolo can satisfy the demand for energy efficien-
cy is evidenced by the patented power saving mode
in the devices. It automatically reduces the energy
consumption when the computers in the dLAN net-
work or connected equipment are switched off.
The power saving mode in the adapters is not only a tri-
bute to environmental protection but also a real
service to the customer. Most people tend to forget to
regularly press the standby button on the hardware.
The patented technology in devolo adapters al-
lows you to save energy without having to do
anything. And if less energy is consumed, your elec-
tric meter will turn more slowly. In other words, every
minute the adapter is in power saving mode, you will
save money.

Introduction 9
devolo dLAN 500 duo
A dLAN adapter connected to a com-
puter can only go into power saving
mode if the network card of the swit-
ched-off computer is also inactive. If
you are using a network card that re-
mains active even when the computer
is switched off, we recommend con-
necting the computer to an on/off
switch using a multiple socket so that
both the computer and the integrated
network card are de-energised.
2.3 dLAN 500 duo at a glance
쎲The dLAN 500 duo's one-of-a-kind adapter
design offers two network connections directly
to the device—this allows any two devices in a
room, like a computer and a NAS hard drive, or a
Set-Top Box receiver and a game console, to
simultaneously get online quickly and easily.
쎲The slim dimensions of the adapter allow unob-
trusive and especially flexible positioning in any
room.
쎲The "Quality of Service" function and transfer
rates of up to 200 Mbps are enough for band-
width-hungry applications.
쎲Innovative status LEDs show the operating state
directly on the adapter.
쎲Secure AES encryption is activated very easily
쑗at the touch of a button on the adapter or
쑗via the devolo software dLAN Cockpit for PC
(Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7),
Mac and Linux
쎲The patented intelligent Dynamic PowerSave
automatically uses less power in standby mode.

10 Introduction
devolo dLAN 500 duo
2.4 Sample applications
2.4.1 Internet standalone solutions
Extending Internet over the electrical wiring
(Fig. 1)
Fig. 1

Introduction 11
devolo dLAN 500 duo
Connecting entertainment receiver and game con-
sole to the Internet (Fig. 2)
Fig. 2

12 Introduction
devolo dLAN 500 duo
2.4.2 Distributed Internet access solution
Networking two computers (Fig. 3)
Networking computer and IT accessories (Fig. 4)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Installation 13
devolo dLAN 500 duo
3 Installation
This chapter covers everything you need to know to set
up your dLAN 500 duo. It will explain connecting the
dLAN 500 duo and its functions. We will also briefly in-
troduce the included devolo software and guide you
through its installation.
Illustration is country-specific

14 Installation
devolo dLAN 500 duo
3.1 Package contents
Please ensure that the delivery is complete before be-
ginning with the installation of your dLAN 500 duo:
쎲Single Kit:
쑗dLAN 500 duo
쑗Network cable
쑗Hard copy of installation guide
쑗CD containing software and online documen-
tation
or
쎲Starter Kit:
쑗Two dLAN 500 duo
쑗Two network cables
쑗Hard copy of installation guide
쑗CD containing software and online documen-
tation
or
쎲Network Kit:
쑗Three dLAN 500 duo
쑗Three network cables
쑗Hard copy of installation guide
쑗CD containing software and online documen-
tation
devolo AG reserves the right to change the package
contents without prior notice.
3.2 System requirements
쎲Operating systems: Windows XP (32 bit), Win-
dows Vista Home Premium (32 bit/64 bit), Win-
dows 7 Home Premium (32 bit/64 bit), Linux
(Ubuntu), Mac (OS X) and any other operating sys-
tem with network support
쎲Network connection
Please note that your computer or other de-
vice must feature a network adapter with a
network port.

Installation 15
devolo dLAN 500 duo
Please note that dLAN devices such as
the devolo dLAN duo (14 Mbps) and
devolo dLAN Highspeed Ethernet II
(85 Mbps) can be used on the same
household electrical wiring as dLAN
(AV) devices (200 Mbps or 500 Mbps)
without interference, but they will not
be able to communicate directly with
one another. Hence, to set up a dLAN
(AV) network, you need two dLAN (AV)
devices (200 Mbps or 500 Mbps).
More valuable information about
dLAN or dLAN AV is available on our
website at www.devolo.com.
3.3 Functions
The dLAN 500 duo has a monitoring light (LED), two
network jacks and an encryption button.
Monitoring light
The monitoring light (LED) shows all of the statuses for
the dLAN 500 duo by illuminating and/or flashing in
different ways:
쎲The LED flashes at uniform intervals (of 2 s) if
the dLAN 500 duo is connected to the mains
supply but there is no dLAN connection.
쎲The LED lights up if the dLAN 500 duo is ready
to operate and there is a dLAN connection.
쎲The LED flashes quickly if the encryption process
(pairing) is being performed in the dLAN net-
work.
쎲The LED flashes at irregular intervals (0.5 s/
2s)if the dLAN 500 duo is in PowerSave mode.
Network connections
These are the connection points on the dLAN 500 duo
for connecting it to a computer and/or another net-
work device with the network cable (included).
Encryption button
Data encryption at the touch of a button; For more in-
formation on the functions of the encryption button,
please see the chapter 4.3 dLAN AV network en-
cryption at the touch of a button.

16 Installation
devolo dLAN 500 duo
Please note that all dLAN AV devices
to be connected to your network are
also connected to your household
electrical wiring. A dLAN AV device
switches to Standby mode after a
short while if no active network de-
vice such as a computer is connected
to the network port. In Standby mode,
the dLAN AV device cannot be ac-
cessed via the power supply grid. As
soon as the network device (e.g. com-
puter) connected to the network inter-
face is switched on again, your dLAN
AV device can also be reached again
via the electrical wiring.
3.4 Connecting the dLAN 500 duo
This section describes how to connect your
dLAN 500 duo to a computer and/or other network de-
vice.
햲Use the included network cable to connect the
dLAN 500 duo to the network port of your run-
ning computer and/or other network device.
햳Plug the dLAN 500 duo into a free electrical out-
let.
햴Once you have connected at least two dLAN AV
adapters as described above, your dLAN AV net-
work has been set up. To secure your dLAN AV
network, continue with the configuration as
described in chapter 4 dLAN network.
3.5 Software installation
3.5.1 Software for Windows
Use the installation wizard to install the devolo softwa-
re for using the adapter with the Windows operating
system:
쎲devolo dLAN Cockpit finds all reachable dLAN
adapters in your dLAN AV network, displays infor-
mation about these devices and encrypts your
dLAN AV network individually.
To install the software, insert the included CD-ROM in
the CD drive of your computer.
If autoplay is installed on your computer, the
installation will start automatically. Otherwi-
se, open the folder with the Windows Explo-
rer by right-clicking on Start (or the Windows
logo)and selecting Windows Explorer from
the context menu. Double-click to start the
installation wizard manually.

Installation 17
devolo dLAN 500 duo
During the installation process, you will be given the
choice of installing all software components (Standard
installation) or selecting individual ones (Custom in-
stallation).
To take full advantage of the functions of
your device, we recommend installing all of
the applications.
You will be asked for permission to transfer anonymous
performance data related to your dLAN adapter to de-
volo. The data sent to devolo pertains only to the per-
formance values of your dLAN devices. The data is
anonymised and will be used exclusively for statistical
purposes. By providing it, you can help us improve our
products. You can find the installed software applicati-
ons in the Start Programs devolo program group.
3.5.2 Software for Mac OS X
The software mac folder contains the dLAN configu-
ration software.
3.5.3 Software for Linux (Ubuntu)
The software  linux folder contains the dLAN confi-
guration software.

18 Installation
devolo dLAN 500 duo

dLAN network 19
devolo dLAN 500 duo
4dLANnetwork
4.1 Security in the dLAN
Before you can use the dLAN 500 duo in your dLAN
network, first you have to connect it to other dLAN AV
devices as a home network. Two specific pieces of in-
formation are especially important for this:
쎲Shared use of a dLAN password results in a delim-
ited dLAN network.
쎲Shared use of the dLAN password serves as access
control to the dLAN network as well as the
encryption, and thereby the interception protec-
tion, of the transmitted data.
The dLAN password can be specified automatically via
the encryption button or manually using the
dLAN Cockpit program. Please note the following ba-
sic principle when choosing your encryption method:
쎲In dLAN AV networks, data encryption is as
simple as touching a button, since all corre-
sponding dLAN AV devices are equipped
with an encryption button.
쎲For dLAN AV networks that include devices with
and without encryption buttons, data encryp-
tion must be set up using the dLAN Cockpit.
4.2 dLAN Cockpit
devolo dLAN Cockpit is a monitoring and encryption
program that detects all reachable dLAN AV devices in
your home network and combines them in a secure
network. Due to its logical graphic design, the
dLAN Cockpit is easy and intuitive to operate. After
installing the devolo software, it can be found in the
Start Programs devolo program group.