Extollo Una User manual

Extollo Communications
Una Product Guide

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 2
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................ 5
Product Overview....................................................................................................................... 7
Wi-Fi Self Organizing Network (SON) Overview..................................................................... 8
Powerline Backhaul Overview................................................................................................ 8
Multiple-In Multiple-Out with Beamforming Overview.............................................................. 9
G.hn Powerline Overview........................................................................................................... 9
Una Package Contents.............................................................................................................12
Una Single Unit .....................................................................................................................12
Una Interfaces...........................................................................................................................14
Una LED Status Overview ........................................................................................................16
Creating a Meshed Wi-Fi Network with UNA.............................................................................18
Hardware Installation and Setup...............................................................................................20
Internet Router Connection....................................................................................................20
Remote Una Placement ........................................................................................................20
Pairing Una’s ............................................................................................................................21
Wi-Fi Set-up and Initialization....................................................................................................22
Adding Additional Una’s ........................................................................................................23
Pairing Tip.............................................................................................................................24
Logging into Una.......................................................................................................................26
Determining the IP Address...................................................................................................26
Log In Window.......................................................................................................................27
Manage the Settings on Una.....................................................................................................29
Network Tab..........................................................................................................................29
Devices Tab ..........................................................................................................................30
Devices - Detailed Information...........................................................................................31
Clients Tab............................................................................................................................32
Clients - Detailed Information.............................................................................................33
Configure Tab........................................................................................................................34
Tools Tab..............................................................................................................................35
Software Upgrade from Cloud Server ................................................................................35
Restoring Una to Factory Default..............................................................................................39

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 3
Troubleshooting Una.................................................................................................................41
None of the LED’s Light Up After Installation .....................................................................41
Power LED is Off: ..............................................................................................................41
Wi-Fi LED is off:.................................................................................................................41
The Ethernet LED Does Not Light Up: ...............................................................................41
Una Suddenly Stops Working ............................................................................................41
Contact Technical Support.................................................................................................41
Powerline Network Optimization ...............................................................................................43
Quick Tips.............................................................................................................................43
Optimizing Network Performance..........................................................................................43
Technical Specifications............................................................................................................45

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 4
Introduction 1

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 5
Introduction
Una meshed Wi-Fi adapters are sold as a single unit (1 x Una).
Una combines Wi-Fi and Powerline technologies to create a self-contained meshed Wi-Fi
system. One Una acts as a gateway and connects to the Internet router via the Ethernet
connection. Plug other Una’s directly into electrical outlets in areas of the home or remote
buildings/workshops that have poor or no Wi-Fi coverage to resolve Wi-Fi dead zones.
Una’s communicate to each other and pass the remote Wi-Fi data across the electrical wiring
back to the Una that is connected to the Internet router.
It is ideal for difficult to reach areas such as basements, upstairs bedrooms and remote
workshops. Multiple Una’s can be used to cover a larger house.
This high performance, low latency meshed Wi-Fi system, is well suited for bandwidth intensive
and real-time applications such as Ultra-HD/4K Smart TV’s, Streaming Video Boxes, Online
Gaming Consoles, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Video Surveillance systems.
Quickly and intuitively create a multimedia home network to share residential Internet access
among all Internet capable devices within the home.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 6
Product Overview 2

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 7
Product Overview
Una is an intelligent self managing dual band, dual concurrent, MU-MIMO, 2x2 802.11n and 2x2
802.11ac Wave 2 meshed wireless distributed networking system. It has been designed and built
around a Qualcomm Quad-core SOC ARM Cortex A7 CPU with 256 MB of DDR3 memory.
Una’s whole-home Wi-Fi system use multiple router-like nodes, to spread the Wi-Fi signal
throughout the home. This results in greater coverage, faster speeds and a more reliable
connection.
Una’s Mesh Wi-Fi system consist of two or more Una’s (typically 1 x Una per floor) that work
together in order to blanket your house in Wi-Fi. Una’s meshed Wi-Fi system creates a new Wi-
Fi network, separate from your current router’s Wi-Fi.
Despite having multiple Una’s with multiple Wi-Fi signals, the mesh system unifies your Wi-Fi
connections into one network name (known as an SSID). So, no matter where you are in your
home, you’ll only ever see one Wi-Fi network name.
Una’s system will also take care of determining which signal is best for your devices to connect
to. So, as you roam around your home, not only do you not have to worry about changing your
Wi-Fi login from zone to zone, but you can be safe in knowing that the system has connected
your device to the fastest possible Wi-Fi signal.
Una’s dynamic band steering and multi-node coordination determines the best possible Wi-Fi
connection and optimal performance for each attached device. Una optimizes network capacity
by reducing network congestion and auto-selecting the fastest available connection for each
device. Una knows which devices are connected and autonomously manages those connections
by forwarding traffic to the appropriate Una or frequency band depending on the type of content
and distance from Una. Seamless roaming ensures that the appropriate bandwidth is available
when and where it’s needed, whether it’s transferring a file, streaming UHD/4K video or web
browsing.
Una provides ultra-reliable coverage and performance, due to its use of G.hn Powerline backhaul
as the communication backbone between meshed Una’s and the Internet router. User data and
communications between Una’s occurs over the electrical power lines in order to provide the best
coverage possible to all of your devices. Una’s Powerline backhaul technology overcomes the
coverage limitations of conventional wireless meshed network systems which use separate
wireless radios to communicate between other meshed Wi-Fi nodes.
The integration of Wi-Fi and Powerline backhaul working in unison provides better Wi-Fi and
Ethernet coverage for the whole home.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 8
Wi-Fi Self Organizing Network (SON) Overview
Extollo has integrated intelligent Wi-Fi SON functionalities in to Una’s software. Wi-Fi SON
protocol continuously monitors the meshed Wi-Fi network’s performance and automatically
analyzes and manages network conditions in real-time.
After pairing and configuring Una’s, one Una is elected as the Centralized Access Point (CAP)
and becomes the SON network manager for the meshed Wi-Fi network. It mitigates congestion,
noise, and interference at the same time as ensuring user devices have the best available
connection through band and client steering, and channel load balancing across 2.4GHz & 5GHz
spectrum.
The Una designated as CAP, receives statistical information from other Una’s on the network.
The SON algorithms analyze the information and the output, namely the values of specific
parameters, are then passed on to Una’s either on a periodic basis or when needed to ensure the
meshed Wi-Fi network is optimized.
CAP performs the following:
•works as the network manager and provides the management interface.
•provides none-volatile configuration storage for the network.
•synchronizes wireless configurations automatically.
•manages the roaming of all wireless devices.
•provides load balancing optimization.
Una’s Self-Organizing Network capability is a key component in providing higher speeds, better
coverage and improved reliability.
Powerline Backhaul Overview
Una’s Powerline backhaul has been designed and built around the G.hn Powerline standard
(referenced as ITU-T G.9963). It’s embedded with a Maxlinear processor, integrated DDR
memory and an advanced high-speed Multiple Input / Multiple Output (MIMO) system optimized
for 2 x 2 transmission across all three (3) electrical lines – Phase, Neutral and Ground.
Una has a 1Gbps Ethernet interface, a 1.5Gbps Powerline PHY, AC1200 Wi-Fi and act as a
bridge using the power lines as the transmission medium.
Packets arriving at the Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces are stored in internal memory. Those
packets are classified according to QoS criteria. The packets are fragmented, then encrypted
with AES 128-bit algorithm and after that encoded with advanced quasi-cyclic low-density parity
check (QC-LDPC) Forward Error Correction (FEC) algorithms. The resulting blocks are mapped
onto an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transceiver with 4096 carriers in
the 0-80 MHz band and transmitted in Powerline frames over the power lines using Multiple-

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 9
Input / Multiple-Output (MIMO) with beamforming according to the MAC protocols specified in
the G.hn Powerline standard.
In the reception direction, the transceiver synchronizes with the Powerline frames to receive
them, demodulate and decoding them, and after that, the resulting segments are reassembled
to form the corresponding Wi-Fi or Ethernet packets. The packets are delivered to the bridge
QoS, which prioritize the packets to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces.
Multiple-In Multiple-Out with Beamforming Overview
Una’s meshed Wi-Fi adapters support 2x2 MIMO with beamforming across the electrical power
lines.
MIMO increases the number of transmission paths across the power lines. Two, line drivers and
receivers enable Una’s to simultaneously transmit on two of the three electrical power line wires;
Phase, Neutral and Ground. Una’s MIMO paths consist of: Phase-Neutral or Phase-Ground.
Beamforming works by improving what is called the rate over range, at a given distance from the
transmitting adapter; a receiving adapter will have improved performance. This is accomplished
by creating two independent signal paths to optimally focus transmission energy to andfrom client
adapters on a per-packet basis.
Beamforming enables Extollo adapters at either side of a link to get maximum performance by
taking advantage of channels that have strong performance while avoiding paths and carriers that
have weak performance. A reasonable expectation is that beamforming can result in a gain of
anywhere between 2 to 5 dB in performance. Beamforming is adaptive, which means it can
constantly adjust Powerline performance based on real-time events.
The combination of 2x2 MIMO with beamforming improves bandwidth utilization and increase
Una’s network range. This, in turn, improves video streaming, voice quality, and other bandwidth
and latency sensitive transmission protocols.
G.hn Powerline Overview
A G.hn Powerline network can consists of one or more domains. Typically, a residential G.hn
Powerline network will consist of a single domain. In G.hn, a domain is constituted by all Powerline
adapters that can communicate with each other.
One of the Powerline adapters in a G.hn Powerline network becomes the Domain Master (DM).
The function of the DM is to control and coordinate the operation of all Powerline adapters in

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 10
the domain, including admission to the domain, bandwidth reservation, resignation, priorities and
other management operations.
At any given time, only one Powerline adapter is allowed to act as a DM for a domain. In case a
DM fails, the DM function is passed to another Powerline adapter in the domain.
Since all the Powerline adapters in the domain can communicate or directly interfere with each
other, the DM avoids interference between Powerline adapters by coordinating their transmission
time using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA).
TDMA is a channel access multiplexing scheme that assigns a transmission time slot to each
Powerline adapter in the domain. It allows several Powerline adapters to share the same
frequencies between 2 to 80MHz by dividing the signal into different time slots. The Powerline
adapters transmit in rapid succession, one after the other, each using its own time slot. This allows
multiple Powerline adapters to share the same electrical power lines.
The DM receives signals from all the Powerline adapters within the domain. Thus, any
Powerline adapter within the domain can communicate with another Powerline adapter only
through the DM. The DM further forwards the signals to the corresponding Powerline
addressee within the domain which in turn forwards the signals to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet
interfaces.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 11
Unpack 3

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 12
Una Package Contents
Una comes as a single unit. 1 x Una, 1 x 6ft Ethernet cable and a quick start guide.
Una Single Unit

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 13
Interfaces 4

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 14
Una Interfaces
1. Paring Button
The paring button can perform several functions. It is used to:
a. Create the Powerline network during initial configuration.
b. Add another Una to the Powerline network.
c. Reset the Una to factory defaults.
2. Powerline LED
The Powerline LED indicates whether Una is pared and part of the Powerline network.
3. Ethernet LED
The Ethernet LED shows the status of the Ethernet connection between Una and the attached
device.
4. Wi-Fi LED
The Wi-Fi LED indicates whether Una’s wireless is enabled or disabled.
5. NEMA 5 120VAC and Powerline Interface
Provides power to Una and is used to transmit the Powerline frames across the electrical
power lines.
6. Ethernet RJ45 Interface
Una supports an auto sensing 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet wired connection.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 15
LED Overview 5

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 16
Una LED Status Overview
LED
Description
Powerline
•Solid Amber: Adapter is ON but not paired with any other adapters.
•Blinking Amber: Adapter is in Powerline pairing mode.
•Solid Green: Adapter is paired with another Powerline adapter and
is active.
•Fast blinking Green: Adapter is trying to connect to another
adapter.
•Slow blinking Green: Adapter is connected to the Powerline
network.
Ethernet
•Solid Green: Ethernet link is up.
•OFF: No Ethernet connectivity.
Wi-Fi
•Solid Amber: Default SSID is broadcasted (“Guide_xxxxxxxx”).
•Solid Green: Specified SSID is broadcasted.
•OFF: No SSID is broadcasted.
Pairing Button
•Powerline Pairing: Pressing the pairing button between 3 to 5
seconds (amber Powerline LED starts blinking), the pairing process
starts.
•Factory Reset: Press the pairing button and hold approximately 20
seconds until the Powerline and Wi-Fi LEDs turn on. The Powerline
and Wi-Fi LED’s turn amber once the process is completed.
Boot - Up •During the boot up process after a factory reset, all LED’s will be
green and then the Powerline and Wi-Fi LED’s turn amber once the
process is completed, approximately 90 seconds.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 17
Creating a Network 6

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 18
Creating a Meshed Wi-Fi Network with UNA
A Wi-Fi meshed network setup consists of two or more Una adapters (also referred to as nodes).
Una meshed Wi-Fi adapters are designed to work in conjunction with your existing router, only
taking over your router's Wi-Fi duties.
The first step in setting up Una’s meshed Wi-Fi system is to connect one Una to your existing
Internet router using an Ethernet cable and plugging Una directly into an electrical outlet. Plug the
other Una’s into electrical outlets in areas of the home or remote buildings/workshops that require
better Wi-Fi coverage.
Pair Una’s to establish the Powerline backhaul network. Configure the new Wi-Fi SSID (wireless
network name) and password. Internet and Wi-Fi traffic now flows from the Internet router to the
attached Una and across the electrical power lines to the remote Una Wi-Fi adapters.
Similar to coax cable and telephone lines, the electrical power lines are also capable of
transmitting digital signals such as Voice, Video and Data.
Una mesh adapters are also equipped with a 10/100/1000 Ethernet connection, that's so you can
wire some devices to your network if you want to.

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 19
Installation Setup 7

The information contained within this document is confidential and cannot be reproduced
or shared without the approval of Extollo Communications. 20
Hardware Installation and Setup
Internet Router Connection
Step 1
1. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the home’s Internet router.
2. Connected the other end of the Ethernet cable to Una.
3. Plug Una directly into an electrical outlet.
4. The Powerline, Ethernet and Wi-Fi LED’s on Una will be green and then turn off during
the boot-up period.
5. The Powerline and Wi-Fi LED’s will go amber and the Ethernet LED will be green once
Una has finished its boot-up process – approximately 90 seconds.
Remote Una Placement
Step 2
1. In the area(s) where a stronger Wi-Fi connection is required, plug Una directly into an
electrical outlet.
2. The Powerline, Ethernet and Wi-Fi LED’s on Una will be green and then turn off during
the boot-up period.
3. The Powerline and Wi-Fi LED’s will go amber once Una has finished its boot-up process
– approximately 90 seconds.