Huawei EchoLife HG531a User manual

EchoLife HG531a Home Gateway
User Guide
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

EchoLife HG531a Home Gateway
V100R001
User Guide
Issue 01
Date 2009-06-19
Part Number 202145
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. provides customers with comprehensive
technical support and service. Please feel free to contact our local office
or company headquarters.
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Address: Huawei Industrial Base
Bantian, Longgang
Shenzhen 518129
People's Republic of China
Website: http://www.huawei.com
Email: [email protected]

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2009. All
rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without prior written consent of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
The product described in this manual may include copyrighted software of Huawei
Technologies Co., Ltd and possible licensors. Customers shall not in any manner
reproduce, distribute, modify, decompile, disassemble, decrypt, extract, reverse
engineer, lease, assign, or sublicense the said software, unless such restrictions are
prohibited by applicable laws or such actions are approved by respective copyright
holders under licenses.
Trademarks and Permissions
, , and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Huawei
Technologies Co., Ltd.
Other trademarks, product, service and company names mentioned are the property of
their respective owners.
Notice
Some features of the product and its accessories described herein rely on the software
installed, capacities and settings of local network, and may not be activated or may be
limited by local network operators or network service providers. Thus the descriptions
herein may not exactly match the product or its accessories you purchase.
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd reserves the right to change or modify any information or
specifications contained in this manual without prior notice or obligation.
NO WARRANTY
THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”. EXCEPT AS
REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAWS, NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE MADE IN RELATION TO THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY OR
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO CASE
SHALL HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOST PROFITS,
BUSINESS, REVENUE, DATA, GOODWILL OR ANTICIPATED SAVINGS.
Import and Export Regulations
Customers shall comply with all applicable export or import laws and regulations and will
obtain all necessary governmental permits and licenses in order to export, re-export or
import the product mentioned in this manual including the software and technical data
therein.

i
Contents
1Safety Precautions..................................................................................... 1
2Connecting the Cables and Getting Started............................................ 6
2.1 Simple Connection.......................................................................................6
2.2 Connecting One Telephone..........................................................................7
2.3 Connecting Multiple Telephones .................................................................7
2.4 Getting Started .............................................................................................8
3Setting the Network-Access Parameters ................................................. 9
3.1 Accessing the Network Through the Embedded PPP Dial-Up Software on
the HG531a..........................................................................................................9
3.2 Accessing the Network Through the PPP Dial-Up Software on Your
Computer ...........................................................................................................10
4Configuring the Wireless Network Connection.................................... 11
5Configuring the HG531a ........................................................................ 12
5.1 Changing the Administrator Password Used for Logging In to the
Web-Based Configuration Utility......................................................................12
5.2 Enabling or Disabling the Wireless Network Function ..............................12
5.3 Changing the Wireless Network Name and the Access Password .............13
5.4 Changing the IP Address Used for Logging In to the Web-Based
Configuration Utility .........................................................................................13
5.5 Restoring Default Settings..........................................................................14

ii
6FAQs......................................................................................................... 14
7Appendix.................................................................................................. 18
7.1 Indicators....................................................................................................18
7.2 Interfaces and Buttons................................................................................19
7.3 Default Settings..........................................................................................20
7.4 Technical Specifications.............................................................................20

1
1 Safety Precautions
Thank you for purchasing the EchoLife HG531a Home Gateway (hereinafter referred
to as the HG531a).
For safety purposes, carefully read through these safety precautions and observe them
during operation.
Basic Requirements
zKeep the device dry during storage, transportation, and operation of the device.
zPrevent collision of the device with other objects during storage, transportation, and
operation of the device.
zDo not attempt to dismantle the device. In case of any fault, contact the authorized
maintenance center for assistance or repair.
zWithout prior written consent, no organization or individual is permitted to make
any change to the structure, safety, and performance design of the device.
zWhile using the device, observe all applicable laws, directives and regulations, and
respect the legal rights of other people.
Environmental Requirements
zPlace the device in a well-ventilated place. Do not expose the device to direct
sunlight.
zKeep the device clean, free of dust and stain.
zDo not place the device near a water source or in a damp area.
zPlace the device on a stable surface.
zDo not place any object on the top of the device. Reserve a minimum space of 10
cm at the four sides and on the top of the device for heat dissipation.
zDo not place the device on or near inflammable materials such as foam.
zKeep the device away from heat source or fire, such as a radiator or a candle.
zKeep the device away from any household appliances with strong magnetic field or
electric field, such as microwave oven, refrigerator, or mobile phone.
Operation Requirements
zDo not allow children to play with the device or accessories. Swallowing the
accessories may be fatal.

2
zUse the accessories such as the power adaptor provided or authorized only by the
manufacturer.
zMake sure that the device does not get wet. If water gets into the device, disconnect
the power supply immediately and unplug all the cables connected to the device.
zThe power supply of the device must meet the requirements of the input voltage of
the device.
zBefore plugging or unplugging any cable, shut down the device and disconnect the
power supply.
zWhile plugging or unplugging any cable, make sure that your hands are dry.
zDo not step on, pull, or stretch any cable. Otherwise, the cable may get damaged,
leading to malfunction of the device.
zDo not use old or damaged cables.
zKeep the power plug clean and dry, to prevent electric shock or other dangers.
zDuring lightning, disconnect the device from the power supply and unplug all the
cables connected to the device, such as the power cable, telephone cable, and RF
cable, to prevent lightning strike.
zIf the device is not used for a long time, disconnect the power supply and unplug the
all the cables connected to the device.
zIf smoke, sound, or smell is emitted from the device, stop using the device
immediately, disconnect the power supply, unplug the power supply and other
cables, and remove the batteries. Contact the authorized maintenance center for
repair.
zMake sure that no object (such as metal shavings) enters the device through the heat
dissipation vent.
zDo not scratch or abrade the shell of the device. The shed painting may lead to skin
allergy or malfunctions of the device. If the shed painting material drops into the
host, a short circuit may occur.
Cleaning Requirements
zBefore cleaning the device, stop using it, disconnect the power supply, and unplug
all the cables connected to the device.
zDo not clean the device cover with any cleaning solution or cleanser spray. Use a
piece of soft cloth to clean the device cover.
Wireless Product Usage Requirements
zKeep the device away from magnetic storage devices (e.g., a magnetic card or a
floppy disk), to prevent loss of the stored information.

3
zStop using the device or disconnect the power supply in situations where wireless
device is prohibited or using of a wireless device leads to interference or danger.
zThe user who uses an electronic assistant medical-treatment device needs to
confirm with the service center regarding the effects of the radio wave on this
device.
zDo not take the device to the operation theater, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the
Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
zIn the area with inflammable or explosive materials, turn off your wireless device,
and follow the relevant instructions given in the label, to prevent explosion or fire.
zProtect the wireless device and its accessories, and use it in a clean and dust-free
environment. Make sure that the wireless device does not come in contact with
flame or a cigarette that is lit.
zMake sure that the wireless device and its accessories are dry.
zDo not drop, throw or try to bend your wireless device.
zDo not place the wireless device and its accessories in high temperature areas.
Disposal and Recycling Information
This symbol on the device (and any included batteries) indicates
that they should not be disposed of as normal household garbage.
Do not dispose of your device or batteries as unsorted municipal
waste. The device (and any batteries) should be handed over to a
certified collection point for recycling or proper disposal at the
end of their life.
For more detailed information about the recycling of the device
or batteries, contact your local city office, the household waste
disposal service, or the retail store where you purchased this
device.
The disposal of this device is subject to the Waste from Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive of the European
Union. The reason for separating WEEE and batteries from other
waste is to minimize the potential environmental impacts on
human health of any hazardous substances that may be present.
EU Regulatory Conformance
Notice
This equipment may be operated in all European countries.

4
Safety Precaution
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20cm from all persons.
Hereby, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., declares that this device is in compliance with
the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. The
declaration of conformity may be consulted at www.huaweidevice.com/certification.
0
6
78
France: Outdoor use limited to 10 mW e.i.r.p. within the band 2454-2483.5 MHz.
Italy: For private use, a general authorisation is required if WAS/RLAN’s are used
outside own premises. For public use, a general authorisation is required.
Luxembourg: General authorisation required for network and service supply.
Norway: This subsection does not apply for the geographical area within a radius of 20
km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund.
FCC Statement
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 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 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.

5
To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment. (Example- use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer
or peripheral devices).
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment 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 interferencethat may
cause undesired operation.
The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. The equipment must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Huawei
Technologies Co.,Ltd. may void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.
Channel
This equipment marketed in USA is restricted by firmware to only operate on
2412~2462MHz channel 01~11.
After the HG531a is used for a certain period of time, the cover will be
heated, which will not affect the function of the HG531a.

6
2 Connecting the Cables and Getting
Started
2.1 Simple Connection
If your telephone line is used for the broadband network access only and do not need to
use a telephone, take the following figure as a reference for connecting the cables.
1
2
3
POWER
LAN4 LAN3 LAN 2 LAN1
RESET
ADSL
1. Telephone jack on the wall 2. Power adapter 3. Computer
If the wireless network function is used on the HG531a for the network
access, you do not need to connect the cables.

7
2.2 Connecting One Telephone
If your telephone line is used for both the broadband network access and a telephone
connection, take the following figure as a reference for connecting the cables.
####
#### ####
1
3
45
PHON
E
LIN
E
MODEM
2
POWER
LAN4 LAN3 LAN2 LAN1
RESET
ADSL
1. Telephone jack on the
wall
2. Splitter 3. Power adapter
4. Computer 5. Telephone
2.3 Connecting Multiple Telephones
If your telephone line is used for the broadband network access, telephone connections,
and fax connections, take the following figure as a reference for connecting the cables.

8
####
#### ####
1
3
45
PHONE
LINE
MODEM
2
POWER
LAN4 LAN3 LAN2 LAN1
RES E T
ADSL
1
7
6
5
7
8
1. Telephone jack
on the wall
2. Splitter 3. Power adapter 4. Computer
5. Telephone 6. Fax machine 7. Microfilter 8. T connector
2.4 Getting Started
To power on the HG531a, press the ON/OFF button on the side panel of the HG531a.
After you power on the HG531a, the ADSL indicator blinks (for less than three
minutes), which indicates that the HG531a is being activated. Later, the ADSL
indicator turns solid on. The POWER indicator is also solid on, which indicates that the
HG531a is working properly.

9
3 Setting the Network-Access Parameters
By configuring the HG531a and your computer, you can choose any of the following
methods to surf the Internet:
zAccessing the Network Through the Embedded PPP Dial-Up Software on the
HG531a
zAccessing the Network Through the PPP Dial-Up Software on Your Computer
3.1 Accessing the Network Through the
Embedded PPP Dial-Up Software on the HG531a
If you select this method for accessing the network, the HG531a starts to set up a
dial-up connection automatically after the startup. You can access the network after you
power on your computer. You do not need to install any special dial-up software on
your computer or perform dial-up operations on your computer. To configure the
HG531a and your computer for the network access, do as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility of the HG531a.
1. Launch the Internet Explorer on your computer. Enter http://192.168.1.1
in the address bar, and then press Enter.
2. In the displayed dialog box, enter the user name and the password, and
then click OK.
By default, both the user name and the password are admin. After the user name and
the password are verified, you can access the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 Enable the embedded dial-up function.
1. In the navigation tree on the left of the Web-based configuration utility,
choose Basic > WAN.
2. Click New to create a new PVC.
3. Enter the VPI and VCI parameters that are provided by the network
operator in the VPI/VCI text boxes.
4. Select Route from the Connection mode drop-down combo box.
5. Select PPPoE from the Connection type drop-down combo box.
6. Enter the user name and password that are provided by the network
operator in the Username and Password text boxes, keep the default
settings of other parameters.
7. Click Submit.
After you complete the preceding settings, you can surf the Internet.
You need to perform the preceding operations on a computer once only. The next time
when you power on your computer, you can surf the Internet without any configuration.

10
3.2 Accessing the Network Through the PPP
Dial-Up Software on Your Computer
If you select this method for accessing the network, you need to install and configure
the dial-up software on your computer. In addition, you need to perform dial-up
operations on your computer upon each startup. To configure the HG531a and your
computer for the network access, do as follows:
Step 1 Set the working mode of the HG531a to Bridge.
For details, refer to the procedure for enabling the embedded dial-up function described
in Step 2 in section 3.1 "Accessing the Network Through the Embedded PPP Dial-Up
Software on the HG531a." Note that Bridge is selected from the Connection mode
drop-down combo box.
Step 2 Install and configure the PPP dial-up software on your computer.
The PPP dial-up software is pre-installed on certain computer operating systems. To
create a dial-up connection, do as follows (taking the Windows XP operating system as
an example):
1. Choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications >
Network Connections.
2. Click Create a new connection in Network Tasks to display the New
Connection Wizard window, and then click Next.
3. Select Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
4. Select Set up my connection manually, and then click Next.
5. Select Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user
name and password, and then click Next.
6. Enter the name (as desired) of the dial-up connection in ISP Name, and
then click Next.
7. Select Anyone's use or My use only, and then click Next.
8. Enter the user name and password provided by the network operator and
used for the dial-up connection, and then click Next.
9. Select Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop, and then click
Finish.
An icon for the dial-up connection is displayed on the desktop of your computer.
You need to perform the preceding operations only once for creating a network
connection. After the network connection is created, to access the network,
double-click the icon for the dial-up connection, and then click Connect in the
displayed dialog box.

11
4 Configuring the Wireless Network
Connection
If a wireless network adapter is installed on your computer, you can connect you
computer to the HG531a through a wireless connection. To configure the wireless
network connection, do as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 Set the wireless network name and access password of the HG531a.
To set the wireless network name and the access password, do as follows (taking the
authentication type WPA-PSK as an example):
1. In the navigation tree on the left of the Web-based configuration utility,
choose Basic > LAN.
2. Choose the WLAN page.
3. Select Enable WLAN option button.
4. Enter the value in the Transmit power text box.
5. Enter a wireless network name in the SSID text box.
6. Enter the value in the Maximum number of accessing devices text box.
7. Select WEP from the Security drop-down combo box, and then set the
corresponding parameters..
8. Click Submit.
Step 3 Configure the wireless network connection on your computer.
To configure the wireless network connection, do as follows (taking the Windows XP
operating system as an example):
1. Choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications >
Network Connections.
2. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network
Connection to display a shortcut menu, and then select View Available
Wireless Networks from the shortcut menu.
3. Select the wireless network that is configured in Step 2, and then click
Connect in the lower right corner of the window.
4. In the displayed dialog box, enter the access password that is preset in
Step 2, and then click Connect.
After the password is verified, Connected appears on the icon of the wireless network
in the wireless network list, which indicates that the computer is connected to the
HG531a through a wireless connection.

12
5 Configuring the HG531a
5.1 Changing the Administrator Password Used
for Logging In to the Web-Based Configuration
Utility
For safety reasons or to make the password easy to remember, you can change the
administrator password for login after logging in to the Web-based configuration
utility.
To change the password, do as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 Choose Maintenance > Account in the navigation tree to display the system
management page.
Step 3 Select admin from the User name drop-down combo box.
Step 4 Enter the Current password and the new password. Then enter the new
password again in the Confirm password text box for confirmation.
Step 5 Click Submit.
After you change the password successfully, the current page jumps to the page for
logging in to the Web-based configuration utility. To log in to the Web-based
configuration utility, enter the new password, and then click OK.
If you forget the user name or password that has been changed, you can
restore the default settings of the HG531a by pressing and holding the
RESET button for over six seconds. Then, the user name and password
that are used for logging in to the Web-based configuration utility are
restored to default values. After you restore the default settings, however,
your customized data is lost. Therefore, use this function with caution.
5.2 Enabling or Disabling the Wireless
Network Function
You can quickly enable or disable the wireless network function by pressing the
WLAN button on the HG531a. To enable the wireless network function, press and hold
the WLAN button for over one second, and then release the button. You can disable the
wireless network function in the same way. The WLAN indicator shows whether the
wireless network function is enabled.

13
In addition, you can enable or disable the wireless network function through the
Web-based configuration utility. To enable or disable the wireless network function, do
as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 In the navigation tree on the left, choose Basic > LAN.
Step 3 Choose the WLAN page.
Step 4 Select or not select Enable WLAN option button.
Step 5 Click Submit.
5.3 Changing the Wireless Network Name and
the Access Password
To change the name and access password for the wireless network, do as follows
(taking the authentication type WPA-PSK as an example):
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 In the navigation tree on the left, choose Basic > LAN.
Step 3 Choose the WLAN page.
Step 4 Enter a wireless network name in the SSID text box.
Step 5 Select WPA-PSK from the Security drop-down combo box.
Step 6 Enter an access password in the WPA pre-shared key text box.
Step 7 Select TKIP from the WPA encryption drop-down combo box.
Step 8 Click Submit to save the settings.
5.4 Changing the IP Address Used for Logging
In to the Web-Based Configuration Utility
To make the login IP address easy to remember, you can change the IP address after
logging in to the Web-based configuration utility.
To change the IP address, do as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 In the navigation tree on the left, choose Basic > LAN.
Step 3 Choose the DHCP page.
Step 4 Enter a new IP address as desired in the IP address text box. Then, enter a
subnet mask in Subnet mask.

14
Step 5 Click Submit.
To log in to the Web-based configuration utility after you change the IP
address successfully, you need to launch the Internet Explorer, and then
enter the new IP address in the address bar. Ensure that the IP address of
the computer is in the same network segment as that of the HG531a so
that the computer can access the Web-based configuration utility.
5.5 Restoring Default Settings
You can quickly restore the default settings of the HG531a by pressing the RESET
button on the rear panel. To restore the default settings, press and hold the RESET
button for over six seconds after the HG531a is powered on, and then release the button.
In addition, you can restore the default settings of the HG531a through the Web-based
configuration utility. To restore the default settings through the Web-based
configuration utility, do as follows:
Step 1 Log in to the Web-based configuration utility.
Step 2 In the navigation tree on the left, choose Maintenance > Device.
Step 3 Choose the Reset page.
Step 4 click the Restore Default Settings button.
After the preceding operations, the current page jumps to the login page. You can log in
to the Web-based configuration utility by entering the default user name and password
that are admin.
6 FAQs
How can I quickly enable or disable the wireless network function?
Press and hold the WLAN button for over one second, and then release the button to
enable or disable the wireless network function. The WLAN indicator shows
whether the wireless network function is enabled.
How can I quickly restore the default settings of the terminal?
To restore the default settings, press and hold the RESET button on the rear panel
for over six seconds after the HG531a is powered on, and then release the button.
What can I do if I cannot access the Internet through the terminal?
Step 1 Check whether the POWER indicator on the terminal is solid on.

15
If the POWER indicator is off, perform further checks as follows:
1. Ensure that the terminal is turned on.
2. Ensure that electricity comes from the socket and that the power input
from the socket meets the requirements described on the label of the
terminal power adapter. If the voltage is unsteady, for example, if the
voltage is too high or too low, do not use the terminal. Wait until the
voltage restores to its normal level, and then use the terminal.
3. Ensure that the terminal is properly connected to the socket through
the power adapter.
If the POWER indicator is still off, contact an authorized maintenance
center.
Step 2 After powering on the terminal, wait for about three minutes. Then, check
whether the ADSL indicator on the terminal is solid on.
If the ADSL indicator blinks for a long time, perform further checks as
follows:
1. Ensure that telephone lines are properly connected. Pay special
attention to the connections between the telephone lines and the
splitter.
2. Ensure that the terminal or telephone lines are far from the electric
appliances that generate strong magnetic or electric fields. Replace
telephone lines when necessary.
If the ADSL indicator still blinks and does not turn solid on, contact your
network operator.
Step 3 Check whether the LAN indicator of the terminal is on.
If the LAN indicator is off, perform further checks as follows:
1. Ensure that the network adapter of the computer is enabled.
2. Ensure that the network cable between the terminal and the computer
is properly connected. Remove and then insert the network cable or
replace the network cable when necessary.
If the LAN indicator is still off, contact an authorized maintenance center.
Step 4 Check whether the driver for the network adapter is properly installed.
Take a computer that runs Windows XP as an example. To check whether
the driver for the network adapter is installed, do as follows:
1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then choose Manage.
2. In the navigation tree of the Computer Management window,
choose Device Manager.
3. In the right pane of the Computer Management window, click
Network adapters to view the information about the network adapter
of the computer.