IOGear GHPU21 User manual

HomePlug USB Adapter
User Manual (GHPU21)

Thank you for purchasing one of the most user-friendly networking devices on the market. IOGEAR’s HomePlug to
USB adapters are first-class networking devices designed to network your computers at home (or in your small
office). This device allows you to set up your home network via the most pervasive medium in your house – the
home power lines. It is easy to set up, and it doesn’t require any additional wiring in the house.
To better serve you, IOGEAR offers an array of additional USB 2.0, USB 1.1, FireWire, KVM, and other peripheral
products. For more information or to purchase additional IOGEAR products, visit us at www.IOGEAR.com
We hope you enjoy using your IOGEAR HomePlug to USB adapter, another first-rate connectivity solution from
IOGEAR.
©2003IOGEAR. AllRightsReserved. PKG-M0065
IOGEAR, the IOGEAR logo, MiniView, VSE are trademarks or registered trademarks of IOGEAR, Inc. Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines, Inc. Macintosh, G3/G4 and iMac are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. IOGEAR makes no
warranty of any kind with regards to the information presented in this document. All information furnished here is for
informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. IOGEAR, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any
inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this document.
Welcome

Table of Contents
Overview
Features
Requirements
Introduction
Installation
Configuration
NetworkConfiguration
NetworkingBasics
-NetworkSetup Wizard
-CheckingIPAddress
-AssignaStaticIPAddress
-Sharing Disks/Folders
-SharingPrinters
-SharingInternetAccess
Troubleshooting
02
03
04
05
07
16
23
29
29
40
42
45
49
58
63
TechnicalSupport
Product Specifications
LimitedWarranty
66
68
69
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Overview
IOGEAR’sHomePlugPowerline Network USB Adapterallowsyoutonetworkyourhomecomputersthrough
the electric power lines in the house. Setting up a home network has never been so simple, just
install the driver, plug the USB end to your computer and plug the power end to your AC power outlet.
That’s it, you are connected!
Thisunitis compliant toHomePlugPowerline Specification 1.0andUSB 1.1 Specification,andoffers up to
12 Mbps bandwidth while being less prone to interference. By offering 56-bit DES encryption, it is also
much more secure than other home networking technologies such as wireless Ethernet.
2

Features
• No extra wires, using the most pervasive medium in your home – power lines
• Allows multiple computers to share Internet access, printers, and other resources through the power
lines
• Very easy and intuitive to set up and install
• HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 compliant
• USB 1.1 Specification compliant
• Up to 12 Mbps bandwidth
• Up to 990’ distance through the power lines, far enough for most households
• Worldwide compatibility
• Low risk of interference by other RF sources
• 56-bit DES encryption assures data security
• Signal will not pass power meter, thus keeping the data safe in the house
• Encryption done by hardware, with no sacrifice on bandwidth
• Most reliable home networking technology
3

• Available USB port and CD-ROM drive for the Windows based computer that you plan to install this
device to
• Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP
• Available power outlets in room
• Standard home power line wiring
Requirements
4
System Requirements

IOGEAR’s HomePlug to USB adapter allows you to network your computers via your current existing
home power line. It offers a data transmission speed of up to 12 Mbps, and to reach up to 990 feet
through standard power lines.
Package contents:
1. HomePlug to USB adapter
2. USBCable
3. UserManual
4. Warranty/Registration card
5. DriverCD
Introduction
5

Introduction
6
1. Collision LED – lights in green whenever there is collision
2. ACT LED – blinks in green when there are network activities
3. Link LED – lights up in green when plugged into a power outlet
4. USB port – connecting to the computer
5. Power Prongs – plug directly on the wall
3
2
5
1
4

Installation
Note:
Do not place HomePlug devices under direct sunlight or near high-heat-emitting devices;
Do not place HomePlug devices near water or wet surfaces to avoid electric hazards;
Do not place HomePlug devices on any moving or unstable surfaces;
It is recommended that you plug the HomePlug devices directly into the wall outlets, not to any power
adapters, surge protectors or any device that filters signals.
1. Remove the HomePlug to USB adapter, the USB cable and the installation CD from the package.
2. Allocate a space for the adapter’s placement. Make sure you avoid the places mentioned above.
3. Make sure that your HomePlug USB Adapter USB cable is NOT plugged in the computer before you
install the driver first.
4. If you currently have a 10/100 Base-T network interface card installed in your computer, please
disable the card first.
(Note: The following driver installation steps are under Windows XP. Other operating systems will have the similar steps
but the screen may appear different. For Windows 98SE, ME and 2000, you may be prompted to use the Windows CD
under98SEandME.)
7

Installation
8
5. Insert the installation CD. If CD
does not automatically load, run
(CD Drive Letter):\setup.exe
6. Click Next.

Installation
7. Read, understand and accept the
agreement and continue by click-
ing Next.
9

Installation
8. Enter a user name and
organization name, and click
Next to continue installation.
(Username and Organization
havenoimportanceindevice op-
eration. Window might look
slightly different on other plat-
forms.)
10

9. Press “Install” to start the
Installation Wizard:
11
Installation

Installation
12
You may be prompted by this warning
screen, ignore the warning and click
“ContinueAnyway”.

13
Installation
10. After the installation is
successful, a window will
come up prompting for the
installation of the HomePlug
to USB adapter. Go ahead
plug the Homeplug USB
adapter on the wall outlet,
and then plug in the USB
cable into both the HomePlug
to USB adapter and the
computer. Then click OK.d

14
Installation
11. Click “Finish” to complete the
installation.

15
Installation
12. Click “Yes” to restart your computer.

16
Configuration
After restarting the computer,
you can see the HomePlug
utility icon.
1. Double click on the icon to
start the HomePlug
Configuration Utility.The
utility is used to configure
the HomePlug device.

2. Once the utility starts, it will
display the MAC address of
the device your computer is
connected to as well as the
signal strength.
17
Configuration