IOGear GHPB01 User manual

HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge
UserManual(GHPB01)

Thank you for purchasing one of the most user-friendly networking devices on the market. IOGEAR’s HomePlug
to Ethernet Bridges 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 Ethernet Bridge, another first-rate connectivity solution
from IOGEAR.
©2002 IOGEAR. All Rights Reserved. PKG-M0024
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
Network Configuration
Networking Basics
- Network Setup Wizard
- Checking IP Address
- Assign a Static IP address
- Sharing Disks/Folders
- Sharing Printers
- Accessing the Internet
Troubleshooting
02
03
04
05
07
14
27
27
38
40
43
48
59
63
Technical Support
Product Specifications
Limited Warranty
67
69
70

Overview
IOGEAR's HomePlug Powerline Network Ethernet Bridge allows you to network your home comput-
ers through the electric power lines in the house. Setting up a home network has never been so
simple, just connect your computer to the HomePlug Bridge via the CAT5 patch cable provided in the
package, and then plug the power end to your AC power outlet, you are connected!
This unit is compliant to HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 and offers up to 14 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
• Up to 14 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 AC power outlets in the room.
• Standard home power line wiring.
• Computers with 10/100Base-T adapters, or 10/100Base-T switch/hub.
• When used as a node: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP.
• When used as a bridge: any operating system (OS transparent).
Requirements
4
SystemRequirements

IOGEAR's HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge allows you to network your computers via your existing
home power lines. It offers a data transmission speed of up to 14 Mbps, and reaches up to 990 feet
through standard power lines.
Package contents:
1. HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge
2. CAT5 patch cable
3. Power cable
4. User Manual
5. Warranty Registration Card
Introduction
5
1. 2. 3.

Introduction
6
Front View: (Drawing)
1. Power LED - lights up in green when plugged into
a power outlet
2. Collision LED - lights up in green whenever there
is collision
3. Link LED - lights up in green after plugged into a
power outlet
4. ACT LED - blinks in green when there is network
activity
5. Ethernet port - connecting to the computer
6. Normal/Uplink button - you only need to use this
button when connecting the bridge to a switch/hub.
Push this button when connects to the Uplink port on a switch.
Another criteria for you to decide whether you need press this
buttonistolookatthelightinsidetheEthernetport,ifitisnotonor
flashing, you need to press this button.
Back View:
1. Power port - connecting to the wall outlet

Installation
There are several ways to network your computers using the HomePlug Bridge. Before we get
started, please 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.
If you plan to use this unit as a BRIDGE, not as a NODE; there is a limitation of having only TWO
BRIDGES PER NETWORK, (refer to the Network Terms for details):
1. Remove the HomePlug Bridge, the power cord, the CAT5 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. Plug one end of the CAT5 cable into the Ethernet port on the computer, and the other end into the Ethernet port
of the bridge.
4. Plug the power cord into the HomePlug bridge and wall outlet.
5. At this point, the Power and Link LED should be on, and you should see the ACT (Activity) LED start blinking.
6. Turn on your computer and set up your networks (refer to Network Basics for more information).
7

If you plan to use this unit as a
NODE, not as a BRIDGE (refer to
the Network Terms for details):
1. Remove the HomePlug Bridge, the
power cord, the CAT5 cable and the
installation CD from the package.
2. Allocate a space for the adapter's
placement. Make sure you avoid the
places mentioned on the previous
page.
3. Make sure that your HomePlug bridge
is NOT CONNECTED TO THE
COMPUTER before you install the
driver.
4. Insert the installation CD. If CD does
not automatically load, run (CD Drive
Letter):\usb\setup.exe.
5. Click Next.
Installation
8
(Note: When used as node, thebridge uses the same driver as thehomeplug USB adapter.)

Installation
6. Read, understand and accept the
License Agreement and Con-
tinue by clicking Next.
9

Installation
7. Enter a username and organiza-
tion name, and continue installa-
tion. (Username and Organiza-
tion have no importance in device
operation. This window might
look slightly different on other plat-
forms.)
10

8. Click Install to start the Installa-
tion Wizard:
11
Installation

9. After installation is successful, a win-
dow will pop up prompting for the in-
stallation of the HomePlug Bridge. Plug
in the CAT5 cable, one end into the
Ethernet port on the HomePlug Bridge,
the other end into an available network
port on your computer. Please verify
that the green Power LED and Link LED
on the HomePlug Bridge light up.
Installation
12

13
Installation
10. You have reached the end of your installation.
Please restart your computer for changes to
go into effect.

HomePlug Node Configuration Steps:
1. After restarting your computer, you should see this icon on your desktop. Click on it to begin configuring your
HomePlug device.
14
Network Configuration

2. Click Next to begin the configuration.
15
Network Configuration

3. Click Next to continue.
16
Network Configuration

4. Type in a network password between 4
and 24 characters long and click Next.
The password can consist of numbers
and/orletters.
17
Network Configuration