Linksys PLE200 - PowerLine AV EN Adapter Bridge User manual

Model No.
WIRED
PLE200
User Guide
Ethernet Adapter
PowerLine AV

PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Copyright and Trademarks
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco
Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
How to Use this Guide
Your Guide to the PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter has been designed to make understanding networking with the
Adapter easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:
In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:
Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.
This exclamation point means there is a Caution or
Warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Adapter.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Adapter.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
PLE200-UG-61117NC JL
WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
TableofContents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Powerline Network 1
What is a Powerline Network? 1
How Do You Create a Powerline Network? 1
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Adapter 2
The Bottom Panel 2
The Back Panel 2
The Front Panel 3
Chapter 4: Installing the Adapter 4
Overview 4
Instructions for the Setup Wizard 4
Instructions for Connection 7
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility 8
Overview 8
How to Access the Configuration Utility 8
Network 9
Security 10
Advanced (Advanced Users Only) 11
Upgrade 13
About 13
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 14
Common Problems and Solutions 14
Frequently Asked Questions 15
Appendix B: Glossary 16
Appendix C: Specifications 20
Appendix D: Warranty Information 21
Appendix E: Regulatory Information 22
Appendix F: Contact Information 28

PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
ListofFigures
Figure 2-1: Diagram of a Typical Powerline Network 1
Figure 3-1: Bottom Panel 2
Figure 3-2: Back Panel 2
Figure 3-3: Front Panel 3
Figure 4-1: Welcome 4
Figure 4-2: License Agreement 4
Figure 4-3: Preparing to Install 4
Figure 4-4: Connect the Adapter 5
Figure 4-5: Connection to a Desktop Computer 5
Figure 4-6: Installation in Progress 6
Figure 4-7: Congratulations 6
Figure 4-8: Plug into the Outlet 7
Figure 5-1: Configuration Utility Icon 8
Figure 5-2: Network Screen 9
Figure 5-3: Network Screen with Named Locations 9
Figure 5-4: Security Screen 10
Figure 5-5: Advanced Screen 11
Figure 5-6: Upgrade Screen 13
Figure 5-7: About Screen 13

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Chapter1:Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Linksys PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter. It lets you turn the existing powerlines in your
home or office into a high-speed network.
Installation is quick and simple. Connect the Adapter directly to any Ethernet-enabled device, whether it’s a
computer or media center. Once your computers and other devices are connected to the powerline network, they
can share resources like printers and storage space, and all kinds of files—music, digital pictures, and
documents. With up to 100Mbps data rates, you can play lag-free, head-to-head network computer games, and
you can run media-centric applications like streaming video and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony.
And if you use a PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter to interface your cable or DSL router to your powerline network,
you'll be able to connect to the Internet from any computer in the house.
Use the instructions in this user guide to help you install and use the Adapter. These instructions should be all you
need to get the most out of the Adapter.
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for installing and using the Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’s functions and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Planning Your Powerline Network
This chapter explains how to create a powerline network.
• Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 3: Installing the Adapter
This chapter explains the Setup Wizard provided for installation.
• Chapter 4: Using the Configuration Utility
This chapter instructs you on how to configure the settings of the Adapter.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions regarding installation and use of the Adapter.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
• Appendix B: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix D: Specifications
This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Adapter.
• Appendix E: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Adapter.
• Appendix F: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Adapter.
• Appendix G: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Powerline Network
What is a Powerline Network?
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Chapter2:PlanningYourPowerlineNetwork
What is a Powerline Network?
The typical wired Ethernet network uses Ethernet network cables to connect your wired network devices. A
powerline network uses the existing powerlines in your home or office to connect your powerline network
devices, such as computers and media devices.
How Do You Create a Powerline Network?
Each network device needs its own PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter. On one of your computers, run the Setup
Wizard for each Adapter.
Connect each Adapter to its network device, and then plug the Adapter into an electrical outlet.
In a typical network, connect one Adapter to your router, so your powerline network can share the high-speed
Internet connection. Then connect additional Adapters to your computers and other network devices.
For example, in the application diagram, the router upstairs is connected to its Adapter, which is plugged into an
electrical outlet. Downstairs, the media center is connected to its Adapter, which is plugged into another
electrical outlet. Using the powerlines of the home, the router can route any data—video clips, music files, and
digital photos—from any networked computer or storage device to the entertainment area. Plus, if you enjoy
online gaming, you can play downstairs in the comfort of your living room, while taking advantage of your router
and high-speed Internet connection upstairs.
Figure 2-1: Diagram of a Typical Powerline Network
Video Photos
Music

2
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Adapter
The Bottom Panel
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Chapter3:GettingtoKnowtheAdapter
The Bottom Panel
The Ethernet port is located on the bottom panel of the Adapter.
Ethernet Port The Ethernet port connects to an Ethernet network cable. The other end of the cable will
connect to your computer or other Ethernet-enabled network device.
The Back Panel
The power plug and Device Password are located on the back panel of the Adapter.
Power Plug The power plug connects to an electrical outlet in your location.
Device
Password The Device Password is located on the sticker. If you are adding this Adapter to a pre-existing
powerline network with your own Network Password (not the default), then you may need to
enter the Device Password on the Security tab of the Configuration Utility. For more
information, refer to “Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility.”
Figure 3-1: Bottom Panel
Figure 3-2: Back Panel
IMPORTANT: Because the Adapter sends data over the powerlines of your residence, Linksys
recommends that you plug the Adapter directly into an electrical outlet. The Adapter has its own
power filter for protection against surges.

3
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Adapter
The Front Panel
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
The Front Panel
The Adapter's LEDs are located on the front panel.
Power LED Blue. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on.
PowerLine LED Blue. The PowerLine LED flashes to indicate activity over the powerline connection.
Ethernet LED Blue. The Ethernet LED flashes to indicate activity over the Ethernet connection.
Figure 3-3: Front Panel

4
Chapter 4: Installing the Adapter
Overview
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Chapter4:InstallingtheAdapter
Overview
For each Adapter you use, run the Setup Wizard.
Instructions for the Setup Wizard
1. Go to your computer and insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into the CD drive. The Setup Wizard should run
automatically. If it does not, click Start. Click Run, and in the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is
the letter of your CD drive).
2. On the Welcome screen, click Setup to begin the installation.
Other options include the following:
• Click User Guide to view the online User Guide.
• Click LINKSYS Web to visit the Linksys website, www.linksys.com.
• Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
3. The End User License Agreement screen will appear. If you accept the License Agreement and want to begin
the installation, click Next.
4. The Preparing to Install screen will appear briefly. If you want to cancel the installation, click the
Cancel button.
Figure 4-1: Welcome
Figure 4-3: Preparing to Install
Figure 4-2: License Agreement

5
Chapter 4: Installing the Adapter
Instructions for the Setup Wizard
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
5. Connect one end of an Ethernet network cable to the Ethernet port of the Adapter. Connect the other end to an
Ethernet port on your computer, which is running the Setup Wizard.
Plug the Adapter into an electrical outlet.
Then click Next.
Figure 4-4: Connect the Adapter
Figure 4-5: Connection to a Desktop Computer
IMPORTANT: Because the Adapter sends data over the powerlines of your residence, Linksys
recommends that you plug the Adapter directly into an electrical outlet. The Adapter has its
own power filter for protection against surges.
Plugs Directly into Outlet

6
Chapter 4: Installing the Adapter
Instructions for the Setup Wizard
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
6. The Install Configuration Utility screen will appear. (The Configuration Utility is a program that manages
powerline devices.) Wait a few minutes while the Setup Wizard installs the Configuration Utility. If you want to
cancel the installation, click Exit.
7. On the Congratulations screen, click Online Registration to register the Adapter on
www.linksys.com/registration.
To exit the Setup Wizard, click Exit.
Proceed to the next section, “Instructions for Connection.”
Figure 4-6: Installation in Progress
Figure 4-7: Congratulations

7
Chapter 4: Installing the Adapter
Instructions for Connection
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Instructions for Connection
1. If the Adapter is for the computer it is already connected to, then the installation is complete. Proceed to
“Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility”.
If the Adapter is for a different network device, then proceed to step 2.
2. Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the computer.
3. Unplug the Adapter from its electrical outlet.
4. Connect the Ethernet network cable to the appropriate network device.
5. Plug the Adapter into an electrical outlet.
Congratulations! The installation of the PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter is complete.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility”.
Figure 4-8: Plug into the Outlet
IMPORTANT: Because the Adapter sends data over the powerlines of your residence, Linksys
recommends that you plug the Adapter directly into an electrical outlet. The Adapter has its
own power filter for protection against surges.

8
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Overview
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Chapter5:UsingtheConfigurationUtility
Overview
The PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter uses the HomePlug AV standard, which offers better performance and
security than the HomePlug 1.1 or older standards. HomePlug AV products can co-exist with older HomePlug
products, but they will not communicate with each other. You can use the Configuration Utility to configure all
Linksys HomePlug AV products.
How to Access the Configuration Utility
After installation, the icon for the Configuration Utility will appear on your desktop.
Double-click the icon to open the Configuration Utility. It offers five screens:
• Network. Use this screen to discover all Adapters on the powerline network, and connect to any Adapter (it
does not have to be the Adapter physically connected to your computer).
• Security. Set a unique Network Password on the connected Adapter.
If you are adding a new Adapter to a pre-existing powerline network with a unique Network Password (not the
default), then refer to the Security - Device Password section for instructions.
• Advanced. This screen is for advanced users only. For the connected Adapter, configure Quality of Service
(QoS) settings on this screen.
• Upgrade. Upgrade the connected Adapter’s firmware.
• About. This screen displays the version number of the Configuration Utility. It also provides a link to the
Linksys website, www.linksys.com (you must have an active Internet connection to use this link).
Figure 5-1: Configuration Utility Icon

9
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Network
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Network
The Network screen lists the devices on your HomePlug AV powerline network, all devices with the same
Network Password. (If you have any HomePlug 1.1 or older devices, they will not be detected.)
Status. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter currently accessed by your computer.
The table describes the Adapters on your powerline network.
Device Location. Click once to select this field. Click again to edit it. Enter the location of the Adapter.
MAC Address. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter. L stands for local; this indicates that the Adapter
is physically connected to the computer you are using. R stands for remote; this indicates that the Adapter is
physically connected to another computer or other network device.
Data Rate (Mbps). Displayed here is the transmission speed of the Adapter, except for the one currently accessed
by your computer.
To detect all devices on the powerline network, click the Scan Network button.
To access a specific Adapter, select it on the list and click the Connect button.
To exit the Configuration Utility, click Exit.
Figure 5-2: Network Screen
Figure 5-3: Network Screen with Named Locations
NOTE: If you are adding a new Adapter to a pre-existing powerline network with a unique
Network Password (not the default), then the new Adapter may not be detected. Refer to the
“Security - Device Password” section for instructions.

10
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Security
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Security
On the Security screen, set a unique Network Password on the Adapter connected to your computer. All of the
devices on your powerline network must use the same Network Password.
Status. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter currently accessed by your computer.
Network Password
Network Password. Enter a unique Network Password, and click the Save button. It must have 4-24 characters
and is case-sensitive. The Network Password can use any letters, numbers, or punctuation marks.
To restore the default, HomePlugAV, click the Restore Default button, and then click the Save button.
Device Password
If you are adding a new Adapter to a pre-existing powerline network with a unique Network Password (not the
default), then follow these instructions:
1. Enter its Device Password, which is shown on a sticker attached to the back panel of the Adapter.
2. The Set Encryption for Remote Device setting is selected by default. Keep this setting selected.
3. Click the Network tab.
4. The new Adapter will be displayed on the list (if it is not, click the Scan Network button). Select the new
Adapter, and click the Connect button.
5. Click the Security tab, and follow the instructions for changing its Network Password.
To exit the Configuration Utility, click Exit.
Figure 5-4: Security Screen
NOTE: All of the devices must use the same Network Password. If you change the Network
Password for one Adapter, then you have to change the Network Password for all of the others.
Otherwise, they will not communicate with each other.

11
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Advanced (Advanced Users Only)
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Advanced (Advanced Users Only)
To provide better Quality of Service (QoS) for more important types of traffic, such as Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) calls or streaming video, set priority levels for the different types of traffic. Virtual Local Area Network
(VLAN) tags and Type of Service (TOS) bits can specify eight levels of user priority, 0-7 (7 being the highest user
priority). HomePlug AV can specify four levels of Channel Access Priority (CAP), CAP0-3, (CAP3 being the highest
priority). Hence the eight levels of VLAN tags have to be mapped to the four levels of CAP.
For the connected Adapter, use this screen to map VLAN tags or TOS bits user priorities to CAP settings. If both
VLAN tags and TOS bits are enabled, then VLAN tags will override TOS bits. You can also set the default priority
mapping of packets that do not have VLAN tags or TOS bits.
Status. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter currently accessed by your computer.
Priority Mapping
Configure CAP settings using VLAN tags or TOS bits. Packets matching the VLAN tag or TOS bit priority will be
assigned the corresponding CAP that you have selected.
VLAN Tags
VLAN Tags. To assign priority using VLAN tags, check VLAN Tags.
0-7. For each VLAN tag user priority (7 being the highest user priority), select the appropriate CAP setting: CAP3,
CAP2, CAP1, or CAP0 (CAP3 being the highest CAP priority).
TOS Bits
TOS Bits. To assign priority using TOS bits, uncheck VLAN Tags, and check TOS Bits. (If both are checked, then
VLAN tags override TOS bits.)
0-7. For each TOS bits user priority (7 being the highest user priority), select the appropriate CAP setting: CAP3,
CAP2, CAP1, or CAP0 (CAP3 being the highest CAP priority).
Default CAP - Lowest Priority
Set the default priority mapping of packets that do not have priority set by VLAN tags, TOS bits, or other priority
mapping. For each type of traffic, select the appropriate CAP setting.
IGMP. For Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) frames, select the appropriate CAP setting: CAP3, CAP2,
CAP1, or CAP0 (CAP3 being the highest CAP priority).
Figure 5-5: Advanced Screen

12
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Advanced (Advanced Users Only)
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Unicast. For unicast frames, select the appropriate CAP setting: CAP3, CAP2, CAP1, or CAP0.
Multicast/Broadcast. For multicast and broadcast frames, select the appropriate CAP setting: CAP3, CAP2,
CAP1, or CAP0.
To save your changes, click the Save button.
To reset the priority settings to the factory defaults, click the Restore Default button.
To exit the Configuration Utility, click Exit.
NOTE: The following are the factory default
settings for VLAN Tags and TOS Bits:
VLAN Tag
User Priority
Default CAP
Priority
TOS Bit User
Priority
Default CAP
Priority
0CAP1 0CAP1
1CAP0 1CAP1
2CAP0 2CAP2
3CAP1 3CAP3
4CAP2 4CAP3
5CAP2 5CAP3
6CAP3 6CAP3
7CAP3 7CAP3

13
Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility
Upgrade
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
Upgrade
Use this screen to upgrade the connected Adapter’s firmware.
Status. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter currently accessed by your computer.
Device Information
MAC Address. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter.
Firmware Version. Displayed here is the firmware version of the Adapter.
Device Upgrade
To upgrade the Adapter’s firmware, follow these instructions:
1. Download the Adapter’s firmware from the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
2. Extract the firmware file on your computer.
3. Enter the location of the firmware’s file, or click the Browse button to find the file.
4. Click the Upgrade button, and follow the on-screen instructions.
To exit the Configuration Utility, click Exit.
About
The About screen displays information about the connected Adapter and a link to the Linksys website,
www.linksys.com.
Status. Displayed here is the MAC address of the Adapter currently accessed by your computer.
Ver. Displayed here is the version number of the Configuration Utility.
Click the WWW.LINKSYS.COM button to visit the Linksys website, www.linksys.com. (You must have an active
Internet connection to use this link.)
Figure 5-6: Upgrade Screen
Figure 5-7: About Screen

14
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter
AppendixA:Troubleshooting
This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” This
appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of this product.
Read the description below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. None of the LEDs light up after I installed the Adapter.
Follow these instructions:
1. Unplug the Ethernet network cable from the Adapter.
2. Unplug the Adapter from the electrical outlet.
3. Make sure the electrical outlet is working properly by plugging another device into the outlet.
4. Connect the Ethernet network cable to the Adapter.
5. Plug the Adapter into the electrical outlet.
2. The Ethernet LED does not light up on the Adapter.
Check the Ethernet adapter on your computer or other network device to see if the adapter is working
properly. (For more information, refer to the documentation for your adapter.)
3. When I scan the powerline network, I don’t detect all the powerline devices.
Make sure all devices on the powerline network have been configured with the same Network Password;
otherwise, they will not be able to communicate with each other. If you are adding a new Adapter to a pre-
existing powerline network with a unique Network Password (not the default), then refer to the Security -
Device Password section of “Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility.”
4. I cannot connect to other computers on my powerline network or to the Internet.
Follow these instructions:
1. Make sure all devices on the powerline network have been configured with the same Network
Password; otherwise, they will not be able to communicate with each other. Refer to “Chapter 5:
Using the Configuration Utility.”
2. If your powerline-networked devices cannot access the Internet, make sure you have an Adapter
connected to the router. (The router must have its own Adapter to join the powerline network.) Access
the Adapter connected to the router, and make sure your router is part of the powerline network. Refer
to “Chapter 5: Using the Configuration Utility.”
3. If your powerline devices still cannot access the Internet, make sure the IP addresses and TCP/IP (a
communications protocol) are set up correctly for all of the powerline-networked computers. For
more information on IP addressing and TCP/IP, refer to Windows Help.