NETGEAR HDX101 - Powerline HD EN Adapter Bridge User manual

202-10163-03
February 2007
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
HDX101 Powerline HD
Ethernet Adapter User
Guide
© 2006-2007 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. February 2007.

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Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
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 or more 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.
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B.
Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der
Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market
and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.

v1.2, February 2007
iii
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: HDX101
Publication Date: February 2007
Product Family: Powerline HD Ethernet adapter
Product Name: HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English

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Contents
HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats ..................................................................vii
How to Use This Manual .................................................................................................viii
How to Print this Manual ..................................................................................................viii
Revision History ................................................................................................................ ix
Chapter 1
Introduction
Key Features ..................................................................................................................1-1
Easy Installation and Management ..........................................................................1-2
Maintenance and Support ........................................................................................1-2
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................1-2
Connectors, Ports, and Label Information ......................................................................1-3
The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter ........................................................................1-3
The Label on the Rear Panel of the HDX101 ...........................................................1-4
Chapter 2
Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
How the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Fits in Your Network ......................................2-1
Prepare to Install Your Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter .................................................2-2
Connect an HDX101 to the Router .................................................................................2-2
Connect other Powerline HD Ethernet Adapters ............................................................2-4
Install the HDX101 Configuration Utility (Highly Recommended) ...................................2-5
Running the HDX101 Configuration Utility ...................................................................2-10
Automatic Firmware Version Check .......................................................................2-11
Manually Applying a Firmware Upgrade .......................................................................2-13
Resetting to Factory Defaults .......................................................................................2-14
Allowing Your Powerline Network to Coexist with a HomePlug Network ......................2-17
Set Your Network ID .....................................................................................................2-19
Add a Device to an Existing Powerline Network ...........................................................2-22

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To Add a New Device from a Locally Connected Computer ..................................2-22
To Add a New Device from a Remotely Connected Computer ..............................2-22
How to Prioritize Traffic on the Powerline Network .......................................................2-23
How to Prioritize Traffic by General Application Type ............................................2-23
Advanced QoS Options ..........................................................................................2-25
Other QoS Options .................................................................................................2-26
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation .....................................3-1
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................3-1
Power Light Not On ..................................................................................................3-2
Powerline Link Light Not On .....................................................................................3-2
Ethernet Light is Off .................................................................................................3-2
Problems after Changing Network ID .............................................................................3-2
Appendix A
Technical Specifications

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About This Manual
This guide describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the HDX101 Powerline HD
Ethernet Adapter.The information is this manual is intended for readers with intermediate
computer and Internet skills.
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices and on the Netgear website.
The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:
•Typographical Conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions::
•Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages::
Italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
Bold User input
Fixed Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
Warning: Ignoring this type of note may result in a malfunction or damage to the
equipment.

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
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v1.2, February 2007
•Scope. This manual is written for the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter according to these
specifications:
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time
• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.
• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the
product model.
• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.
Danger: This is a safety warning. Failure to take heed of this notice may result in
personal injury or death.
Product Version HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
Manual Publication Date February 2007
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/HDX101.asp.

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•Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
— Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
— Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view and
print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
— Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
•Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page.
— Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF
version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
— Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Revision History
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
Part Number Version
Number Description
202-10163-01 1.0 Original document.
202-10163-02 1.1 Product update: New configuration utility 1.0.1.3
202-10163-03 1.2 Product update: New configuration utility 1.0.1.4. New sections added for
product upgrades and resetting devices to factory default settings.

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
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Introduction 1-1
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR®HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter.
The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter lets you completely network your home by simply plugging
into your existing electrical wiring, so your network connection is as close as the nearest power
outlet. Now your high-speed cable/DSL connection can be available in every room. And you can
also extend an existing Ethernet network to PCs in other rooms without any additional wiring.
This chapter describes the features of the NETGEAR HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter.
Key Features
The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter provides the following features:
• Data encryption for the Powerline network.
• Easy installation and management utility
• Powerline network ID
• Front panel LEDs for easy monitoring of status and activity.
Note: This manual provides information on the complete features as of the date of
publication. Earlier versions of this product may not have all the features presented
in this manual. Go to http://kbserver.netgear.com where you will find product
firmware updates for your HDX101.

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
1-2 Introduction
v1.2, February 2007
Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure, and operate the HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter within
minutes after connecting it to the network. The following features simplify installation and
management tasks:
• Browser-based management
The setup utility allows you to easily configure your Powerline HD Ethernet adapter from
almost any personal computer running Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. The
utility allows you to set up a Powerline network ID.
• Visual monitoring
The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to monitor its
status and activity.
Maintenance and Support
NETGEAR offers free technical support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, for 90 days
from the date of purchase.
Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
• An HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter.
•HDX101 Resource CD, including:
— This guide.
— HDX101 configuration utility
—HDX101 Installation Guide.
• Registration, Warranty Card, and Support Information Card.
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the Powerline HD
Ethernet adapter for repair.

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
Introduction 1-3
v1.2, February 2007
Connectors, Ports, and Label Information
Each unit has various status indicators and a label with important information. Familiarize yourself
with these features of your product.
The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
The front panel of the HDX101 contains the status lights described below.
You can use the status lights to verify connections. Viewed from top to bottom, the table below
describes the lights on the front panel.
Figure 1-1
Table 1-1. Status Light Descriptions
Label Activity Description
Power On Green Solid
Off Power is supplied to the HDX101. Power is not supplied to the HDX101.
Powerline Link On Blue Solid
Off
The device has detected another Powerline device on the
Powerline network.
No other Powerline devices detected on the Powerline
network.
Ethernet On Green Solid
Blink
Off
The Ethernet port is linked but there is no activity.
Data is being transmitted or received over the Ethernet port.
There is no active Ethernet connection.

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
1-4 Introduction
v1.2, February 2007
The Label on the Rear Panel of the HDX101
The label on the rear panel of the HDX101 contains the items listed below.
• MAC address
• Model number
• Serial number

Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter 2-1
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Chapter 2
Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
This chapter describes how to set up the HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter on your local
area network (LAN) and connect to the Internet.
How the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Fits in Your Network
HDX101 devices allow you to implement or extend an Ethernet local area network anywhere in
your house using your existing electrical power line in place of a dedicated LAN wiring
infrastructure. An example is illustrated in the following diagram for a minimal network consisting
of two Powerline devices:
Follow the instructions below to set up your Powerline HD Ethernet adapter.
Figure 2-1
HDX101
Computer
Internet
Ethernet Network
Access
HDX101
Computer
Ethernet Network
(always encrypted)
Powerline Network
Router

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
2-2 Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
v1.2, February 2007
Prepare to Install Your Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
Check that these minimum requirements are met.
• Your Ethernet network is set up and an Ethernet port is available on your router.
• Your Internet connection is working.
• Each computer and peripheral device to be used on your network has an Ethernet port.
Connect an HDX101 to the Router
Figure 2-2
Wireless
HDX101
Internet
Ethernet Network
Access
Router

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter 2-3
v1.2, February 2007
1. First, connect a Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter to a LAN port on the router so that the
Powerline network can gain access to the internet.
Do not connect the HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter to a power strip, extension cord,
or surge protector as this may prevent them from working properly or degrade the network
performance.
a. Plug the blue Ethernet cable that came in the box into a LAN port on your router or switch
in your network.
b. Plug the other end of blue Ethernet cable that came in the box into the HDX101.
•Power: The power light should turn solid green. If it does not, see Chapter 3,
“Troubleshooting”.
•Ethernet: The Ethernet light should be blinking to indicate activity. If not, make sure
the Ethernet cable on the HDX101 you connected in the previous step is securely
attached to the HDX101 and the router, that the router is connected to the modem, and
the router and modem are powered on.
Figure 2-3
WARNING!
OFF
ON

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
2-4 Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
v1.2, February 2007
c. Make sure that the internet port of your router is connected to your modem, and your
computer is connected to a LAN port on the router.
Connect other Powerline HD Ethernet Adapters
1. Plug your other HDX101 devices into power outlets in your home near to the other computers
and peripherals to be included in your Powerline local area network.
2. Use an Ethernet cable to connect from an Ethernet port on each of the computers/peripherals
to the nearest HDX101 device.
3. Check that when a second HDX101 is plugged into a power outlet, the blue Powerline LEDs
turn to solid on.
This completes the Powerline installation.
Figure 2-4

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter 2-5
v1.2, February 2007
Install the HDX101 Configuration Utility (Highly
Recommended)
The utility provides you with the option of setting your own unique encryption Powerline network
ID and prioritizing traffic passing through the Powerline network.
Important encryption features:
• The Network ID is case sensitive.
• Each device must be set to exactly the same Network ID—if they are to communicate on the
same network. Powerline devices on different networks will not be able to communicate.
• A default button in the configuration utility allows you to reset the Network ID to the default
(PowerlineHD).
• The Network ID allows you to protect your network from unauthorized access via the
Powerline network.
1. Insert the HDX101 Resource CD into one of the CD-ROM drives on the computer that is
connected to your router1. The CD should start automatically and display the following screen:
Figure 2-5

HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter User Guide
2-6 Installing the Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter
v1.2, February 2007
If the CD does not start automatically:
• Go to My Computer on the Windows Start menu, and double-click the drive that
represents the location of the HDX101 Resource CD or
• Select the CD-ROM drive and click on the Autorun.exe executable file.
2. Click the topmost button, labelled Install Software. A Welcome screen should appear.
1. All devices on a Powerline network can be managed from one computer. If you add another HDX101 device
to an existing Powerline network, you can install the Powerline configuration utility on the computer
connected locally to the new HDX101 device, or open the utility on the computer originally used to set up the
Powerline network ID. You can use any computer to manage the network, but this procedure assumes that
you are working from the computer that is connected to your router.
Figure 2-6