NETGEAR XA601 - Powerline USB Adapter User manual

Installation Guide
Powerline USB Adapter
MODEL XA601

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR® Powerline USB Adapter (model XA601). This
Powerline adapter lets you completely network your home by simply plugging into your
existing electrical wiring, so your network connection is as close as your nearest 110-volt
electrical outlet. Now your high-speed cable/DSL connection can be available in every room.
Robust and rate-adaptive, the Powerline adapter minimizes interference from other household
appliances. Go ahead and use your hair dryer, vacuum cleaner or TV -- your network will
automatically find the best data rate so that you can continue surfing, playing games or
telecommuting, safely and reliably.
This installation guide shows you how to connect your Powerline adapter to your PC. Setup is
easy – follow the instructions in this guide and your network will be up and running quickly.
If you have problems, there is a troubleshooting section on page 15 to help you. You can all
also find the latest information online from www.NETGEAR.com. NETGEAR offers
technical support 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on the Web (www.NETGEAR.com), by
e-mail ([email protected]) and by phone (see the provided support information card
for phone numbers).
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Home Office
Kids' Room
Kitchen
Powerline Adapter XE602
Internet
Radio
Powerline
Adapter
XE602
Powerline USB Adapter XA601
Router
Cable/DSL
Modem
PC
PC

Installation Overview
Estimated setup time is 10 to 20 minutes for each PC.
1. Unpack the box and verify the contents.
2. Insert the "Driver and Documentation CD" into the CD-ROM drive and install the
software.
3. Connect the power cord.
4. Using the supplied USB cable, connect the Powerline Adapter to the PC.
5. Set the encryption password (optional)
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Unpack the Box
When you open the box, verify that you have received everything.
The package includes:
• XA601 Powerline USB Adapter
• Driver and Documentation CD
• 5-ft. USB Cable
• 6-ft power cord
• Vertical Stand with Cable strap
• Wall-mounting screws
•XA601 Installation Guide (this document)
• Warranty and registration card
• Support information card
If you don’t have everything listed above, see the support information card for contact
information. If the support information card is missing, you can get contact information at
www.NETGEAR.com in the Customer Service area.
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USB Cable
Stand
110v cord
Powerline USB Adapter
XA601
Powerline USB Adapter (XA601),
Driver and Documentation CD,
installation guide, support
information card & warranty/
registration card. Wall-mounting
screws
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1

Install Drivers and Software
Note: Please install the drivers and software prior to connecting the
Powerline USB adapter to the PC.
1. Insert "Driver and Documentation" CD into the CD-ROM of your PC.
2. The Installation Wizard will start automatically.
3. Once the following dialog box appears, click “Next”.
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2
2

4. Enter your name and click "Next".
5. When the Following dialog box appears, click "Install" to begin the Installation.
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6. Once the Installation is complete, click “Finish” to exit the Wizard.
7. Your will need to restart the computer prior to connecting the Powerline USB adapter to
your PC. Close all other applications and Click “Yes” when the following dialog box
appears.
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Prepare to Install the Powerline USB
Adapter
The NETGEAR Powerline USB adapter enables you to set up a home network using your
existing electrical outlets. Computers in different rooms can share the Internet connection as
well as files and printers using the Electrical wiring that’s already in your house. There is no
need for unsightly Ethernet cabling or any rewiring.
You will need one of NETGEAR’s Powerline adapters in each room that you want part of the
home network. The Powerline USB Adapter (model XA601) connects any PC with a USB
port to the Powerline network. The Powerline Ethernet Adapter (model XE602) can easily
connect to any device with a 10BaseT or a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port such as a Cable/DSL
router.
In order to share your Cable or DSL connection among PCs in different rooms, you will need
the following:
• Cable or DSL Modem
• Cable/DSL Gateway Router (such as the NETGEAR RP614 or XR814)
• A Powerline Ethernet Adapter (model XE602) connected to the Router (unless you are
using a fully integrated NETGEAR XR814 Powerline Cable/DSL router)
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3
3
Home O
ome O
ffice
Powerline
Adapter
XE602
Router
Cable/DSL
Modem
PC

For each PC that you want to connect to the network, you will need:
• A Powerline USB Adapter (model XA601), if the PC lacks an Ethernet port but supports
a USB port
• A Powerline Ethernet Adapter (model XE602), if the PC has an existing Ethernet port or
you are about to install a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Card.
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Kids' Room
Powerline USB Adapter XA601
PC

Install the Powerline USB Adapter
After installing the drivers, you are ready to install the Powerline USB adaptor.
Note: If you have not installed the drivers, please follow the steps described
in Section 2:“Install Drivers and Software”.
Decide where you wish to place the Powerline USB adapter.
• It can be placed horizontally on a desk or tabletop.
• It can be mounted on the wall using the enclosed wall mounting kit
• It can be placed in the vertical stand, in order to save desk space
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Powerline USB Adapter XA601
on Vertical Stand
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