Planet PL-102U User manual

Powerline Communication
Powerline USBAdapter
PL-102U
USER S MANUAL

Copyright
Copyright (C) 2003 PLANETTechnology Corp. All rights reserved.
The productsand programs described in this User sManual are licensed productsof PLANET
Technology,This User sManual contains proprietary information protected by copyright, and this User s
Manual and all accompanying hardware, software, and documentation are copyrighted.
No partof this User sManual may be copied, photocopied,reproduced, translated,or reduced to any
electronic medium ormachine-readable formby any means by electronic or mechanical. Including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems,forany purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use,and without the priorexpress written permission ofPLANETTechnology.
Disclaimer
PLANETTechnology does not warrant that the hardware will work properly in all environmentsand
applications, and makes no warranty and representation, either implied or expressed, with respect to the
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.
PLANEThas made every effortto ensure that this User sManual is accurate; PLANETdisclaims liability
for any inaccuracies oromissions that may have occurred.
Information in this User sManual is subject tochange without notice and does notrepresent a
commitment on the part of PLANET.PLANET assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be
contained in this User sManual. PLANETmakes no commitment to update or keep current the
information in this User sManual, and reserves the right to make improvementstothis User sManual
and/or to the products described in this User s Manual, at any time withoutnotice.
If you find information in this manual thatis incorrect,misleading, or incomplete, wewould appreciate
your comments and suggestions.
CE mark Warning
The is a class B device, In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Trademarks
The PLANETlogo is atrademark of PLANETTechnology.This documentation may refer to numerous
hardware and software productsby their trade names. In most, if not all cases, these designations are
claimed as trademarks or registered trademarks by their respective companies.
Revision
User s Manual for Powerline Communication product
Model: PL-102U
Rev: 1.0 (Apr.2003)
Part No. 2080-000004-000

Table of Content
Chapter 1 Introduction..................................................................................1
1.1 Powerline USB Adapter –PL-102U....................................................1
1.1.1 Features...................................................................................2
1.1.2 Package Contents....................................................................2
1.1.3 Hardware Description...............................................................2
1.1.4 Specification.............................................................................3
1.1.5 System Requirements..............................................................4
Chapter 2 Planning your Powerline Network................................................5
Chapter 3 Powerline USB Adapter Installation..............................................6
3.1 Connecting USB to Powerline Network Adapter.................................6
3.2 Powerline USB Adapter Installation....................................................6
Chapter 4 Encrypting Your Powerline Network.............................................9
4.1 PowerPacket Configuration UtilityInstallation....................................9
4.2 PowerPacket Configuration UtilityUsage.........................................12
4.2.1 Device Screen........................................................................13
4.2.2 Network Screen.....................................................................14
4.2.3 SecurityScreen......................................................................15
4.2.4 Advanced Screen...................................................................16
4.2.5 About Screen.........................................................................18
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.........................................................................19

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Powerline communicationis revolution in homeand small office networking, greatly simplifying
the taskofinstallingahigh-speedlocal areanetwork.With PLANETspowerline
communication products, you can utilize existing AC power outletsand wires to connect your
computers, servers andother devices safely,securelyandattrue LANspeeds ofup to 14
Mega bitsper second. Nocomplex and expensive specialized wiringusuallyassociatedwith
LANsis required, or management, securityandinterference problemsassociatedwith
802.11x wireless technologies –justconvenient, reliable, secureandsimplenetworking where
youneed it most. PLANETsPowerline productsallowyou to place acomputer anywhere in
your homeor small office with flawless, uninterruptedhigh-speednetworkconnection, simply
bypluggingyour computer sUSB interface intoPL-102U equippedpower outlet –andyou re
almost guaranteed to have one ofthese wherever youneedit.
PL-102U is anPowerlineUSB adapter withanUSB type B connector for directlyconnecting to
computer s USB port. It provides apower socket for connectingto wall outlet.
SecurityofPLANETsPowerlinecommunication technologyis assured bythe use of56-bit
DES encryption –the samesystemused to protect banking systemsall over theworld, andis
interference free, avoiding the problems ofwireless systems.
1.1 Powerline USB Adapter –PL-102U
The newestandfastest waytonetworkyourPCsisthroughpowerlinenetworking, which
allowsyoutoturn the powerlines in your homeinto your networkcable. The easiest wayto
integrateanyPC orlaptopinto suchapowerlinenetworkis withPLANET PowerlineUSB
Adapter.Useyour existing USB port withyour existing powerlines. The Plug-and-PlayUSB
Adapter connectsdirectlytovirtuallyanyUSB-readyPC ─just plug it in and you are readyto
share data,printers, or high-speed Internet access over your existingpowerline network.For
desktop installation,youdonot have toopen your PCcase. With user-friendlysoftware, it is
simple to set up.
Not onlyis PL-102U easyto install and use, but it also powerful. You cansendand receive
dataatspeeds ofupto12Mbps. PlugitintotheUSB port; setit up,and youare readytogo.
So for full desktop andnotebookPC flexibilityandpowerline convenience,the PL-102U
provides the perfect solution.

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1.1.1Features
♦ Internal power supplywithone power line networking interface
♦ Complies with HomePlug PowerlineAlliance Specification 1.0
♦ Up to 14Mbps bandwidth on powerline interface
♦ Support CSMA/CAprotocol on powerline interface
♦ 56-bitdata encryption to ensure data securityand reliability
♦ Easyto useWindows-based securitykeyconfiguration utility
♦ Significant LED indicators
♦ Up to 90 meters between two powerlinenodes
♦ Able tocommunicate between different electrical phases
♦ Compact size
♦ Compatible withWindows 98, ME, 2000and XP
1.1.2Package Contents
Checkthe contents of your package for following parts:
nOne Powerline USB adapter
nOne Power Cord
nOne USB cable
nOne Manual and UtilityCD-ROM
nOne QuickInstallation Guide
Ifanyofthese pieces are missing or damaged, pleasecontact your dealer immediately,if
possible, retain thecarton including the originalpacking material, anduse themagainst to
repackthe product in case there is a need to return it tous for repair.
1.1.3Hardware Description
PL-102U toppanel

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LEDs status
LED Color Description
PWRGreen Steadyon indicates PL-102U is connected to acomputer.
LNK Green Steadyon indicates PL-102U has detected other Powerlinedevices in
range.
COL Orange Blinking indicates there existing collision in powerlinenetwork.
ACTGreen Blinking indicates there existing powerline networktraffic.
PL-102U front panel
USB port
The USB port is where youwill connect your USB cable. To workwith USB ports, your
computer must be running Windows98, ME, 2000 and XP.
PL-102U rear panel
One 2-pin power inlet for both powerline networkand power supply
1.1.4Specification
ModelPL-102U
Standards HomePlug 1.0
USB 1.1
PortsOne Powerline Port
One USB TypeB Connector
CablingType Powerline: Power Cord
USB: USB cable
Speed Powerline: 14Mbps (actualthroughput is about 6Mbps)
USB : 12 Mbps
Powerline FrequencyBand 4.3MHz to 20.9MHz
Encryption56-bitDES with Keyconfiguration software
LEDs PWR, LNK,ACT, COL
Dimension 93 x 70x 25 mm
Certifications FCC Class B, CE
Operating Temp. 0 ~ 50 degree C
Storage Temp. -20 ~ 70 degree C
Operating Humidity10~90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity5~95% non-condensing
OS support Windows 98, 2000, Me andXP

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1.1.5System Requirements
§Pentium-class 90 MHz or higher
§Minimum32 MB RAM
§USB-readyPC
§Windows 98,ME, 2000 and XP
§CD-ROM Drive(for installing Encryption Utility)

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Chapter 2 Planning your PowerlineNetwork
With PLANET PowerLine products, anetworkcan be created usinghomepowerlines.
Computers can be networked over powerlines using aUSB Adapter or an Ethernet converter.
Use PL-102Ufor a USB-enabled computer or use PL-401Efor anEthernet-enabled computer.
The PL-401Eis also ideal for anyuser whoalreadyhas arouter and wantsto share
high-speedInternetaccess across the powerlinenetwork.Connect PL-401E tothe routerafter
youhave configuredit using the SecurityConfiguration Utility. Connect a straight-through UTP
Category 5cabletotheuplinkport ofthe router,orconnect crossoverUTP Category 5cable to
a LAN porton the router.

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Chapter 3 PowerlineUSB Adapter Installation
3.1 Connecting USB to Powerline Network Adapter
1. Plugtheother end oftheUSB cable intothecomputer s USB port.
2. PlugtheUSB cableinto the USB port onPL-102U.
3. Plugthepower cord into the powerline port on PL-102U.
4. Plugtheother end ofthepower cordinto apower outlet.
wUse onlythe supplied power cordtoconnect PL-102U
to thepower outlet.
wWindows95 andNTdo not support theUSB adapter.
3.2 Powerline USB Adapter Installation
The installationprocedurefor the networkdriver will varydependingonwhichoperating
systemyou are using on your computer.The following procedure is for installationunder
Windows 2000. Installation on other operation systemis similar.
1. Windowswill automaticallydetect thepresenceofthe USB Adapter hardware in your
computer once you have completed the hardwareinstallation. Clickthe Next button.
2. Select “Search for the suitable driver for mydevice. (recommended)”and clickthe Next
button.

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3. Windowswill lookfor newdrivers and ask you which locations youwant to search. Select
Specifya location. Clickthe Next buttonto continue.
4. Enter the path as E:\Driver\PL-102U (if “E”is the letter of your CD-ROM drive). Clickthe
Next buttonto continue.
5. Windowswill showthe information ofthe driver itfound. Clickthe Next button tocontinue.

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NOTE: Windows 2000andXPwill informyou that there is no digital signature found. Clickthe
Yes button to continuetheinstallation.
5. Clickthe Finish button to complete the installation.

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Chapter 4 Encrypting Your Powerline Network
4.1 PowerPacket Configuration UtilityInstallation
1. Insert theCD-ROMinto the CD-ROM driveto initiatetheautorunprogram.Once completed,
a menu screen will appear as follows:
2. To install theutility,clickon the "PowerPacket Configuration Utility" hyperlinkto activate
the installation procedure for the applicationprogram.
Ifthe above screen is not shown, you canstart the installation as follows.
•Clickon Start Menu/ Run.
•Enter “E:\Utility\PL-102U\setup.exe”in the appearedbox, where “E”is theletter of your
CD-ROM drive.
Clickon “OK”button.
3. On the Welcome screen, clickthe Next button.

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4. When the LicenseAgreement screenis displayed,readtheLicense Agreement, then click
the radiobuttontotheleft of “Iaccept thetermsin the licenseagreement”andclick the
Next button.
5. On the Customer Information screen,entertherequired information andselect whomthis
applicationis installed for.Then clickthe Next button.
6. The InstallShield Wizard showsyour current settings in next screen. Ifyou need to review
or change anysettings, clickthe Back button. Clickthe Cancel buttonto exit theWizard.
Otherwise, clickthe Install button.

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7. The InstallShieldWizardwould askyoutoplugyour PL-102UtoPCtocompletethe
installation. After ensuring PL-102U is well connected,clickthe OK button
8. When finished, click Finish to end the Installation Wizard.

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9. Remember to restart your computer to have the newconfiguration take effect.
4.2 PowerPacket Configuration UtilityUsage
After successfullyinstalling the utility,your computer desktop will displaythis icon, ,
PowerPacket ConfigurationUtility. Double-clickthe icon to activatetheutility.
Note: Make sureyourTCP/IP protocol isset upappropriatelyonyour computer before
running PowerPacket configuration utility.

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4.2.1Device Screen
When initiating the program, it will analyze your powerline network. Once the analysis is done,
the Device screen will be shownas above. Inthetext list box, it reports all PowerPacket™
devices found thatare locallyconnected to the computer where the utilityis running. In most
cases, onedevice onlyis listed. Incaseyou have more, clickon oneofthemand hit Connect.
Makesure that the State boxindicates thatyour PC is connected to the samedevice. Nowyou
are readyto manage the powerlinenetworkconnected to this device, ensure its privacyand
measure its data rate performance. Press Refresh button to refresh the search ofthe
powerline devices connected to your computer.
The progress bar will change into a status bar indicating the networkaverage data rate. The
color ofthe bar reflects theaverage performance ofthe powerline network:
Green : Excellent performance
Yellow : Fair performance
Red : Poor performance

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4.2.2Network Screen
The Network screen provides detailed information about your powerline network. The text list
box shows all PowerPacket™devices found onyour powerlinenetworkidentified bytheir
MAC addresses. The second column indicates their data rate measurements in Mbps. Press
Scan Powerline Network button torefresh the listed information.
In case a PowerPacket™device in your networkis notlisted in the screen above, make sure
that its networkpassword has not been made private previouslywith adifferent password than
your current private network password. You can always reset a PowerPacket™network
password to the universal one byrunning the PowerPacket™Configuration Utility on the PC
attached tothis device and use “HomePlug”as the networkpassword.

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4.2.3SecurityScreen
All PL-102U are shippedusing “HomePlug”as anetworkpassword. The Security screen
allows youtochange this networkpassword and set your own privatepassword and applyit to
PL-102U connected to the computer where the utilityis running. Click Restore Default button
to restore the original networkpassword “HomePlug”and applyitlocally.Click Set Local
button tochange the networkpassword locally.
Note: Your private networkpassword must have between 4 and24 characters. The password
is case sensitive. The password can includeanyletters ofthe alphabet,numbers or
punctuation marks. Remember this password as it will be needed when adding other devices
to the networklater.

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4.2.4 Advanced Screen
The Advanced screenallowsyouto setup a networkpassword remotelyon other PL-102U
through the powerline. Typeyour private networkpassword into the Network Password text
box. The device password ofa PL-102U is adding 0000 to its MAC address. For example, the
device password ofa PL-102U with MAC 00304F25A509 is 0000-0030-4F25-A509. The other
device on the networkwith PowerPacket™capabilitieswill have a different devicepassword
printedon either thecase itselfor in the documentation.Findthe passwords for all devices you
want to manage and type themone byone into the Device Password text box and click Add.
This will add the passwordsto RemotePasswords text list box and set themto the currently
definedNetworkPassword.
Note: The device must be present on the powerline inorder for the password to be confirmed
and added to the Remote Passwords list.
The Status indicates whether each device is successfully set to the Network Password. “OK”
indicates success while “Fail”indicates a failure. Click Set All to applyyour private network
password to all devices that are listed in the Remote Passwords text list box and to your local
device connected to the computer where the utilityis running as well. Select a password and

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click Remove to remove it fromthe list.