Planet PL-103E User manual

Powerline Communication
Powerline Ethernet Bridge PL-103E
USB Powerline Adapter - PL-103U
USER’S MANUAL

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Copyright
Copyright (C) 2004 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-103E, PL-103U
Rev: 1.0 (Feb. 2004)
Part No. EM-PL103

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Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions carefully.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product fromthe wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register,
or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation provided.
6. This product should be operated fromthe type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you arenot sureof the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.
7. This product relieson the building selectrical installation for short-circuit
(over current) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than
120 VAC or 240 VAC(dependson the power supplytype in your country) is
used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).
8. Plug the device directly into a120 VAC or 240 VAC (depends on the power
supply type in your country) wall outlet. Donot use an extension cord
between the adapter and the AC power source.
9. Do not attempt to service this productyourself, as opening orremoving
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks as well as
ruin product warranty. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
10. Unplug the AC coupler fromthe wall outlet and refer the product to
qualified service personnel for the following conditions:
- If liquid has been spilled into the product.
- If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
-If the productdoesnot operate normally when the operating instructions
are followed.
- If the product exhibitsa distinct change in performance.

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Table of Content
1. Introduction..................................................................................................1
1.1 Powerline Ethernet Bridge –PL-103E................................................1
1.1.1Features.....................................................................................2
1.1.2Package Content.........................................................................2
1.1.3Hardware Description ..................................................................2
1.1.4System Requirements..................................................................3
1.2 USB to Powerline Network Adapter –PL-103U..................................4
1.2.1Features.....................................................................................4
1.2.2Package Contents.......................................................................4
1.2.3Hardware Description ..................................................................5
1.2.4System Requirements..................................................................6
1.3 Specification.......................................................................................6
2. Planning your Powerline Network................................................................8
3. Powerline Ethernet Bridge Installation.........................................................9
3.1 Hardware Installation..........................................................................9
3.2 Driver Installation................................................................................9
4. Powerline USB Adapter Installation...........................................................10
4.1 Connecting USB to Powerline Network Adapter...............................10
4.2 Powerline USB Adapter Driver Installation.......................................10
5. Powerline Configuration Utility...................................................................13
5.1 Install the Powerline Configuration Utility.........................................13
5.2 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility.........................................14
5.3 Uninstalling the Powerline Configuration Utility................................18
6. Troubleshooting.........................................................................................19

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1. Introduction
Powerline communicationis revolution in home and small office networking,greatly
simplifyingthe taskofinstallingahigh-speedlocal area network. WithPLANETs
powerline communication products,you can utilizeexistingAC power outletsand
wires to connect your computers, serversand other devices safely,securelyand at
trueLAN speedsofupto14Mbit/second.Nocomplexand expensivespecialized
wiringusuallyassociatedwith LANsis required, ormanagement, securityand
interference problems associated with 802.11xwireless technologies –just
convenient, reliable, secure andsimplenetworking where you needit most.
PLANETsPowerline productsallowyou toplace acomputeranywhere in your home
or small officewith flawless, uninterruptedhigh-speed networkconnection, simplyby
plugging your computer sEthernet or USB interface into PL-103E/Uequipped power
outlet –and you re almost guaranteedtohave one of thesewherever you need it.
The PL-103E is aPowerline to Ethernet Bridge with a10base-TRJ-45 Ethernet
interfacefordirectlyconnecting to acomputer sEthernetcardor existingEthernet
switch, hub or broadband router.The PL-103Uis an USB to Powerline network
adapter with an USB type B connector for directly connectingto computers USB port.
Both of them provide a power socket for connecting towall outlet.
Securityof PLANETsPowerline communication technologyis assuredbythe use of
56-bit DESencryption –thesamesystem usedto protect bankingsystemsall over
the world, andis interference free, avoidingtheproblems of wireless systems.
1.1 Powerline Ethernet Bridge PL-103E
ThePLANETPowerline Ethernet BridgePL-103E offers acomplete Internet
connection solution for your homepowerline network.The PL-103E makes sharing
your high-speed broadband Internet access easier than ever.Build astrongand
simple-to-usehomenetworkbytakingadvantageofthemostpervasive medium-
powerline.
ThePL-103Eis ideal for users who alreadyhavearouter.It canbeplugged intoan
Ethernet port onarouter toequipanetwork with powerline capabilities andtake
advantageoftherouter's features.ThePL-103Ecan also be plugged directlyinto a

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cable or DSLmodem to allowInternet accessanddatatransferratesup to 14Mbps
over powerline.
1.1.1Features
w HomePlug Powerline Alliance Specification 1.0compliant
w Built-in power plugfor both powerline network andpower supply
w Connects10/100Ethernet network topowerline Networkfor seamless
integration
w 56-bit dataencryption to ensure datasecurityand reliability
w Easyto use Windows-based securitykeyconfiguration utility
w Easyto readLED indicators
w Support CSMA/CAprotocol on power line interface
w Up to 300m between powerline nodes
w Plug-and-playoperation provides easysetup
w Shares internet access acrossyour entirehome powerline network
w Up to 14Mbps data transfer over powerline
1.1.2Package Content
Check thecontents of your package for followingparts:
nOne Powerline Ethernet Bridge
nOne RJ-45 cable
nOne Manual and UtilityCD-ROM
nOne Quick Installation Guide
If anyofthese piecesare missingordamaged,please contact your dealer
immediately,ifpossible, retain the cartonincludingthe original packingmaterial,
and use them against to repackthe product in case there is a need to return it to us
for repair.
1.1.3Hardware Description
PL-103E front panel:

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LEDs status
LED Description
COL Blinkingindicates thereexistingcollision in powerline network.
ACT Blinkingindicates thereexistingpowerline network traffic
PWR Steadyon indicatesPL-103E has correctlyreceive power from
power outlet
LNK Steadyon indicatestheRJ-45 port has correctlyconnected tothe
network cardof your PC or the Ethernet network
1.1.4System Requirements
§ExistingEthernet/fast Ethernetnetworkor an existingEthernet/fastEthernet network
adapter and network cable
§TCP/IPprotocol
§CD-ROMDrive (for installingEncryption Utility)

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1.2 USB to Powerline NetworkAdapter PL-103U
The newest andfastestwayto network your PCs is throughpowerline networking,
which allowsyou to turn the powerline in your home intoyour network cable. The
easiest wayto integrateanyPC orlaptopintosuchapowerline networkiswith
PLANETPowerline USB Adapter.Useyour existingUSB port with your existing
powerline. The Plug-and-PlayUSB Adapter connectsdirectlyto virtuallyany
USB-readyPC ─justplugit in and you arereadyto sharedata,printers,or
high-speedInternetaccess over your existingpowerline network. For desktop
installation, you donothaveto openyour PCcase. Withuser-friendlysoftware, it is
simple toset up.
Not onlyis PL-103U easyto install and use, butit also powerful. You cansend and
receivedata at speedsofup to 12Mbps. Plugit into the USB port; set itup, and you
arereadytogo. Soforfull desktopandnotebook PCflexibilityandpowerline
convenience, the PL-103U provides the perfect solution.
1.2.1Features
♦ HomePlug Powerline Alliance Specification 1.0compliant
♦ Power plugfor powerline network
♦ Shares internet access acrossyour entirehome powerline network
♦ Provides powerline connectivitythrough Your USB port
♦ 56-bit dataencryption to ensure datasecurityand reliability
♦ Easyto use Windows-based securitykeyconfiguration utility
♦ Easyto readLED indicators
♦ Support CSMA/CAprotocol on power line interface
♦ Plug-and-playoperation provides easysetup
♦ Up to 14Mbps data transfer rate
♦ Compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000and XP
1.2.2Package Contents
Check thecontents of your package for followingparts:
nOne powerline USB adapter
nOne USB cable
nOne Manual and UtilityCD-ROM
nOne Quick Installation Guide
If anyofthese piecesare missingordamaged,please contact your dealer

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immediately,ifpossible, retain the cartonincludingthe original packingmaterial,
and use them against to repackthe product in case there is a need to return it to us
for repair.
1.2.3Hardware Description
PL-103U front panel
LEDs status
LED Description
LNK Steadyon indicatesPL-103U has detectedother Powerline devices in
range.
ACT Blinkingindicates thereexistingpowerline network traffic
COL Blinkingindicates thereexistingcollision in powerline network.
USB port
TheUSB port is where you will connect your USBcable. Towork with USB ports,
your computer must berunningWindows 98SE, ME, 2000 andXP.

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1.2.4System Requirements
§Pentium-class 90MHzor higher
§Minimum 32 MB RAM
§USB-readyPC
§Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP
§CD-ROMDrive (for installingdriver and Encryption Utility)
1.3 Specification
Product Powerline Ethernet Bridge Powerline USB Adapter
ModelPL-103E PL-103U
Standards HomePlug 1.0
IEEE 802.310Base-T HomePlug 1.0 USB 1.1
Ports One Powerline Port One 10MEthernet RJ-45
port
One Powerline port
One USB type B jack
Speed
LAN: 10Mbps
Powerline: 14Mbps (actual
throughput isabout 6Mbps)
USB: 12Mbps
Powerline: 14Mbps (actual
throughput is about 6Mbps)
Powerline
FrequencyBand 4.3MHzto 20.9MHz
Encryption 56-bit DES with Keyconfiguration software
LEDs COL, ACT, PWR, LNK COL, ACT, LNK
Dimension 108 x76 x43 mm 92 x57 x42 mm
Weighy250g85g
Certifications FCC Class B, CE
Operating Temp. 0 ~ 50 degree C
Storage Temp.-20 ~ 70degreeC
Operating Humidity 10~90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity5~95% non-condensing

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OS support Anysystem that provides
an Ethernet interface Windows 98SE, 2000, Me and XP
UtilitycompatibilityWindows 98SE, 2000, Me and XP

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2. Planning your Powerline Network
With PLANETPowerlineproducts, anetworkcanbe createdusing home powerline.
Computers can benetworked over powerline usingaUSB Adapter or anEthernet
converter.UsePL-103Ufor aUSB-enabled computeroruse PL-103E foran
Ethernet-enabledcomputer.ThePL-103Eisalsoideal for anyuser who alreadyhas a
routerand wants to share high-speed Internetaccess across thepowerlinenetwork.
Connect PL-103E totherouter afteryou haveconfigured itusingthe Security
Configuration Utility.Connect astraight-throughUTPCategory5cable to the uplink
port ofthe router,or connect crossover UTPCategory5cable to aLAN port onthe
router.
All the powerline devices on thenetworkmust use the same password to
communicate each other.This password can be configured throughthePowerline
Configuration utilitythat can be found in the CD-ROM.Thedefault password of
PLANETpowerline devices is“HomePlug”.Thus, all the PLANETpowerline devices
can communicateeachother without prior password configuration.Please refer to
chapter 5 ondetail of installingand usingPowerline Configuration utility.

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3. PowerlineEthernet BridgeInstallation
3.1 Hardware Installation
1. Plugoneend of anUTPcategory5cable intothe computer, switch or hub s LAN
port.
2. Plugthe other end of the networkcable into the10/100RJ-45Ethernet portson
PL-103E.
3. Plugthe PL-103E to the power outlet.
NOTE: Because PL-103E sends dataover thepowerline ofyour house, it is best
to plugit directlyinto a power outlet. Do not plugPL-103E into a UPS power strip
with surgeprotection. PL-103E hasitsown powerfilter for protection against
surges.
4. Perform procedure 1~3 for all other PL-103E on your network.
3.2 Driver Installation
PL-103E doesnot need anydriver to workifconnected to aPC, since thePC should
install an Ethernet Adapter anditsdriver already.

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4. PowerlineUSB Adapter Installation
4.1 Connecting USB to Powerline Network Adapter
1. Plugthe other end of the USB cable intothecomputer s USB port.
2. Plugthe USB cableinto theUSB port onPL-103U.
3. Plugthe PL-103U directlyinto a power outlet.
NOTE: Because PL-103E sends dataover thepowerline ofyour house, it is best
to plugit directlyinto a power outlet. Do not plugPL-103E into a UPS power strip
with surgeprotection. PL-103E hasitsown powerfilter for protection against
surges.
4.2 Powerline USB Adapter Driver Installation
Theinstallation procedure for thenetwork driver will varydepending on which
operatingsystemyou are usingon your computer.PL-103U support Windows98SE,
Me, 2000 and XP.Thefollowingprocedure is for installation under WindowsXP.
Installation on other operation system is similar.
1. Windows will
automaticallydetect the
presence of theUSB
Adapter hardware in
your computer once you
have completed the
hardware installation.
Insert the bundledCD,
select “Install the
software automatically
(Recommended)”and
clickthe Next button.

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2. Windows will start to
search the CDtofind the
suitable driver.
3. Windows mayask you to
select the suitable driver
to install. Please select
“usbeth.inf”forWindows
2000 and XP,
“usbeth98.inf”for
Windows 98SE and Me.
Click “Next”tocontinue.
NOTE:Windows 2000 and
XPwill inform you that there
is no digital signature found.
Clickthe Yes button to
continue theinstallation.

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4. Windows will tell you
when it has finished
installingthe newdriver.
Clickthe Finish button.
5. If Windows askyou torestart thesystem, pleaseclickthe Yes buttontorestart
your computer, or clickthe No buttontorestart later.

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5. PowerlineConfiguration Utility
5.1 Install the Powerline Configuration Utility
The installation procedure for the Powerline Configuration utilitywill varydepending
on which operating systemyou areusingonyour computer.Thefollowingprocedure
is for installation under Windows XP. Installation on other operation system is similar.
1. Insert theCD-ROMinto the CD-ROMdrivetoinitiate theautorunprogram. Once
completed, amenuscreen will appear.
2. Clickonthe “PowerlineConfiguration Utility”hyperlink in PL-103E orPL-103U
field tostart the installation. If the menu screen isnot shown, you can start the
installation as follows.
•Clickon Start Menu/ Run.

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•Enter “E:\Utility\PL-103E\powerlineadapter.exe”in the appearedbox,where
“E”istheletter of your CD-ROMdrive.
•Clickon “OK”button.
3. Theutilitywill be installedintoyour computerandanewiconcalled “Powerline
Configuration”will appear onyour desktop.
5.2 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility
1. Double click the Powerline Configuration icon shown on your desktop.
The Device tab shows the MAC addressofyour Powerline device
connected to your computer. If you have installed more than two Powerline
devices, select the preferred one and click Connect to access your
network. Click Refresh whenever you add or eliminate Powerline devices.
The LinkQualitydepends on the site s power circuit condition, power
stability, etc.

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2. The Network tab shows all Powerline devices present on your network.
Click Scan Powerline Network to update Powerline network.

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3. The Security tab shows the default network password is HomePlug. Enter
your own private network password ifneeded and click Set Local.