Red Dwarf RD31101 User manual

Turbo Ethernet Adapter User Guide
RD31101
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc.
LAST UDPATED:
September 2008

Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Features ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Using this Guide............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Important Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Package Contents.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 System Requirements.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Getting to know your RD31101 ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.7.1 The Front Panel ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.7.2 The Bottom Panel ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.7.3 The Back Panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.0 Preparing to Install your RD31101 ............................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Check that these minimum network requirements are met. ......................................................................................................... 10
3.0 Connect an RD31101 to the Router.............................................................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Hardware Setup ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Connect other RD31101 .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.0 Installing the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility ....................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Important features: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 To install the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility, follow these steps: ................................................................................................ 13
5.0 Accessing the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility ..................................................................................................................... 17
5.1 Network Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
5.2 Making Changes .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1 Changing Device Name ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
5.2.2 Setting your Network Password ............................................................................................................................................ 19
5.2.3 Quality of Service .................................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.0 Default Settings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
6.1 Default Configuration Settings ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
7.0 Technical Specifications............................................................................................................................................................... 24

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8.0 Technical Support ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
9.0 Regulatory Information ................................................................................................................................................................. 27
9.1 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice .............................................................................................. 27
9.2 FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: ..................................................................................................................................... 27
9.3 Industry Canada (Canada)........................................................................................................................................................... 28
9.4 EC Declaration of Conformity (Europe)........................................................................................................................................ 28
10.0 Warranty Information................................................................................................................................................................... 29
11.0 Notes ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Tables
Table 1: LED light description .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Table 2: Default settings ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Figures
Figure 1: Front Panel of RD31101 ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2: Bottom Panel of RD31101 ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 3: Back panel of RD31101 ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 4: EULA screenshot.................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 5: Installation destination screenshot.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: Installation complete screenshot ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 7: Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility icon ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Network Overview screenshot ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 9: Changing device name screenshot ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 10: Changing network password screenshot.............................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 11: Changing quality of service................................................................................................................................................... 22

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) from Red Dwarf Technologies.The RD31101
requires no new wires™ to establish your home network. It simply turns your existing home wiring into a high-speed
broadband connection and instantly turns every power outlet in your home into an Ethernet network jack.
1.2 Features
Up to 85 Mbps bandwidth over existing home wiring
56-bit DES encryption ensures data security
Plug-n-Play
Advanced sleep mode
Low power consumption
100% lead-free
1.3 Using this Guide
This user guide provides details about using your RD31101. The guide includes step-by-step instructions for using your
RD31101. If you haven t already, refer to the Quick Setup Guide for an overview of the connection process.
Additional instructions, troubleshooting help, tips, and tricks, and the most up-to-date information about this guide are always
available at http://www.reddwarftech.com. Please make sure to check the website if your answers aren t found here
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

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1.4 Important Safety Information
Please read all of the instructions and retain for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions.
Do not use RD31101 near water.
Do not place the product near heat source such as direct sunlight, radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not block the ventilation holes. The RD31101 requires adequate ventilation. Do not place RD31101 in a cabinet or
built-in installation unless sufficient ventilation is provided.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
Do not open the cover on this product and/or alter this product in any way.
1.5 Package Contents
Please make sure you have received the following items with your RD31101.
One Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101)
One 6 feet Ethernet cable
One CD-ROM
One Quick Setup Guide
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing and/or damaged, contact the retailer where you made your purchase. Please keep
the carton, including the original packing materials.
1.6 System Requirements
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc . Powerline Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
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At least two Powerline Turbo Ethernet Adapters (RD31101)
Available Ethernet port on each computer or network device
Available power outlet
CD-ROM Drive (optional)
1.7 Getting to know your RD31101
1.7.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1: Front Panel of RD31101
Table 1 describes the status light functions in the front panel:
Table 1: LED light description
Status Light State Indication
Power LED Illuminated Green Device is powered on
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User GuideRed Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
At least two Turbo Ethernet Adapters (RD31101)

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Illuminated Red
Off
Device is in sleep mode
Device has no power
PLC LED Blinking Green
Off
There is traffic on the home wiring
There is no traffic on the home wiring
ETH LED Solid Green
Blinking Green
Off
There is an Ethernet link
There is traffic on the Ethernet cable
There is no traffic on the Ethernet cable
1.7.2 The Bottom Panel
Figure 2: Bottom Panel of RD31101
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1.7.3 The Back Panel
Figure 3: Back panel of RD31101
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2.0 Preparing to Install your RD31101
2.1 Check that these minimum network requirements are met.
An Ethernet port is available on your router
Your Internet connection is working
Each computer or device to be used on your network has an Ethernet port
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3.0 Connect an RD31101 to the Router
Installing the RD31101 takes only seconds and does not require messy cabling. Simply plug the RD31101 directly into any available
wall outlet and connect to any device with an Ethernet port using the Ethernet cable provided in the box. Users have the option to
change the default encryption key by using the software on the CD-ROM that is provided in the box.
3.1 Hardware Setup
Step 1: Plug the supplied Ethernet that came in the box into the LAN port on your router or switch in your network.
Step 2: Plug the other end of the supplied Ethernet cable into the RD31101.
Step 3: Plug the RD31101 directly into a nearby power outlet.
Note: Plug the RD31101 directly into an electrical wall outlet. Do not plug the RD31101 into a UPS, power strip or other similar
device with surge protection. The RD31101 have their own power filter for protection against surges.
3.2 Connect other RD31101
Before plugging in your other RD31101, take a note of the Security ID printed on the label on the back of each device. You will
need this password later if you want to change the Powerline network password. If you are adding more than one other
Powerline adapter, also note the MAC address given on the label, so that you will know which device the password is for.
Step 1: Plug your other RD31101 (sold separately) into power outlets in your home near the device you want to add to your
network.
Step 2: Using the supplied Ethernet cable and connect the RD31101 to an available port of your device.
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Step 3: When you plug in a second RD31101 into a power outlet, check the Powerline Activity LED. They should turn on and
then briefly blink at the same time as the Ethernet activity LED. This completes the installation.
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

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4.0 Installing the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility
This utility is provided as an optional feature to customize device name, password and quality of service. Installing this utility is not a
requirement. It is recommended to customize the network password for higher security.
4.1 Important features:
The encryption password is case-sensitive.
Each device must be set to exactly the same network password in order for it to be on the same network.
The default network password is HomePlug. Pushing the reset button will reset the device password to the default
password.
The device password can protect your network from unauthorized access through the home wiring.
A Security ID is printed on each Powerline product from Red Dwarf. This is not the network password, but you are
required to enter it if you are setting the network password with another Powerline device.
4.2 To install the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility, follow these steps:
Step 1: Insert the RD31101 Resource CD into a CD drive on the computer that is connected to your router. The CD starts
automatically. When the Introduction screen is displayed, click Continue to begin the installation process.
Step 2: Carefully read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click Agree to continue with the installation.
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

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Figure 4: EULA screenshot
Step 3: Confirm the destination location on where to install the software and click Install to start the installation process.
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Figure 5: Installation destination screenshot
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Figure 6: Installation complete screenshot
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

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5.0 Accessing the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility
To access the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility, double-click the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility on your desktop as shown in
figure X
Figure 7: Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility icon
5.1 Network Overview
When you open the Turbo Ethernet Adapter Utility, the first screen you see is the Network Overview. The Network
Overview lists all the powerline devices on your network. To refresh the list of devices on your home network, click on
Refresh 
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide

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Figure 8: Network Overview screenshot
The first device listed is the local powerline device your computer is directly connected to. When you highlight a device from
the list on the left, the device information would be displayed on the right.
5.2 Making Changes
To change device settings, select the device you want to customize and click on Change Setting.
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5.2.1 Changing Device Name
The utility allows you to customize the device name for easier identification. To change device name, click on Change
Name. Then, type in the new device name twice and click Save Changes.
Figure 9: Changing device name screenshot
5.2.2 Setting your Network Password
It is highly recommend changing the network password on all devices at once for enhanced security. To do this, you need
the device password on the back label of each powerline device.
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Note: When changing the network password, remember to use the same network password on all devices on your
network. You will not be able to view devices on your network that has a different network password.
Step 1: Highlight the device you want to update on the left.
Step 2: Enter the Security ID for the remote powerline device.
Note: a Security ID is not required when changing your local powerline device.
Step 3: Enter the new network password twice.
Step 4: Click on Save Changes.
Red Dwarf Technologies, Inc. Turbo Ethernet Adapter (RD31101) User Guide