TRENDnet TPL-308E User manual

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© Copyright 2012 TRENDnet. All Rights Reserved.
TRENDnet User’s Guide Table of Contents
i
Contents
Product Overview ...........................................................................1
Package Contents .......................................................................................................... 1
Features ......................................................................................................................... 1
Product Hardware Features........................................................................................... 2
Application Diagram ...................................................................................................... 4
Installing your Powerline Adapters..................................................5
Before you Install........................................................................................................... 5
Connect a Powerline adapter to your router ................................................................ 5
Add adapters to your network ...................................................................................... 6
Securing your Powerline Network ...................................................7
Using the Sync button.................................................................................................... 7
Change your default encryption key using the Sync button ..................................... 7
Add adapters using the Sync button......................................................................... 9
Using the Powerline Utility............................................................11
Powerline Utility System Requirements ...................................................................... 11
Using the Utility ........................................................................................................... 14
Powerline Utility Overview ..................................................................................... 15
Add adapters in the utility and create a customized encryption key ..................... 19
Upgrade Firmware .................................................................................................. 21
Technical Specifications.................................................................23
Troubleshooting............................................................................24
Appendix ......................................................................................25

© Copyright 2012 TRENDnet. All Rights Reserved.
TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
1
Product Overview
TPL-308E TPL-308E2K
Package Contents
TPL-308Epackage includes:
•1 x TPL-308E: Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter
•Quick Installation Guide
•CD-ROM (Utility & User’s Guide)
•Network cable (1.5 m / 5 ft.)
TPL-308E2K package includes:
•2 x TPL-308E: Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapters
•Quick Installation Guide
•CD-ROM (Utility & User’s Guide)
•2 x Network cables (1.5 m / 5 ft.)
Features
The Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter, model TPL-308E, uses an electrical outlet to create
a secure high speed network. Two adapters are needed to start a network. Connect one
adapter to your router and plug another adapter into an outlet on your electrical system
for instant high speed network access.
The compact form factor saves space around crowded electrical outlets. This adapter
automatically connects to other TRENDnet Powerline AV adapters with no installation
required —TRENDnet recommends pressing the ‘Sync’ button to automatically change
default encryption keys.
Use up to 4 adapters to network devices in different rooms without running new
cabling. Power Save mode reduces power consumption by up to 70%. Quality of Service
technology prioritizes video, audio, and online gaming. LED displays convey device
status for easy troubleshooting. Advanced 128-bit AES encryption secures your network.
This adapter is ideal for use in buildings that interfere with wireless networking signals.
•200 Mbps networking over an existing electrical system
•Compliant with IEEE 1901 and HomePlug® AV standards
•1 x 10/100 Mbps Auto-MDIX Ethernet port
•Compact form factor saves space
•Adapters automatically connect using an encrypted Powerline signal
•One-touch Sync button changes encryption keys
•Three LED indicators:
oPower (on/off)
oPowerline Connection: green (best), amber (better), red (good), off
(no connection)
oEthernet Connection: solid (connection), blinking (transfer activity), off
(no connection)
•Connect one 200 Mbps** Powerline AV Adapter to the internet and then plug
in up to 3* additional 200 Mbps** Powerline AV adapters for instant
connectivity
•Share data intensive files, play games, download music, and more at fast data
transfer rates
•Advanced 128-bit AES encryption to ensure total network security
•Supports IPv6 pass through
•Supports up to 4** IGMP based IPTV streams
•Power Save mode reduces electrical consumption by up to 70%
•Neighbor network support for up to 4 overlapping networks

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
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Sync/Reset Button
•Network signal transmits up to 300 meters (984 ft.)
•Auto QoS supports traffic classification and multiple priority queuing
•Optional management utility compatible with Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Vista
(32/64-bit), and XP (32/64-bit) operating systems
* Maximum of 4 adapters (nodes) recommended for streaming video across your network.
** 200Mbps is the maximum theoretical Powerline data rate. Actual throughput will vary
depending on environment.
*** Networked Powerline devices need to be plugged into power outlets that are on the same
electrical system.
**** GFCI outlets and AFCI circuit breakers may degrade Powerline network signals.
Product Hardware Features
Device Label
Hardware & Firmware Version
Device Password (DPW)
Device MAC Address
Device Serial Number
Product Model
Power (PWR) LED
Powerline (PL) LED
Ethernet Connection (ETH) LED
Ethernet Port
Power Prong

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
3
•Ethernet Port -Connect an Ethernet cable (also called network cable) from
your Powerline adapter Ethernet port and to your computer or network device.
•Sync/Reset Button – Changes the default encryption key or resets the unit to
factory defaults. See table below for function.
•Power Prong – Plugs into an available power outlet.
•Diagnostic LEDs – Indicates the device status and connectivity.
Note: Powerline (PL) LED color indicates the strength and quality of the Powerline
connection through the electrical system.
Note: The following factors may affect the Powerline network’s connection quality:
•Noise – Generated by appliances which use your electrical system (e.g.
Microwaves, ovens, blow dryer, iron, dishwasher, etc.). The quality of your
household electrical wiring may also cause additional noise on your electrical
system.
•Distance – Long lengths of electrical wiring through your electrical system
between connected Powerline adapters.
Button Action Function
Sync /
Reset
(see the
section
Using the
Sync Button
for
instructions)
Sync
Push/hold for 3
seconds,
then release
Initiate Sync/Connection and generate random
network name/key (PWR LED will start blinking).
Note: The secondary or additional Powerline
adapter’s Sync button must also be pushed within 2
minutes (120 sec) of pushing the Sync button on the
first adapter in order to establish connectivity.
Reset
Push/Hold for 20
seconds,
then release
Reset device to factory defaults (All LEDs will turn off
and turn back on).
Note: Will reset to the factory default private
network name “HomePlug AV”.
LED Color Sequence Definition
PWR
(Power)
Green Solid Device powered on
N/A Off Device powered off
PL
(Powerline)
Green
Solid Powerline connected (Connection quality is
Best)
Blinking
Syncing or Powerline data
transmitting/receiving (Connection quality is
Best)
Amber
Solid Powerline connected (Connection quality is
Better)
Blinking Powerline data transmitting/receiving
(Connection quality is Better)
Red
Solid Powerline connected (Connection quality is
Good)
Blinking Powerline data transmitting/receiving
(Connection quality is Good)
N/A Off Powerline is not synced or connected
ETH
(Ethernet
Connection)
Green
Solid 10/20 Mbps , 100/200Mbps
(Half/Full Duplex) connected
Blinking 10/20 Mbps , 100/200Mbps
(Half/Full Duplex) data transmitting/receiving
N/A
Off Port disconnected/no Ethernet link

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
4
Power Saving: The device will automatically reduce power usage when the connected
device via Ethernet is powered off, unplugged or inactive for more than 5 minutes.
The device will return to active mode when the connected device via Ethernet is
powered on and the link is active.
Application Diagram
Diagram Explanation:
The first Powerline unit is networked to a router which is in turn connected to a modem
(typically from your Internet Service Provider (ISP)) which provides Internet connectivity.
A second Powerline adapter is plugged into a wall power outlet near a media center and
is connected to a network game console and another network enabled media device
such as a network enabled media player to provide Internet connectivity.

© Copyright 2012 TRENDnet. All Rights Reserved.
TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
5
Installing your Powerline Adapters
Before you Install
1. Before you proceed with the installation, verify the following:
•You already have a router already installed.
•You already have Internet access through your existing network.
•An Ethernet port (also called LAN port) is available on your router.
•Verify that you have at least two Powerline adapters. You will need at least
two Powerline adapters to create a Powerline network.
Note: The TPL-308E package only includes a single Powerline adapter. Please
ensure that your other Powerline adapter is HomePlug® AV or IEEE 1901
compliant (e.g. TRENDnet models TPL-303E, TPL-304E, TPL-305E, TPL-306E, TPL-
307E, TPL-309E, TPL-310AP, TPL-311P, TPL-401E, TPL-402E, TPL-405E,TPL-406E,
TPL-407E or another TPL-308E.)
2. Plan the location of where you will install your Powerline adapters.
•Avoid plugging the adapters into power strips, extension cords, or surge
protectors as this may prevent the adapter from functioning correctly or
degrade performance.
•Avoid plugging the adapters into wall power outlets that are controlled by a
light switch to prevent the Powerline adapter from being turned off
accidentally.
•Avoid plugging the adapters into wall power outlets that are located near
appliances that consume a lot of power (e.g. refrigerators, washers, dryers) as
this may degrade performance.
•Make sure there is an available wall power outlet in the room where the router
is installed and also near the router.
•Make sure there is an available wall power outlet in the room where you want
to extend network connectivity.
Connect a Powerline adapter to your router
1. Plug the Powerline adapter into an available wall power outlet near your router.
Note: This will allow devices connected to your Powerline network to access the Internet
and other devices connected to your network.
2. Connect the included Ethernet cable (also called network cable) from the Ethernet
port (also called network port) of your Powerline adapter to an available Ethernet port
(also called LAN port) on your router.
3. Once the Powerline adapter is installed and connected to your router, verify that the
Power (PWR) LED is on or blinking and the Ethernet Connection (ETH) LED is on or
blinking.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
6
Add adapters to your network
Once you have installed and connected the first Powerline adapter to your router, you
can easily extend your network to other rooms by adding additional Powerline adapters.
To extend your network using an additional Powerline adapter:
1. First, make sure the first Powerline adapter is installed and connected to your router.
Note: This will allow devices connected to your Powerline network to access the Internet
and other devices connected to your network. See “Connect a Powerline adapter to your
router” on page 5.
2. Plug the additional Powerline adapter into an available wall power outlet in another
room near a computer or network device (e.g. game consoles, network-enabled TVs,
network attached storage, network media server/players, etc.) that you would like to
connect to your network.
3. Connect the included Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on your Powerline
adapter to the to the Ethernet port of your computers or network devices.
4. After the additional Powerline adapter is connected and installed to your computer or
network device, wait for the Powerline (PL) LED to turn on. After the Powerline (PL) LED
turns on, verify that the Power (PWR) LED is on, the Powerline (PL) LED is on or
blinking, and the Ethernet Connection (ETH) LED is on or blinking.
Note: To verify that your Powerline adapters are connected successfully to your network,
you can check if the computer(s) or network device(s) can access the Internet through
your Powerline network.
To install additional Powerline adapters in other rooms, repeat the steps above for
each adapter.

© Copyright 2012 TRENDnet. All Rights Reserved.
TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
7
Securing your Powerline Network
Powerline networks consist of two or more Powerline devices connected together using
the same encryption key. TRENDnet Powerline adapters automatically connect to each
other over a secure encrypted signal and share the same encryption key (Default
encryption key: HomePlugAV).
In order for your Powerline devices to connect to the same Powerline network, the
same encryption key must be assigned to all Powerline devices in that network.
Powerline devices that are not assigned the same encryption key will not be able to
connect to the Powerline network.
For additional security, TRENDnet recommends changing adapter default encryption key
to prevent a neighbor with a Powerline adapter and the same default encryption key
from gaining access to your network.
Note: After the default encryption key has been changed and the Powerline adapters
have been connected using a new encryption key, the Powerline adapters will retain
their security settings when they are unplugged and moved to a new location. No
additional reconfiguration of the Powerline adapters is needed after the default
encryption has been changed.
There are two methods to change the default encryption key:
•Use the physical Sync button on your Powerline adapter to generate a random
encryption key. See “Using the Sync Button” on page 7.
****Recommended method****
OR
•Create a customized encryption key for your Powerline network using the
included Powerline Utility. See “Using the Utility” on page 11.
*****If users first use the Sync button method, the adapters will need to be
reset to factory defaults in order to change setting using the Powerline
Utility****
Using the Sync button
Change your default encryption key using the Sync button
The physical Sync button on the Powerline adapter provides an easy method of
changing the default encryption key. The Sync button generates a random encryption
key for your Powerline network. To create a customized encryption key, see “Using the
Utility” on page 11.
Note: The default encryption key assigned to TRENDnet Powerline adapters is
HomePlugAV. Before changing the default encryption, please ensure that your
Powerline adapters are already installed and connected using the default encryption key.
See “Installing your Powerline Adapters” on page 5.
Important Note: When using the Sync Button to change the default encryption key, it is
highly recommended to plug the adapters into nearby outlets first and follow the Sync
button procedure before installing the adapters in the desired locations.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
The Sync button procedure below applies to the following TRENDnet models: TPL-303E / TPL-304E /TPL-308E /TPL-309E /TPL-406E /TPL-407E
Note: The product images in the diagram below may not accurately illustrate your exact Powerline model.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Add adapters using the Sync button
If you have changed the default encryption key assigned to your adapters, additional adapters will not automatically connect to your Powerline network after they are plugged into a wall
power outlet. For any additional adapters, you will need to use the Sync button to connect any additional adapters to use the same encryption key of your existing Powerline network.
Use the procedure (Adapter C) below to connect additional adapters. Repeat the procedure (Adapter C) below for each additional adapter you add to your network.
The Sync button procedure below applies to the following TRENDnet models: TPL-303E / TPL-304E /TPL-308E /TPL-309E /TPL-406E /TPL-407E
Note: The product images in the diagram below may not accurately illustrate your exact Powerline model.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
If adding a TRENDnet adapter models (Adapter C) not listed in the previous page, please follow the Alternative Sync button procedure below.
The Alternative Sync button procedure applies to the following TRENDnet Models: TPL-305E / TPL-306E / TPL-307E / TPL-310AP / TPL-401E / TPL-402E / TPL-405E
Use the procedure (Adapter C) below to connect additional adapters. Repeat the procedure (Adapter C) below for each additional adapter you add to your network.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Using the Powerline Utility
The Powerline Utility allows you to do the following:
•Create a customized encryption key for your Powerline network and apply it to
multiple Powerline adapters at the same time.
•View the Powerline adapters connected to your network (using the MAC
address) and the approximate connection quality and speed of each Powerline
adapter.
•View and upgrade Powerline adapter firmware.
Note: Link speed displayed in the utility of your Powerline adapters to another
through your electrical system is estimated. Actual link speed may vary.
Before installing and using the utility, please ensure the following:
•Write down the Device Password (DPW) (16-digit characters A-Z only) and MAC
Address (12-digit characters a-f, A-F, 0-9) of each Powerline adapter as this will
be required to change the encryption key for multiple Powerline adapters. See
“Product Hardware Features” on page 2.
•Make sure your computer in which you are installing the utility is connected to
your network and your Powerline adapters are also connected to your network.
•If you have changed your encryption key using the Sync button and you are
creating a customized encryption key, it is required to reset all Powerline
devices to factory defaults using the physical Reset button on your Powerline
adapter first before using the utility. See “Product Hardware Features” on page
2.
•Please ensure that your Powerline adapters are already installed and connected
and the Ethernet port on each adapter is connected to a device powered on.
Powerline Utility System Requirements
•Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), or Windows XP (32/64-bit)
•Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 installed (Included with CD installation)
Software Installation
1. Insert the included CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
2. At the CD Autorun Prompt window, click Run Autorun.exe .
Note: If the Autorun prompt does not appear automatically, open the CD contents and
double-click Autorun.exe.
3. At the CD-ROM main menu, click Install Utility.
4. At the Powerline Configuration Utility installation window, click Next.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
5. At the Install Location installation window, click Install.
6. In the Completion window, click Finish.
7. At the WinPcap installer window, click Next.
Note:The Powerline Configuration Utility requires the use of the WinPcap application. If
you are prompted to install the WinPcap application, continue through the following
steps to complete the installation. Otherwise, if you are not prompted to install WinPcap,
reboot your computer to complete the installation.
8. In the Setup Wizard window, click Next.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
9. In the License Agreement window, click I Agree.
10. In the Install Options window, leave the option Automatically start the WinPcap
driver at boot time checked and click Install.
11. Wait for the WinPcap installation to complete.
12. After the process is completed, click Finish.
13. Reboot your computer to complete the installation.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Using the Utility
Before using the utility, please ensure the following:
•Write down the Device Password (DPW) (16-digit characters A-Z only) and MAC Address (12-digit characters a-f, A-F, 0-9) of each Powerline adapter as this will be required to
change the encryption key for multiple Powerline adapters. See “Product Hardware Features” on page 2.
•Make sure your computer in which you are installing the utility is connected to your network and your Powerline adapters are also connected to your network.
•If you have changed your encryption key using the Sync button and you are creating a customized encryption key, it is required to reset all Powerline devices to defaults using the
physical Reset button on your Powerline adapter first before using the utility. See “Product Hardware Features” on page 2.
•Please ensure that your Powerline adapters are already installed and connected and the Ethernet port on each adapter is connected to a device powered on.
Upon completing the software installation, a desktop shortcut is automatically created.
Double-click the icon to start the utility or open the utility if it is already running. Closing the utility will exit the application.
You can also launch the utility from the Start Menu programs.
Start > Programs (or All Programs) > TRENDnet > TRENDnet Powerline Utility

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Powerline Utility Overview
Main Window
Local Device
The Powerline adapter
connected to your
router.
Note: If your computer
is connected directly to
your Powerline adapter,
the Local Device listed
will be the Powerline
adapter your computer
is directly connected to.
Connect
If your Powerline
adapter (Local Device)
is not detected
automatically and does
not appear in the list,
click Connect to detect
and rescan and connect
to the Powerline
adapter (Local Device)
again.
Upgrade Firmware
Allows you to upgrade
the Powerline adapter
(Local Device) firmware
See page.
Remote Devices
Powerline adapters in
remote locations that are
connected to the selected
Powerline adapter (Local
Device) across the electrical
system.
Note: If all of your Powerline
adapters are already
connected to your Powerline
network, they will
automatically detected and
appear in the list. If not, you
will need to add them
manually.
Device Password
(DPW)
Device Name
Connection
Quality
Speed or
Link Rate
MAC
Address
Rename
Renames the
listed Powerline
adapter
(Remote Device).
Enter Password
***Allows you to
enter the DPW for the
listed Powerline
adapter(Remote
Device)***THIS
MUST BE ENTERED
FOR ALL DEVICES TO
CHANGE THE
ENCRYPTION
CODE***
Add
Allows you to
add a Powerline
adapter to your
Powerline
network that is
not listed
(Remote Device).
Scan
Rescans the Powerline
adapters that are
connected to your
Powerline network
(Remote Device).
Close
Closes and exits
the Powerline
Utility
application.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Powerline Utility Overview
Privacy Window
Encryption Key
Encryption key for your
Powerline network.
Note: The default
encryption key is
HomePlugAV. If you have
used the Sync button to
change and generate a
random encryption key,
Unknown Networkname
will be displayed.
Use Default (Public Network)
Replaces the current
encryption key value with the
default HomePlugAV.
Note: You will still need to
apply the settings to your
Powerline adapters by clicking
Set Local Device Only or Set
All Devices.
Set Local Device Only
Changes the encryption key for
the Powerline adapter listed as
the Local Device on the
adapter on the Main window.
Note: If you change the
encryption key for the
Powerline adapter (Local
Device), this will disconnect the
Local Device Powerline adapter
from the Powerline network.
Set All Devices
Changes the encryption key for all or
multiple Powerline adapters connected
to your Powerline network.
Note: Please make sure you have added
and entered the DPW for all Powerline
adapters in your Powerline network
before applying this setting. If you do not,
the encryption key will not change for
any Powerline adapters without the DPW
entered.
Close
Closes and exits
the Powerline
Utility
application.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Powerline Utility Overview
Diagnostics Window
System Information
Displays the device and
other related information
such as firmware version,
MAC address, and
encryption key (also called
network password).
You can vertically scroll
the window to view all of
the system information.
Remote Device History (Log)
Displays Powerline adapters or
other Powerline devices
(Remote Device) that have
been previously connected to
or discovered on your
Powerline Network.
Delete
Deletes or
removes the
selected entry
listed in the
Remote Device
History (Log)
(Remote Device).
Save Report
Saves the
information
contained in the
System
Information
window to a text
file on your
computer.
Print Report
Prints the
information
contained in the
System
Information
window.
Close
Closes and exits
the Powerline
Utility
application.

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TRENDnet User’s Guide TPL-308E / TPL-308E2K
Powerline Utility Overview
About Window
System Information
Displays copyright
information.
You can vertically scroll
the window to view all of
the copyright information.
Close
Closes and exits
the Powerline
Utility
application.
AutoScan
Enables or disables the autoscan
feature for automatically discovering
Powerline adapter or devices (Remote
Device) connected to your Powerline
network.
Note: It is recommended to keep this
option checked (Enabled).