Table of Contents 1 Introduction Package Contents Features System Requirements Getting to Know the 4-Port Hub Technical Support 2 Connecting the MegaPlug Hub Connecting the Hub Installing the Configuration Utility 3 Using the Configuration Utility Quick Setup Advanced About 4 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions 5 Setting Up Static IP Address...
Page 3
Actiontec HomePlug 4-Port Hub User Manual This page left intentionally blank.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub. The MegaPlug 4- Port Hub is one of the easiest ways to enjoy home or small business networking. It operates on the MegaPlug Powerline Specification Turbo standard, providing data transfer speeds up to 85 Mbps over home the most pervasive medium in households, with multiple outlets in every room, the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub allows multiple desktop and laptop computers to be networked easily, enabling them to share an Internet connection, printers, files, and...
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual Features HomePlug Turbo compliant 85 Mbps data rate (maximum) 56-bit encryption Two-pronged US power plug (fits ungrounded power outlets) Power and Link indicators System Requirements At least 1 available power outlet Standard home power wiring Computer with the following: ·...
Getting to Know the 4-Port Hub This section contains a quick description of the Hub’s external features. Front Panel The Hub’s front panel features six lights ( Power Light The Power light glows green the Hub is powered up (“On”). If the Power light is off, the Hub is powered down (“Off”).
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual AC IN Port The AC IN port is used to connect Hub with an electrical wall socket via the included Power cable Information Sticker The information sticker (located on the bottom of the Hub) displays the MAC (Media Access Control) address, device ID, and other information about the Hub.
Connecting the MegaPlug Hub To connect the Hub, it must be connected to a computer, plugged into a standard wall outlet, and the Configuration Utility loaded on the computer. Connecting the Hub To use the Hub properly, if should be plugged into electrical outlets, and devices (computers, printers, etc.) connected to them.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 5. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on a router/ gateway connected to a computer. Follow the instructions in the next section, “Installing the Configuration Utility.” Installing the Configuration Utility After connecting the Hub, install the Configuration Utility: 1.
Page 10
Chapter 2 Connecting the MegaPlug Hubs 4. When this window appears, click Finish. 5. Repeat for other computers connected to a Hub. The MegaPlug Hub is now connected and ready to use, and the Configuration Utility is loaded on the computers. Go to chapter 3, “Using the Configuration Utility”...
Page 11
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual This page left intentionally blank.
Using the Configuration Utility Once the Hub has been properly connected and installed, the user can further con- figure the Hub using the Actiontec MegaPlug Configuration Utility. The Utility also provides information about the network. To access the Utility: 1. Click Start on the desktop, then Programs. 2.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual Local Device(s) on Your Computer The list displays all MegaPlug Hubs connected to the computer. ☞ Note: If no Hub appears in the Device List, make sure the Hub is connected properly (with the appropriate Ethernet cable) to the computer.
Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility Local Device(s) on Your Computer The list displays all MegaPlug Hubs connected to the computer. ☞ Note: If no Hub appears in the Device List, make sure the Hub is connected properly (with the appropriate Ethernet cable) to the computer.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual Set All Devices Click this button to encrypt all devices on the MegaPlug network. About Selecting About from the row of tabs near the top of the Utility’s window gener- ates the “About” tab. The About tab displays the MegaPlug Configuration Utility version.
Troubleshooting This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub, and techniques to solve them. Note that these techniques may not be successful in all cases. Also included is a list of frequently asked questions. Troubleshooting If the Hub is showing signs of trouble, before attempting any other troubleshoot- ing procedures, plug the Hub into a working electrical wall socket.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual The Power and Link lights are on, but I can’t access the router/gateway from the computer s Try plugging the Hub in different power outlets. s Make sure all Hubs on the network are using the same security parameters. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the transfer speed over the Hub’s network? The Hub’s network transfer speed is 85 Mbps (maximum) over a standard home...
Page 18
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Can my neighbor receive the Hub’s network signal? It is possible for a neighbor to receive the network signal. To prevent this, change the default 56-bit security encryption password on the Hub (see chapter 3). How do I find out what the current speed and signal strength of the Hub’s network is? Run the Hub’s Configuration Utility to show current speed and signal strength.
Page 19
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual This page left intentionally blank.
Setting Up Static IP Address To communicate with a MegaPlug 4-Port Hub from a computer on the network, the user may have to switch the so that the computer and the Hub are on the same subnet. To set up static on a computer, select the operating system and follow the instructions.
Page 21
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Page 22
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click 6. The “ Properties” window appears. Select TCP/IP 7. In the Address tab, make sure the circle next to “Specify an selected.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods between the numbers. 10. Click . The Properties window disappears. TCP/IP 11.
Page 24
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Page 25
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click 6. The “ Properties” window appears. Click TCP/IP 7. In the Address tab, make sure the circle next to “Specify an selected.
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 9. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Do not include the periods; they are automatically entered. 10. Click . The TCP/IP 11. If there is a check in the box next to “Detect connection to network media,” click on it to uncheck the box.
Page 27
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network and Dial- up Connections.
Page 28
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. In the “Network and Dial-up Connections” window, double-click Local Area Connection. A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection. If there is more than one Local Area Connection listed, locate the one that cor- responds to the network card installed in the computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column.
Page 29
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 7. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Click General. 8. In the “Components checked are used by this connection” list box, double- click Internet Protocol ( 9. The “Internet Protocol ( 10. In the General tab, make sure the circle next to “Obtain an matically”...
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 12. Enter the following numbers in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.0 Press the space bar on the keyboard to add the periods between the numbers. 13. Click . The “Internet Protocol ( 14 In the “Local Area Connection Properties”...
Page 31
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 3. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network Connections. 4. In the “Network Connections” window, double-click Local Area Connection. A number may be displayed after the Local Area Connection. If more than one Local Area Connection is listed, locate the one that corresponds to the network card installed in your computer by finding the name of the network card in the “Device Name”...
Page 32
Chapter 5 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Select General. 6. In the “This connection uses the following items” list box, double-click Internet Protocol ( TCP/IP 7. The “Internet Protocol ( ) Properties” window appears. TCP/IP...
Page 33
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 8. In the General tab, make sure the circle next to “Use the following is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 9.
Setting Up File and Printer Sharing This chapter describes how to share files, hard drives, and printers over the MegaPlug network. File Sharing To share files, directories, or hard drives on the MegaPlug network, select the oper- ating system running on the computer, then follow the instructions. Windows XP After installing and configuring the 4-Port Hub, Windows file sharing.
Page 35
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 3. Click Change. 4. When the “Computer Name Changes” window appears, enter a new computer name in the “Computer name” text box. 5. Enter a workgroup name in the “Workgroup” text book. 6. Click OK. 7.
Page 36
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Windows 2000 After installing and configuring the 4-Port Hub, Windows 2000 automatically enables file sharing. The only item that needs to be altered is workgroup settings. All the computers on the network must have the same workgroup name, but dif- ferent computer names.
Page 37
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 4. The “Identification Changes” window appears. In the “Computer Name” text box, type a name different than the other computers on the network. 5. In the “Workgroup” text box, enter the network workgroup name. This is the same on each computer on the network.
Page 38
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Windows 98, 98SE, and Me 1. Click Start, select Settings, then Control Panel. 2. In the Control Panel window, double-click the Network icon. The Network window appears. 3. In the “Configuration” tab, click Add. The “Select Network Component Type” window appears.
Page 39
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 4. Select Service, then click Add. The “Select Network Service” window appears. 5. Highlight File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks, then click OK. 6. The “File and Print Sharing” window appears. Make sure both options have a check mark in their check boxes.
Page 40
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 7. Click OK. The Network window reappears. 8. In the Network window, select Identification. The “Identification” tab appears. 9. In the “Computer Name” text box, type a name different than the other com- puters on the network.
Page 41
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 15. After your computer restarts, Windows prompts for a user name and pass- word. Enter a user name and password, then write them on a sheet of paper, as they will be needed to access the network in the future. 16.
Chapter 6 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Depends on Password - Allows you to set both Read Only and Full access on the shared file or drive. The level of access will depend on the passwords entered in the appropriate field. 20.
Page 43
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual 4. A “Properties” window appears, with the “Sharing” tab displayed. 5. Select Shared As or Share this Printer. This automatically inserts a default name for the printer share name. You can set a password for the printer at this time if you want to restrict who on the network can use the printer.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual LED Indicators Power, HP, 1, 2, 3, 4 Environmental Power External, 110 - 240v 0.2a, 50 - 60 Hz Certifications part 15, Operating Temperature 0º C to 40º C (32ºF to 104ºF) Storage Temperature -20ºC to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF) Operating Humidity 10% to 85% non-condensing...
Glossary Access Point A device that allows wireless clients to connect to one another. An access point can also act as a bridge between wireless clients and a “wired” network, such as an Ethernet network. Wireless clients can be moved anywhere within the cover- age area of the access point and remain connected to the network.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual Ethernet Network A standard wired networking configuration using cables and hubs. Firewall A method preventing users outside the network from accessing and/or damag- ing files or computers on the network. Gateway A central device that manages the data traffic of your network, as well as data traffic to and from the Internet.
Page 48
PPPoE (Point-To-Point Protocol over Ethernet)/ PPPoA (Point-To-Point Protocol over ATM) Methods of secure data transmission. Router A central device that manages the data traffic of your network. Subnet Mask A set of four numbers configured like an numbers used only within a particular network. SSID See “...
Page 49
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual This page left intentionally blank.
Notices Regulatory Compliance Notices Class B Equipment This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa- tion.
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual This device complies with Part 15 of the lowing two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause unwanted operation ☞...
Limited Warranty Hardware: Actiontec Electronics, Inc., warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller. Actiontec Electronics’...
Page 53
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY A SEPARATE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT. THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRD- PARTY SOFTWARE.
Page 54
Limited Warranty NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER’S OR ANY THIRD PERSON’S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPT TO OPEN, REPAIR OR MODIFY THE...
Page 55
Actiontec MegaPlug 4-Port Hub User Manual Governing Law: This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., excluding its conflicts of laws and principles, and excluding the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the HPE400T and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers