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IOGear GHPB31 User Manual

Homeplug to ethernet bridge
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HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge
User Manual (GHPB31/GHPB32)

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  • Page 1 HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge User Manual (GHPB31/GHPB32)
  • Page 3 To better serve you, IOGEAR offers an array of additional USB 2.0, USB 1.1, FireWire, KVM, and other peripheral products. For more information or to purchase additional IOGEAR products, visit us at www.IOGEAR.com...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Overview Features Requirements Introduction Installation Installation of the Utility Software Homeplug Configuration Utility Network Configuration Networking Basics - Network Setup Wizard - Checking IP Address - Assign a Static IP address - Sharing Disks/Folders - Sharing Printers - Sharing Broadband Internet Access Frequently Asked Questions Technical Support...

  • Page 5: Overview

    Overview IOGEAR’s HomePlug Ethernet Bridge allows you to network your home computers through the most pervasive medium in your house - the electric power lines - and share Broadband Internet connections, printers, transfer files, play games, and more. This unit can be used to HomePlug-enable one computer with a 10/100Base-T adapter, or to make a group of computers HomePlug-ready through either a network switch or router.

  • Page 6: Features

    Features • Extend your WiFi network through existing powerlines • Network your gaming devices through powerlines to play games with a remote partner • No extra wires required to create a network, simply use the most pervasive medium in your home – powerlines •...

  • Page 7: Requirements

    Requirements System Requirements • Available AC power outlets in the room. • Standard home power line wiring. • Computers with 10/100Base-T adapters, or 10/100Base-T switch/hub. • When used as a node: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP. • When used as a bridge: any operating system (OS transparent).

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Introduction IOGEAR's HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge allows you to network your computers via your existing home power lines. It offers a data transmission speed of up to 14 Mbps, and reaches up to 990 feet through standard power lines. Package contents:...
  • Page 9 Front View: 1. Powerline LED – lights up in green when other Homeplug devices are detected on the same powerline 2. Link/ACT – blinks when data is sent through the Homeplug connection 3. Ethernet port- connecting to the Ethernet of the computer or the devices (router, wi-fi access point, gaming box, etc.) Back View:...

  • Page 10: Installation

    Installation There are several ways to network your computers using the HomePlug Bridge. Before we get started, please NOTE: Do not place HomePlug devices under direct sunlight or near high heat emitting devices; Do not place HomePlug devices near water or wet surfaces to avoid electric hazards; Do not place HomePlug devices on any moving or unstable surfaces;...
  • Page 11 Installation 5. There are several ways to see whether the Homeplug bridge is functioning. One way is the observe the LED, the Link/ACT LED should start blinking after you plug the bridge in the wall outlet. For most of the Windows machines (as this Windows 2000 machine used to create this manual), you should see a message being prompted on the tool bar: “Local Area Connection, Speed XX Mbps”.
  • Page 12 Installation 6. You can also go to “Control Panel”, select “Network and Dial up and Connections. Click the “Local Area ” Connection” icon.
  • Page 13 Installation 7. You can see the network connection is already established. At this point, you can start communicating with the other computers or devices on the powerline. Please refer to Network Configuration section in how to set up networks for various purposes. In order to add security and other utilities, you will need to install the utility software.

  • Page 14: Installation Of The Utility Software

    Installation of the utility software 1. Make sure that your HomePlug bridge is NOT CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER before you install the driver. 2. Insert the installation CD. If CD does not automatically load, run (CD Drive Letter):\setup.exe. 3. Click Next.
  • Page 15 Installation of the utility software 4. Read, understand and accept the License Agreement and continue by clicking Next.
  • Page 16 Installation of the utility software 5. Enter a username and organiza- tion name, and continue installa- tion. (Username and Organization have no importance in device op- eration. This window might look slightly different on other platforms.)
  • Page 17 Installation of the utility software 6. Click Install to start the Installation Wizard:...
  • Page 18 Installation of the utility software 7. The following message may be prompted to ask you to connect the bridge to the powerline, do it and then click OK. The following window will be prompted to indicate that the installation is successful.
  • Page 19 Installation of the utility software 8. Restart your computer now for all the changes to go into effect. To uninstall the driver, simply go to your Add/Remove programs control panel and remove the IOGEAR Homeplug Utilities. Then restort your computer to complete the uninstall.

  • Page 20: Homeplug Configuration Utility

    Homeplug Configuration Utility After restarting the computer, you can see the HomePlug utility icon. 1. Double click the icon to start the HomePlug Configuration utility. The utility is used to configure the HomePlug.
  • Page 21 Homeplug Configuration Utility 2. Once the utility starts, it will display the MAC address of the device your computer is connected to as well as the signal strength. The Link Quality line shows whether the link is good or bad. A green line all the way to the right is good.
  • Page 22 Homeplug Configuration Utility 3. The Network tab displays the additional HomePlug devices on the network. Click on the “Scan” button to scan for additional devices on the HomePlug network.
  • Page 23 Homeplug Configuration Utility 4. The Security tab will allow you to change the Network Password to the unit that is currently connected to this computer. This network password encrypts all data that is sent from this unit using 56-bit data encryption standard (DES).
  • Page 24 Homeplug Configuration Utility 5. The Advanced Tab will allow users to use one primary computer to control the Network Password of all units on the powerline network. First Find the DEK (Device Encryption Key) Key located on the bottom of each device. Enter this Key into the Device Password area.
  • Page 25 Homeplug Configuration Utility 6. This screen displays the version number of the utility. Click OK to complete the configuration.

  • Page 26: Network Configuration

    Network Configuration Networking Terms What is a node? A node is any given device that resides or is connected onto an existing network. A computer with a network card connected to a switch is a node. The same thing applies to a Mac connected to a hub. What is a bridge? A bridge is used when connecting one side of the network with another network.
  • Page 27 Network Configuration Can I use both in the same network? Yes. It is perfectly right to have both nodes and bridges on a network as long the maximum is not exceeded. It is also fine to have USB nodes on the same network with Ethernet nodes. How do I decide whether I need a USB adapter or Ethernet bridge as a node? It should be determined by the available connection on the computer that you plan to connect to the HomePlug network.
  • Page 28 Network Configuration a. Using the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode) (Several HomePlug Bridges can be used)
  • Page 29 Network Configuration b. Using the HomePlug USB Adapter AND Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode)
  • Page 30 Network Configuration c. Using the HomePlug Ethernet bridge to make a sub network HomePlug ready to communicate with the other HomePlug nodes. Powerline...
  • Page 31 Network Configuration d. Using the HomePlug Ethernet bridge to extend the WiFi network and eliminate dead spots.
  • Page 32 Network Configuration e. Using Homeplug bridge to share Broadband Internet access through the whole house.
  • Page 33 Network Configuration f. Using the HomePlug Ethernet bridge to play game remotely.

  • Page 34: Networking Basics

    Networking Basics Prior to installing HomePlug, you may have had some ideas about using your new network. This section will help you get started on those ideas or even give you some new ones. It will go through the process of sharing files, printing from any computer on the network, or accessing the Internet on multiple computers with one connection.

  • Page 35: Network Setup Wizard

    Networking Basics 1. Click "Next" in the window(right) for the Network Setup Wizard.
  • Page 36 Networking Basics 2. Read and follow the instructions in the following window and then click "Next".
  • Page 37 Networking Basics 3. In the following window, select among the 3 options which best describe this computer and then click "Next". If your computer connects to a broadband router/gateway, select the second op- tion.
  • Page 38 Networking Basics 4. Fill in the information in the following window as you desire and then click "Next”.
  • Page 39 Networking Basics 5. Enter the Workgroup name as you wish and then click "Next". (Very important: All computers on your network should have the same Workgroup.
  • Page 40 Networking Basics 6. Review the setting in the following screen, and click "Next" to continue. If you want to change any settings, you need to click "Back" and start over again.
  • Page 41 Networking Basics 7. Please wait while the Network Setup Wizard applies the changes and configures the computer.
  • Page 42 Networking Basics 8. When the configuration is done, the following screen will come up. Select one of the 4 op- tions according to your needs. (In this ex- ample, the last choice was selected.) Click “Next.”...
  • Page 43 Networking Basics 9. Then click "Finish" on this next window.
  • Page 44 Networking Basics 10. The new setting will take effect after you restart the computer. Click "Yes" to restart the computer. Congratulations, you have completed configuring this computer! After setting up networks on all your computers on the network, you will be able to use your HomePlug network to share files, printers, and Internet connections.

  • Page 45: Checking Ip Address

    Networking Basics Topic 2: Checking IP ad- dresses in Windows XP/ 2000 Go to Start>Programs>Accessories> Command Prompt.
  • Page 46 Networking Basics 1. Type "ipconfig" at the prompt, then press Enter. You will see the IP address of this computer.

  • Page 47: Assign A Static Ip Address

    Networking Basics Topic 3: Assigning a Static IP Address (Note: If you use DHCP-capable gateway/router, you don't need to assign any static IP addresses because the gateway/router will automatically as- sign IP addresses to the computers on the net- work.) Go to Star t>Settings>Control Panel>Network Connections>Local Area Connection Right click on Local Area Connection, then double...
  • Page 48 Networking Basics 1. At the following window, select "Use the following IP address:", and fill in the desired IP address and subnet mask (it is recommended to use the default subnet mask as shown in the following window. Subnet mask must be the same for all the computers on the network.) If you need to enter DNS address, you must enter the address of the default gateway.
  • Page 49 Networking Basics 2.Click "Close" on the Local Area Connection Properties window. You have completed static IP address assignment.

  • Page 50: Sharing Disks/Folders

    Networking Basics Topic 4. Sharing Disks/Folders Once the network has been checked / configured, you can access other systems via "My Network Places". To allow other systems to access data on your disks / in your folders, you have to give permission to share your disks and/or folders.
  • Page 51 Networking Basics Once you have selected the folder to be shared, right-click to select “sharing and secu- rity.”...
  • Page 52 Networking Basics 2. In the following window, click to select "Share this folder". Then click on "Permission".
  • Page 53 Networking Basics 3. Please note that by default, all users defined on your XP Professional system will have full permissions. You can reduce the permissions (for example to allow only Read-access) and/or you could add a different group of users to have access permission (but then you should delete the group "Everyone"...
  • Page 54 Networking Basics 4. Click OK on the original Sharing and Security window to conclude the process. 5. Once a disk or folder is shared, the icon will show it via the "holding hand.”...

  • Page 55: Sharing Printers

    Topic 5. Share Printers You may now share any installed print- ers connected to this computer with other computers on your network. 1. Using the computer that has the printer already connected to it, go to: Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes.
  • Page 56 Networking Basics 2. In the following window, click on "Share this Printer" and type in the share name you would like. After this is done, click on "Apply" and then "OK".
  • Page 57 Networking Basics Now when you go to "Printers and Faxes" in the Control Panel, you will see the sup- porting hand underneath the printer, which means that the printer is being shared in the network.
  • Page 58 Networking Basics For a computer to access a Network Printer, the device driver or software for that printer must be installed and pointed to the proper location of the printer. This is done similarly to the way you installed the printer on the computer it is connected to.
  • Page 59 Networking Basics 2. Click on "Add a printer".
  • Page 60 Networking Basics 3. Select the network printer option and click Next.
  • Page 61 Networking Basics 4. Find the printer you would like to share and click Next.
  • Page 62 Networking Basics Decide if you would like to choose this printer as a default printer and click Next.
  • Page 63 Networking Basics You have now added the printer to your computer, click Finish. Now you may use the Network Printer as if it was directly connected to the computer. Make sure that the computer which is directly connected to the printer is on.

  • Page 64: Sharing Broadband Internet Access

    Sharing Internet Access Topic 6. Sharing Internet Access So how can the Internet connection be shared among other computers on the HomePlug network? Since neither the HomePlug Bridge nor USB Adapter are capable of routing at this time, a router is necessary in order to share an Internet connection.
  • Page 65 Sharing Internet Access Please follow these steps for setting up Internet Sharing:...
  • Page 66 Sharing Internet Access a. Make sure that the DSL/Cable modem is connected to the Router (using the WAN port on the router.) b. Connect the HomePlug Bridge to the Router (using the Uplink port on the router.) c. Check the link light on the HomePlug Bridge. It must light up green. d.
  • Page 67 Sharing Internet Access Checking Router Settings: Please make sure that the following settings on your router are set: (The setup windows will depend on the router manufacturer's software.) A) The IP should be obtained automatically; B) DHCP must be enabled; C) Release DHCP and then Renew DHCP to reset the IP Addresses.

  • Page 68: Frequently Asked Questions

    Virtual PC and have this Mac communicate with other PCs on HomePlug network. 4. What is the difference between bridge mode and node mode in the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge (GHPB31)? Bridge mode operates without software installation and can work with any 10/100Base-T or 10Base-T Ethernet connections.
  • Page 69 Node mode operates by connecting the HomePlug USB adapter (GHPU21) or Ethernet bridge (GHPB31) to one computer (ONLY) and installing drivers onto the computer, allowing it to set the device into Node Mode. The advantage with Node Mode operation is there is no limitation to the number of nodes that can operate on a HomePlug network.
  • Page 70 56bit-DES is superior because of its DES type Encryption. Just because 802.11B uses 128bit-WEP with more bits doesn't mean the encryption is better. Also, the IOGEAR HomePlug devices use hardware 56bit-DES encryption. With hardware encryption the signal is almost impossible to crack. The...

  • Page 71: Technical Support

    23 Hubble Irvine, CA 92618 You may also reach us online at www.iogear.com/support 24 hours a day. Please be ready to give a brief description of the problem, and what you were doing when the problem occurred, before calling Service Support. The Service Support representative will be able to serve you...
  • Page 72 Technical Support 1) What is the purchase date and serial number of the product? 2) Were any messages displayed on the screen when the error occurred? If so, what was the exact wording of the message? 3) What type of Computer are you using? 4) When does the problem occur? 5) Can the problem be reproduced? If so, what are the steps necessary to reproduce the problem?

  • Page 73: Specifications

    Specifications...

  • Page 74: Limited Warranty

    Limited Warranty IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT. The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance, merchant- ability, or fitness for any particular purpose.

  • Page 75: Radio And Tv Interference

    Radio & TV Interference Statement WARNING!!! This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 76 Contact info. 23 Hubble • Irvine, CA 92618 • (P) 949.453.8782 • (F) 949.453.8785 • www.iogear.com...

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Ghpb32

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