1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. IOGear Manuals
  4. Network Hardware
  5. GHPB21
  6. User manual

IOGear GHPB21 User Manual

Homeplug to ethernet bridge
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge
User Manual (GHPB21)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the GHPB21 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for IOGear GHPB21

Summary of Contents for IOGear GHPB21

  • Page 1 HomePlug to Ethernet Bridge User Manual (GHPB21)
  • Page 3 – the home power lines. It is easy to set up, and it doesn’t require any additional wiring in the house. 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 Network Configuration Networking Basics - Network Setup Wizard - Checking IP Address - Assign a Static IP address - Sharing Disks/Folders - Sharing Printers - Accessing the Internet Troubleshooting Technical Support Product Specifications Limited Warranty...

  • Page 5: Overview

    Overview IOGEAR's HomePlug Powerline Network Ethernet Bridge allows you to network your home comput- ers through the electric power lines in the house. Setting up a home network has never been so simple, just connect your computer to the HomePlug Bridge via the CAT5 patch cable provided in the package, and then plug the power end to your AC power outlet, you are connected! This unit is compliant to HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 and offers up to 14 Mbps bandwidth...

  • Page 6: Features

    Features • No extra wires, using the most pervasive medium in your home - power lines • Allows multiple computers to share Internet access, printers, and other resources through the power lines • Very easy and intuitive to set up and install •...

  • 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: 1.
  • Page 9 Front View: (Drawing) 1. Power LED - lights up in green when plugged into a power outlet 2. Collision LED - lights up in green whenever there is collision 3. Link LED - lights up in green after plugged into a power outlet 4.

  • 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 If you plan to use this unit as a NODE, not as a BRIDGE (refer to the Network Terms for details): 1. Remove the HomePlug Bridge, the power cord, the CAT5 cable and the installation CD from the package. 2. Allocate a space for the adapter's placement.
  • Page 12 Installation 6. Read, understand and accept the License Agreement and Con- tinue by clicking Next.
  • Page 13 Installation 7. 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 14 Installation 8. Click Install to start the Installa- tion Wizard:...
  • Page 15 9. After the installation is successful, a window will pop up prompting for the installation of the HomePlug Bridge. Plug in the CAT5 cable, one end into the Ethernet port on the HomePlug Bridge, the other end into an available network port on your computer. Please verify that the green Power LED and Link LED on the HomePlug Bridge light up.
  • Page 16 Installation 10. You have reached the end of your installation. Please restart your computer for changes to go into effect.

  • Page 17: Network Configuration

    Network Configuration 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 18 Network Configuration 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.
  • Page 19 Network Configuration 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 20 Network Configuration 4. The Security tab displays the Network Password. The default Network Password is HomePlug.
  • Page 21 5. The Advanced tab is where you can set the Network Password on all of the HomePlug devices at once. This way, you don’t have to connect to each device and set the password one by one. Network Password – Displays the Network Password.
  • Page 22 Network Configuration 6. This screen displays the version number of the utility. Click OK to complete the configuration.
  • Page 23 Network Configuration 7. Go to network connection, you can see that the CAT5 connection is enabled and that the ACT LED in the unit blinks.
  • Page 24 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 25 It should be determined by the available connection on the computer that you plan to connect to the HomePlug network. If the computer comes with a 10/100 Base-T network card, use the bridge; if the computer comes with USB port, use the USB adapter. If the computer comes with both, you can decide which one to use based upon your unique situation.
  • Page 26 Network Configuration a. Using the HomePlug to USB Adapter ONLY...
  • Page 27 Network Configuration b. Using the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode) (Several HomePlug Bridges can be used)
  • Page 28 Network Configuration c. Using the HomePlug USB Adapter AND Ethernet Bridge (Node Mode)
  • Page 29 Network Configuration d. Using the HomePlug Ethernet bridge to make a sub network HomePlug ready to communicate with the other HomePlug nodes. (Maximum 16 Homeplug Bridges can be used.)

  • Page 30: 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 31: Network Setup Wizard

    Networking Basics Click "Next" in the window(right) for the Network Setup Wizard.
  • Page 32 Networking Basics Read and follow the instructions in the following window and then click "Next".
  • Page 33 Networking Basics 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 option.
  • Page 34 Networking Basics Fill in the information in the following window as you desire and then click "Next”.
  • Page 35 Networking Basics Enter the Workgroup name as you wish and then click "Next". (Very important: All computers on your network should have the same Workgroup.
  • Page 36 Networking Basics 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 37 Networking Basics Please wait while the Network Setup Wiz- ard applies the changes and configures the computer.
  • Page 38 Networking Basics When the configuration is done, the follow- ing screen will come up. Select one of the 4 options according to your needs. (In this example, the last choice was selected.) Click “Next.”...
  • Page 39 Networking Basics Then click "Finish" on this next window.
  • Page 40 Networking Basics 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 41: Checking Ip Address

    Networking Basics Topic 2: Checking IP ad- dresses in Windows XP/ 2000 Go to Start>Programs>Accessories> Command Prompt.
  • Page 42 Networking Basics Type "ipconfig" at the prompt, then press Enter. You will see the IP address of this computer.
  • Page 43 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 44 Networking Basics 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 45 Networking Basics Click "Close" on the Local Area Connection Properties window. You have completed static IP address assignment.

  • Page 46: 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 47 Networking Basics Once you have selected the folder to be shared, right-click to select “sharing and secu- rity.”...
  • Page 48 Networking Basics 2. In the following window, click to select "Share this folder". Then click on "Permission".
  • Page 49 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 50 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 51 Topic 5. Share Printers You may now share any installed printers connected to this computer with other computers on your net- work. 1. Using the computer that has the printer already connected to it, go to: Start > Control Panel > Print- ers and Faxes.
  • Page 52 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 "Ap- ply" and then "OK".
  • Page 53 Networking Basics Now when you go to "Print- ers and Faxes" in the Control Panel, you will see the supporting hand under- neath the printer, which means that the printer is being shared in the net- work.
  • Page 54 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 55 Networking Basics 2. Click on "Add a printer".
  • Page 56 Networking Basics 3. Select the network printer option and click Next.
  • Page 57 Networking Basics 4. Find the printer you would like to share and click Next.
  • Page 58 Networking Basics Decide if you would like to choose this printer as a default printer and click Next.
  • Page 59 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 60: Sharing 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. Future versions of the HomePlug Bridge or USB Adapter may feature built-in routing capabilities.
  • Page 61 Sharing Internet Access HomePlug to USB Adapter or a HomePlug Bridge. Please note that sixteen HomePlug Bridges are allowed on one network if used as bridges (without installation of the software). Please follow these steps for setting up Internet Sharing:...
  • Page 62 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 63 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 64: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting 1. Will HomePlug work in my house or apartment? If the house or apartment was built under U.S. building standards using copper wiring, then it will work. 2. What types of security problems will I be facing? If your house is on the same power grid as your neighbor, then there is a potential for a hacker to get in through your neighbor's house.
  • Page 65 HomePlug network. Node mode operates by connecting the HomePlug USB adapter (GHPU21) or Ethernet bridge (GHPB21) 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...
  • Page 66 Troubleshooting 5. Will HomePlug operate on different Circuit Breakers? Yes. Circuit breakers do not affect performance of HomePlug devices, however the signal will not pass through the power transformers outside your house. 6. Can Neighbors get my HomePlug signal? It is possible for your immediate (next door) neighbor to receive residual signal from your HomePlug adapter.
  • Page 67 9. How does 56bit-DES compare with Wireless 802.11b 128bit-WEP encryption? 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.

  • Page 68: 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 69 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 70: Product Specifications

    Product Specifications...

  • Page 71: Limited Warranty

    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 72 Apple Computer, Inc. Finder is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. IOGEAR makes no warranty of any kind with regards to the information presented in this document. All information furnished here is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

  • Page 74: Contact Info

    Contact info. 23 Hubble • Irvine, CA 92618 • (P) 949.453.8782 • (F) 949.453.8785 • www.iogear.com...

Table of Contents