MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender Model #: HPAP108T User Manual Ver 1.
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 Features System Requirements Getting to Know the Network Extender What is HomePlug? Technical Support 2 Installing the Wireless Network Extender Plugging in the Extender Installing the Configuration Utility Connecting a Wireless Computer to the Homeline Network 3 Using the Configuration Utility Locate Device Setup Wizard IP Setting Wireless Setting Factory Default Device Info Management 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 12 12 12 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface Sy
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 6 Setting Up Static IP Address Windows 98 SE Windows Me Windows 2000 Windows XP 29 29 32 35 39 7 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing 43 File Sharing Printer Sharing 43 51 A Specifications 53 General Wireless LED Indicators Environmental 53 53 54 54 B Glossary 55 Notices 59 Regulatory Compliance Notices Modifications Miscellaneous Legal Notices Limited Warranty 59 59 60 61 ii
1 Introduction Congratulations for purchasing the Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender. The Extender is one of the easiest ways to augment your existing MegaPlug network by introducing wireless networking. Simply plug the Extender into a standard electrical outlet, and your AC-wire-based network is now wirelesscapable. Using any wireless-equipped computer, you can surf the Web, exchange files, even print documents, all without the hassle of installing more cables.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual System Requirements s Router or gateway with HomePlug capability s Standard home power wiring s Computer with the following: · CD-ROM drive · Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP installed · Wireless capability · TCP/IP network protocol installed Getting to Know the Network Extender This section contains a quick description of the Network Extender’s external features.
Chapter 1 Introduction Power Light The Power light glows green when sychronized with another device, and flickers when data is being transferred across the Network Extender. If the Power light is off, it can still be powered up. Information Sticker The information sticker (located beneath the electrical prongs) displays the MAC (Media Access Control) address, device ID, serial number and other information about the Extender.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Technical Support Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable, high-quality, high-performance products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available all day every day to provide professional support. Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 N. Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Technical Support Phone: (USA) 1-888-436-0657 E-mail: http://support.actiontec.com/email_support/support_form.php Internet: www.actiontec.
Installing the Wireless Network Extender 2 This chapter explains how to plug in the Wireless Network Extender, how to load the Extender’s Configuration Utility on a computer connected to the Homeline network, and how to access the Homeline network (via the Extender) with a wirelessly-equipped computer. The following procedures assume that the user has already ☞ Note: set up a Homeline network with a computer connected to the network.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Connecting a Wireless Computer to the Homeline Network To connect a wirelessly-equipped computer to the Homeline network via the Extender: 1. On the wirelessly-equipped computer, access to the wireless network interface. 2. Enter “Actiontec” in the interface’s “SSID” or “Network Name” text box. This is the Extender’s default ESSID (Extended Service Set Identification) name.
Using the Configuration Utility 3 Once the Wireless Network Extender has been properly connected and installed according to the Quick Start Guide, the user can further configure the Extender using the Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Configuration Utility. The Utility also provides information about the network. After inserting the CD in the computer’s CD-ROM drive, the Utility starts up automatically and appears on the desktop. See the following sections for more information about the Utility’s capabilities.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Setup Wizard The Setup Wizard allows a quick set up of the Extender’s basic settings. To use: 1. Click Setup Wizard in the Utility window. A “Login” window appears. Enter the user name and password (default user name is “admin”; default password is blank [no password]) in the appropriate text boxes, then click Next. 2. An “IP Setting” window appears. Select the appropriate setting (for more details, see “IP Setting” below), then click Next. 3.
Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility Obtain an IP Address Automatically Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to have the Extender obtain an IP address automatically (from a router on the Homeline network). Specify an IP Address Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to specify an IP address. After selecting this option, enter the IP address, subnet mask address, and default gateway address in the appropriate text boxes.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Channel Channel assigns the frequency band at which the Extender communicates. In the United States, use channels 1-11, or select Smart Select, which automatically selects a minimally used channel. (The factory default value is set to Smart Select.) Wireless Mode From this drop-down list, select the speed of the wireless network to be created. Options include 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11 Super G static, and 802.11 Super G dynamic.
Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Utility WEP 128 bits Selecting this security option applies 128-bit WEP security on the wireless network. 128-bit WEP requires a key composed of 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 ASCII characters. A hexadecimal digit consists of an alphanumeric character ranging from 0-9 or A-F; an ASCII character can be any character on the keyboard.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Factory Default Clicking Factory Default in the Utility window resets (after entering the user name and password in the pop-up window) the Extender’s settings to their factory default settings. Device Info Clicking Device Info in the Utility window generates the “Device Information” window, which displays an overview of the Extender’s settings.
Using the Web Configuration Interface 4 The Wireless Network Extender’s Web Configuration Interface allows the user to configure and view various aspects of the Extender’s wireless network, including wireless security. To access the Interface: 1. Insert the CD in the computer’s CD-ROM drive. The Utility will start automatically, and the “MegaPlug Wireless Configuration Utility” appears. 2. Click Management at the top left of the Utility window. A log-in screen appears.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 3. After entering a user name and password in the Login screen, a web browser starts up, with the Interface displayed in it. System Summary Clicking System Summary on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “System Summary” screen to appear, as shown in the figure above. This screen displays an overview of the Extender’s settings including system information, current IP settings, and current wireless settings.
Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface System Properties Clicking System Properties on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “System Properties” screen to appear. Device Name The “Device Name” text box contains the name of the Extender. It can be changed here; the new name must be from 1 to 32 characters long. Country/Region Select the country or region in which the Network Extender is being used from the “Country/Region” drop-down list.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual IP Settings Clicking IP Settings on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “IP Settings” screen to appear. There are two options in this window: Obtain an IP address automatically, and Specify an IP address. Obtain an IP Address Automatically Select this option (by clicking the appropriate radio button) to have the Extender obtain an IP address automatically from a router on the Homeline etwork.
Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface SSID SSID is the network name assigned to the Extender’s wireless network. The factory default setting is “Actiontec.” Although Actiontec recommends keeping the default value intact, the ESSID value can be modified, using any combination of alphanumeric characters (i.e., A-Z, a-z, 0-9). All wireless-capable computers included on the Extender’s wireless network must have this same ESSID value.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual From the “Security” drop-down list, select the type of security to be applied to the wireless network. Options include No Security, WEP 40/64 bits, WEP 104/128 bits, WEP 128/152 bits, WPA-PSK, and WPA. No Security Selecting this security option applies no security to the wireless network.
Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface WPA-PSK Selecting this security option applies WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security with PSK (Passkey) protection to the wireless network. To set up WPA-PSK, select a “Cipher Type” (TKIP or AES), then enter 8-63 characters in the “Passphrase” text box. Once activated, all wireless-enabled devices must support WPA and know the PSK to join the wireless network.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Transmit Power Adjust the Extender’s transmit power here . Beacon Interval Adjust the beacon interval rate here. A beacon is a packet sent by the Network Extender across the network to let other connected devices know of its presence and readiness. Data Beacon Rate Adjust the data beacon rate here. Fragment Length Adjust the fragment length here. RTS/CTS Threshold Adjust the RTS/CTS threshold here.
Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface MAC Filtering Clicking MAC Filtering on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “MAC Filtering” screen to appear. This feature allows the user to control the wireless network by denying or allowing wireless access by specifying the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the wireless client(s) allowed or denied access on the wireless network.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Backup/Restore Settings Clicking Backup/Restore Settings on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “Backup/Restore Settings” screen to appear. Backup the Current Settings to a File This option allows the user to save the settings of the Extender to a file that can be accessed later to reset the Extender to that particular configuration set. To save the currents settings, click Backup, then save the file to the computer’s hard drive.
Chapter 4 Using the Web Configuration Interface Firmware Upgrade Clicking Firmware Upgrade on the left side of any Interface screen causes the “Firmware Upgrade” screen to appear. Actiontec periodically posts firmware upgrades to enhance the Extender’s capabilities. Download the upgrade from the Internet to the computer’s hard drive, then locate it by clicking Browse. Once the upgrade file has been located, select it, then click Upgrade. The Network Extender’s firmware will be upgraded to the new version.
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Troubleshooting 5 This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the Wireless Network Extender, 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 Extender is showing signs of trouble, before attempting any other troubleshooting procedures, plug the Extender into a working electrical wall socket.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Frequently Asked Questions What’s the transfer speed over the Extender’s Homeline network? The Extender’s network transfer speed is 85 Mbps (maximum) over a standard home power line network. What’s the estimated range of the Extender’s network? Approximately 300 meters (~985 ft.) in wall power lines (one household). The Extender’s wireless network extends up to 300 meters.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Which wireless cards will work with the Extender? The Extender will connect with any wireless card supporting the 802.11g or 802.11b wireless standards. Can my wireless signal pass through floors, walls, and glass? The physical environment around the Extender can have a varying effect on wireless signal strength and quality. The more dense an object, the greater the interference.
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6 Setting Up Static IP Address To communicate with a Wireless Network Extender from a computer on the network, the user may have to switch the IP address settings from DHCP-enabled to static IP, so that the computer and the Extender are on the same subnet. To set up static IP on a computer, select the operating system and follow the instructions. The following procedures are based on the Extender’s ☞ Note: factory default address.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Chapter 6 Setting Up Static IP Address 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP. 6. The “TCP/IP Properties” window appears. Select IP Address. 7. In the IP Address tab, make sure the circle next to “Specify an IP Address” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 8. Enter the following numbers in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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 OK. The TCP/IP Properties window disappears. 11. In the Network window, click OK. The Network window disappears. 12. The “System Settings Change” window appears, asking whether the computer should be restarted. Click Yes. The computer restarts. It is now set up with a static IP address.
Chapter 6 Setting Up Static IP Address 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 5. The “Network” window appears. In the “The following network components are installed” list box, locate and double-click TCP/IP. 6. The “TCP/IP Properties” window appears. Click IP Address. 7. In the IP Address tab, make sure the circle next to “Specify an IP Address” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 8.
Chapter 6 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 OK. The TCP/IP Properties window disappears. 11. If there is a check in the box next to “Detect connection to network media,” click on it to uncheck the box. 12. In the Network window, click OK. The Network window disappears. 13. The “System Settings Change” window appears, asking whether the computer should be restarted.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 3. Another menu appears. Select Control Panel. 4. When the “Control Panel” window appears, double-click Network and Dialup Connections.
Chapter 6 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 corresponds to the network card installed in the computer by finding the name of the network card in the Device Name column. 6. The “Local Area Connection Status” window appears. Select General, then click Properties.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 7. The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears. Click General. 8. In the “Components checked are used by this connection” list box, doubleclick Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). 9. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears. 10. In the General tab, make sure the circle next to “Use the following IP Address” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone.
Chapter 6 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 OK. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window disappears. 14 In the “Local Area Connection Properties” window, click OK. The Local Area Connection Properties window disappears. 15. Click Close in the Local Area Connection Status window. The window disappears. 16.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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” column.
Chapter 6 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 (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 8. In the General tab, make sure the circle next to “Use the following IP Address” is selected. When active, a black dot appears in the circle. If the circle already contains a black dot, leave it alone. 9. Enter the following address in the “IP Address” text box: 192.168.0.2 Enter the periods in the address by pressing the space bar on the keyboard. 10. Enter the following address in the “Subnet mask” text box: 255.255.255.
Setting Up File and Printer Sharing # 7 This chapter describes how to share files, hard drives, and printers over the Wireless Network Extender’s network. File Sharing To share files, directories, or hard drives on the MegaPlug network, select the operating system running on the computer, then follow the instructions. Windows XP After installing and configuring the Extender, Windows XP automatically enables file sharing. The only item that needs to be altered is workgroup settings.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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. Restart the computer.
Chapter 7 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Windows 2000 After installing and configuring the Extender, 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 different computer names. To check or change this: 1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, then select Properties. 2. When the “System Properties” window appears, select Network Identification. 3.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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. 6. Click OK. 7. Click OK again. 8. Restart the computer.
Chapter 7 Setting Up File and Printer Sharing Windows 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.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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. If not, click in the box to activate.
Chapter 7 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 computers on the network. 10. In the “Workgroup” text box, enter the network workgroup name. This is the same on each computer on the network. 11. Enter any description in the “Computer Description” text box.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual 15. After your computer restarts, Windows prompts for a user name and password. 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. Find a file or hard drive to share, right-click its icon, and select Sharing. The “Properties” window appears. 17. In the Properties window, select Sharing. The “Sharing” tab appears. 18.
Chapter 7 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. When finished, click Apply, then OK. Printer Sharing To share a printer connected to the computer, follow these instructions. ☞ Note: These instructions are basically identical for Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98 SE, with some minor differences. 1.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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. You can also set the default printer settings by modifying information on the other tabs of this window. 6. Click OK, and close all windows.
A Specifications General Model Number HPAP108T (MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender) Standards HomePlug Powerline Specification 1.0 (HomePlug) IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.3, and IEEE 802.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual Carrier Modulation DQPSK, BPSK, DBPSK, ROBO, 16 QAM, 64 QAM, CCK Operating Range 30 - 300 meters LED Indicators Power, Wireless Environmental Power External, 110 - 240v 0.
B 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 coverage area of the access point and remain connected to the network.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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 damaging 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. IP (Internet Protocol) Address A series of four numbers separated by periods identifying a unique Internet computer host.
Appendix B Glossary 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 IP address used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network. SSID See “ESSID.” TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The standard protocol for data transmission over the Internet.
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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 FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Actiontec MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender User Manual This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference 2.
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 MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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 THIRDPARTY SOFTWARE. FOR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH SOFTWARE.
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 MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender 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.
