dLAN® Wireless extender
® © 2009 devolo AG, Aachen (Germany) While the information in this manual has been compiled with great care, it may not be deemed an assurance of product characteristics. devolo® shall be liable only to the degree specified in the terms of sale and delivery. The reproduction and distribution of the documentation and software supplied with this product and the use of its contents is subject to written authorization from devolo®.
Preface Preface Thank you! With the dLAN® Wireless extender, you have purchased a HomePlug adapter that combines the advantages of the dLAN® and WLAN network standards in a single device. The dLAN® Wireless extender also features a LAN port with which you can connect a PC directly to the adapter.
Preface technical specifications, declarations of conformity and our warranty terms, see Chapter 6 at the end of this manual. A number of places in this manual are highlighted with special icons: Important note: you definitely should make a note of these recommendations. Interesting information: additional tips and background info on the configuration of the dLAN® Wireless extender.
Preface Package contents Please take a moment to ensure that the contents of the package are complete before starting with the installation of your dLAN® Wireless extender. You should have the following items: dLAN® Wireless extender adapter, Printed information leaflet, CD-ROM with { devolo® software, { product manual, { additional documentation.
Contents Preface.......................................................................................................... 3 Thank you! ......................................................................................................................3 About this manual ...........................................................................................................3 devolo® on the Internet ...................................................................................................
3.4.2 Network settings .......................................................................................23 3.4.3 WLAN mode..............................................................................................24 3.4.4 WLAN settings...........................................................................................26 3.4.5 WLAN filters ..............................................................................................28 3.4.6 dLAN Settings ......................................
1 Introduction Introduction Intelligent and secure technologies such as dLAN® (networking via the household power grid) and WLAN (wireless networking) have made setting up a home network fast, easy and economical, while making the installation of expensive, dedicated wiring superfluous.
Introduction The wireless network established by an access point using a specific channel (from 1 to 13) and name (SSID) has a limited range. The range of the access point, which is also known as a "radio cell", is impeded by building walls. In some cases, stable connections are often only possible between WLAN devices within a single room.
Introduction The combination of LAN, dLAN® and WLAN standards make you completely independent of existing network sockets. Instead, you can connect your devices using power outlets, LAN or wirelessly with complete freedom. You can extend or reconfigure your network at any time by simply plugging in your dLAN® Wireless extender in a different location, for example when working in another room. 1.
Introduction The illustration shows how two mobile notebooks can connect to the Internet and to other PCs in the dLAN® home network via the Wireless extender. 1.4.2 dLAN® Wireless extender as a client Alternatively, the dLAN® Wireless extender can be configured as a WLAN client (see sections 3.4.3 and 5.2.1). In this case, the adapter establishes a connection between an existing WLAN and the devices in the dLAN® network.
Introduction The illustration shows how the Wireless extender connects computers in the dLAN® wirelessly to an existing router in another building, which in turn provides Internet access via Ethernet.
2 Initial use Initial use This chapter covers the hardware and software features of the dLAN® Wireless extender, as well as its installation and initial use. 2.1 Displays and connections 2.1.1 LEDs The current status of the dLAN® Wireless extender is shown by four LEDs on the housing.
Initial use Operation: lit continuously when the adapter is connected to the power grid. dLAN®: lit continuously when a connection exists to other HomePlug adapters; flashes when data is being sent or received via dLAN®. WLAN: lit continuously when a WLAN exists; flashes when data is being sent or received. LAN connection: lit continuously when a connection with the Ethernet exists; flashes when data is being sent or received in the LAN. 2.1.2 Ports The dLAN® Wireless extender is easy to use.
Initial use You may then also connect a single computer or other network device with an Ethernet LAN port directly to the dLAN® Wireless extender with a standard RJ45 Ethernet patch cable. This lets you connect devices (generally desktop PCs) without WLAN adapters to your home network. 2.3 Software installation The Software folder of your dLAN® Wireless extender CD-ROM contains applications and tools for the Microsoft® Windows®, Mac OS X and Linux operating systems.
Initial use During the installation process, you will be given the choice of installing all software components (Standard) or selecting individual ones (Custom). We recommend a complete installation of all applications, or as a minimum the devolo dLAN Configuration Wizard and devolo Informer. The devolo® software does not continuously take up resources of your Windows operating system.
Initial use The dLAN Linux Package contains all of the components that you need to set up a dLAN® network. dLAN wireless extender linux lets you call up the configuration of the adapter.
3 Configuration Configuration The dLAN® Wireless extender consists of three separate, integrated network components. The dLAN® adapter connects the device to the dLAN® network via a power outlet. The WLAN station can either establish a connection to an existing wireless network or serve as an access point. Computers can also be connected directly to the Ethernet port of the Wireless extender as an alternative to the WLAN or in addition to it.
Configuration devolo Informer can use special access techniques to find the dLAN® Wireless extender in your network in cases in which you cannot access it using a web browser or configuration program (i.e. when you do not know its IP address). Ensure that you always have the Informer handy for such cases.
Configuration If this method is not successful, launch the devolo Informer utility (Start X Programs X devolo X devolo Informer). Right-click the name of the wireless Extender and select the Status and Management menu item. The program determines the correct IP address and launches the configuration in your web browser. If you know the exact IP address of your adapter, you may also enter it directly in the address line of a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox (e.g. 192.168.0.17).
Configuration Change Configuration lets you adjust a variety of your adapter's settings. The Management section lets you back up, restore and reset your user-specific configuration. You can also update the firmware of your dLAN® Wireless extender here. 3.3 WLAN status WLAN status provides a concise overview of the current status of your dLAN® Wireless extender.
3.4.1 Configuration Security This area lets you specify or modify a log-in password for access to the configuration interface of the dLAN® Wireless extender. Enter the current password (if assigned), then enter the new password twice. By default, the integrated configuration interface of the dLAN® Wireless extender is not password-protected. However, we recommend assigning a password when the installation of the adapter is complete to protect it against tampering by third parties.
3.4.2 Configuration Network settings As a component of your home network, the dLAN® Wireless extender communicates using the TCP/IP protocol. The IP address required for this purpose can either be entered manually as a static address or assigned by a DHCP server. To specify an address, first disable the option Use this to accept network settings automatically from a DHCP Server. Enter the IP address and the netmask and click Save.
Configuration Should you ever forget the IP address of your dLAN® Wireless extender, use the devolo Informer (Start X Programs X devolo X devolo Informer) to find the adapter in your network. Right-click on the name of the adapter in the overview of the Informer and select the Status and Management context menu item to open the configuration interface in your web browser. The current IP address of the Wireless extender will then be displayed in the address field of the browser. 3.4.
Configuration In Overview X Change Configuration X WLAN mode, specify the operating mode of your dLAN® Wireless extender. To use your adapter as an access point, you will need to configure additional settings related to the SSID, channel and encryption (see following section). To use your Wireless extender as a WLAN client in an existing wireless network, enter the network's name (SSID: Service Set Identifier) and WEP key (if applicable).
3.4.4 Configuration WLAN settings To use your dLAN® Wireless extender as an access point (see previous section 3.4.3), you must configure a number of parameters for your wireless network. The basic wireless settings and encryption methods can be configured under Overview X Change Configuration X WLAN Settings. When using your Wireless extender as a WLAN client, all of the options on this page are irrelevant. A message informing you of the current status will be displayed if that is the case.
Configuration A number of WLAN adapters have difficulties connecting to such invisible wireless networks. If you have problems connecting to a network with a hidden SSID, start by establishing a connection with the SSID visible, then hide the SSID. If you do not use encryption, not only will all data being transferred from client computers to the Wireless extender in your wireless LAN be unprotected, users will not be prompted for a password when establishing a connection.
Configuration any time and use your Internet connection. Under normal circumstances, you will not notice that this is occurring. Note that the WLAN function is enabled and WLAN encryption is disabled when the device is set to its factory defaults. Two standards are available for ensuring secure data communications in wireless networks. The older and somewhat weaker WEP standard protects communications using keys consisting of 10 or 26 digits.
Configuration To use the WLAN filter, select the Activate filters option under Overview X Edit Configuration X WLAN Filters (the 10 input fields underneath it will then be activated). You can now list up to ten different network devices permitted to access your dLAN® Wireless extender by entering their so-called MAC addresses. The MAC address refers to the network adapter of a device (e.g. the WLAN card of a laptop or the Ethernet port of a printer).
Configuration Please remember to enter the MAC address of your own computer as well if you are connected to the Wireless extender via WLAN rather than the Ethernet port. Otherwise, you will lock yourself out of the device by activating the WLAN filter! 3.4.6 dLAN Settings In a dLAN® network, all connected components must use the same password. The dLAN® password is normally defined once during the installation of your Wireless extender with the aid of the dLAN Configuration Wizard (see section 4.
Configuration The password can also be entered manually under Overview X Change Configuration X dLAN Settings. Enter the desired password in each of the two input fields and click Save. 3.5 Management Use the Management section to reset your current configuration to factory defaults, save the configuration as a file on your computer or restore such a file to the device, or update the firmware of the dLAN® Wireless extender. 3.5.
3.5.2 Configuration Save and load configuration All active configuration settings can be backed up by transferring them to your computer and saving them in a file. This file can then be used to restore the configuration of your dLAN® Wireless extender. This function can be useful for creating a variety of configurations that will let you quickly and easily set up the adapter for use in different network environments.
3.5.3 Configuration Update firmware The firmware of the dLAN® Wireless extender contains the adapter's operating software. devolo® may make new versions of the firmware available as downloadable files to add functions or correct bugs. Do not update your firmware unless you need a certain new function or would like to eliminate a specific bug. If you are satisfied with the function of your dLAN® Wireless extender, leave the device unchanged. To update the firmware, visit the devolo® website at www.
Configuration Ensure that the update process is not interrupted. We recommend connecting your computer to the Wireless extender via dLAN® or LAN, not WLAN.
Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network 4 Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network 4.1 Basics Before you can use your Wireless extender in your dLAN® network, you must first establish a connection to the existing adapters in your home network. Two specific pieces of information are especially important for this: The dLAN® password is not only important for accessing the HomePlug network. It also serves as an encryption key, ensuring the security of the transferred data.
Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network the Wizard via the Start X Programs X devolo program group and the Device X Start dLAN Configuration Wizard menu of the devolo Informer. Before beginning with this step, make a note of the security codes of all existing dLAN® adapters. This unique identifier of each dLAN® device is located on the label on the underside of the housing. The code consists of 4 x 4 letters separated by dashes (e.g. ANJR-KMOR-KSHT-QRUV).
4.2.2 Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network Step 2: Enter a network password In this step, select a network password that will apply to all adapters in your home network. The password must be used by all dLAN® devices. Automatically generate a random network password Alternatively, the Configuration Wizard can automatically generate a password for use with your dLAN® network. This can be done without problems, as it is only needed for setting up your home network.
Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network The dLAN® password of a specific dLAN® Wireless extender can also be changed via the integrated configuration interface of the adapter (also see 3.4.6). Go to Overview X Change Configuration X dLAN Settings. Enter the desired password twice and click Save. Assigning a specific password to a single adapter will exclude it from the remaining dLAN® network.
Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network previously is not found. In that case, check whether the HomePlug device is connected to the power grid and is available. Once you have entered the security IDs of your dLAN® adapters, your HomePlug network is complete. All computers and other network devices connected to the adapters by cable should now be able to communicate with one another in the network.
Establishing a connection to the dLAN® network network. The password is used as an encryption key for network communication. In addition, only those adapters that have had their security IDs registered in the dLAN Configuration Wizard are permitted access to specific dLAN® devices. Finally, you are also partly protected against intruders by the limits of your own household power grid.
Setting up a WLAN network 5 Setting up a WLAN network 5.1 Basics The dLAN® Wireless extender creates a bridge between dLAN® and WLAN networks. The adapter can be used in two operating modes for this purpose: By default, the Wireless extender is configured to act as a WLAN access point, sending and receiving data from a dLAN® to computers and other network devices via a wireless connection.
Setting up a WLAN network absolutely essential to the operation of the wireless network, we nevertheless urgently recommend using the various security measures provided by the Wireless extender to prevent intruders from accessing the network. To set up the dLAN® Wireless extender for operation as a WLAN access point, open the adapter's integrated configuration interface in a window of your web browser. If you know the IP address of the device, type it into the address line of your browser.
Setting up a WLAN network Assign a unique name (SSID) to your WLAN to identify it to your clients. Optionally, you can also hide the SSID. A hidden SSID is an additional security factor, as only those WLAN clients that know the exact name of the network can access it. A number of WLAN adapters have difficulties connecting to such invisible wireless networks. If you have problems connecting to a network with a hidden SSID, start by establishing a connection with the SSID visible, then hide the SSID.
Setting up a WLAN network While assigning static IP addresses to the devices in your home network and entering the addresses manually can have advantages, a change to the subnet mask may result in the configuration interface of your Wireless extender becoming inaccessible. We therefore recommend retaining the default setting as a DHCP client.
Setting up a WLAN network Otherwise, launch the dLAN Wireless extender configuration application, or open the configuration from the context menu of the appropriate entry in the devolo Informer. Go to Overview X Change Configuration X WLAN mode. Select WLAN client mode in this dialog box. Enter the SSID (name of the wireless network) and, if available, the WEP key for the WLAN which you want to access with the Wireless extender. Enter the WEP key as a 10digit or 26-digit hexadecimal number.
Setting up a WLAN network Save your settings. The dLAN® Wireless extender will now reboot. This may take a moment. The adapter will now serve as a WLAN client in the specified wireless network for its dLAN®. Ensure that the client connection of the Wireless extender is accepted by the existing access point. Additional settings may be required here. Should you need the MAC address of the Wireless extender for WLAN access, it can be found on the label on the underside of the housing.
Setting up a WLAN network The dLAN® Wireless extender features a number of security mechanisms that can be used individually or in combination to prevent this. By selecting a hidden network name (SSID), you can restrict access to those WLAN clients that know its exact designation. Chapter 3.4.4 of this manual covers this function in detail. A number of WLAN adapters have difficulties connecting to such invisible wireless networks.
Appendix 6 Appendix 6.1 Technical data dLAN Wireless extender Standards Wireless specification IEEE 802.11b,g HomePlug standard 1.0 Turbo Ethernet standard IEEE 802.
Appendix Power supply Integrated power supply via power outlet Nominal voltage: 100-240 V AC Nominal current: 0.
Appendix Accessories Documentation: printed installation manual CD ROM: manual on PDF, configuration software for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux , Mac OS-X ® devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender ® ®
6.
Appendix devolo® dLAN® Wireless extender
6.3 Appendix Warranty conditions The devolo AG® warranty is given to purchasers of devolo® products in addition to the warranty conditions provided by law and in accordance with the following conditions: 1 Warranty coverage a) The warranty covers the equipment delivered and all its parts.
Appendix b) The warranty period for installed replacement parts ends with the warranty period of the device as a whole. 3 Warranty procedure a) If defects appear during the warranty period, the warranty claims must be made immediately, at the latest within a period of 7 days. b) In the case of any externally visible damage arising from transport (e.g. damage to the case), the person responsible for the transportation and the sender should be informed immediately.
Appendix e) the device was opened, repaired or modified by persons not authorized by devolo® , f) the device shows any kind of mechanical damage, g) the warranty claim has not been reported in accordance with 3a) or 3b). 5 Operating mistakes If it becomes apparent that the reported malfunction of the device has been caused by unsuitable software, hardware, installation or operation, devolo® reserves the right to charge the purchaser for the resulting testing costs.
Appendix jurisdiction in the Federal Republic of Germany or if he moves his domicile out of Germany after conclusion of the contract, devolo’s® court of jurisdiction applies. This is also applicable if the purchaser's domicile is not known at the time of institution of proceedings. h) The law of the Federal Republic of Germany is applicable. The UN commercial law does not apply to dealings between devolo® and the purchaser.
Index Access point 8, 24, 26 Activate WLAN 26 Administration 31 Antenna 14 Channel 26 Configuration interface 19 Connected stations 21 Deactivate WLAN 26 devolo Informer 18 DHCP 23 dLAN 8 dLAN Configuration Wizard 30, 35 dLAN password 31, 35 dLAN Wireless extender configuration 19 Encryption 21, 27, 47 Ethernet 14 Ethernet interface 18 Informer 18 Installation 15 IP address 20, 23 LAN port 14 LEDs 13 Linux 16 Load configuration 32 Log-in 22 MAC address 28 Mac OS X 16 Network address 23 Network password 37 N
