NP201AV User Manual
NP201AV User Manual
Powerline Adapters
200Mbps Twin Pack
USER GUIDE
Contents
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
How Does It Work?........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Direct Connection............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Package Contents............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Device Design................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
How to Use Simple Connect............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Creating a Powerline Network..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Resetting the Private Network Name.......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Joining an Existing Powerline Network........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Determining Connection Rate............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Getting Started......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Plan Your Network.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Local Network.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Gaming Network....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Entertainment Network............................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Media Network......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Setup the Powerlines...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
For Twin Pack........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Powerline Utility........................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Requirements.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Installation....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Opening Powerline Utility................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
When a Powerline communicates with another device, the Powerline Activity LED color will give you an idea about the connection rate: red
means below 40 Mbps; amber means 40 to 105 Mbps; and green means more than 105 Mbps.
Direct Connection
Printer IP TV Computer
For best performance, connect Powerline directly to a wall outlet. Avoid connecting it to a power strip where other electrical devices are
connected. Other devices create electrical noise that may affect the performance of Powerline.
Package Contents
The package contains the following items:
• 2 Powerline Adapters
• 2 Ethernet cables
• Software Utility CD that contains the Powerline Utility installer and the User Manual.
• Quick Start Guide
Computer IP TV Printer
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au
Device Design
Simple
Connect
2 Press Simple Connect for two seconds on Adapter X. After you release the button, the Power LED will blink. If the Power LED
did not blink, press Simple Connect again for two seconds.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2 seconds.
X Y
IP TV 3
Computer Press Simple Connect
Computer for two seconds on Adapter Y. After you release the button, the Power LED Computer
will blink. If the Power LED
did not blink, press Simple Connect again for two seconds.
Make sure to press Simple Connect on Adapter Y within two minutes after you press Simple Connect on Adapter X.
The LEDs on both devices will switch off and on twice to signify that they are searching for another device to pair with.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2 seconds
X Y
Computer Computer
4 To confirm if the connection was established, check the LEDs. The Power LEDs and the Powerline Activity LEDs on both
Adapters are on.
X Y
IP TV Computer
When the Powerline Activity LED on either Adapter X or Adapter Y is off, this means the pairing is not successful. In this case,
IP TV Computer
please repeat the the process as outlined from point 1.
X Y
IP TV
Computer Computer Computer
Computer Computer
IP TV Printer Printer
Printer
IP TV
Computer Computer Computer
IP TV Printer
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au
5 Unplug the Powerline Adapters and then connect them to your Ethernet devices using the Ethernet cables from the product
package. After connecting the Ethernet cable, plug the Adapters directly to a wall outlet.
An Ethernet-enabled device can be a router, computer, hub, gaming console, IP phone, network printer, or IP TV set-top box.
Note: Powerlines work best when connected directly to a wall socket. Avoid plugging it to a power strip or power extension. Other electrical devices in the power strip produce
electrical noise that may affect the performance of the Adapter.
Computer Computer IP TV
2 Press Simple Connect for two seconds from a Powerline Adapter in an existing network. After you release the button, the Power
LED will blink. If the Power LED did not blink, press Simple Connect again for two seconds.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2 seconds.
3 Press Simple Connect for two seconds on Adapter Z. After you release the button, the Power LED will blink. If the Power LED
did not blink, press Simple Connect again for two seconds. Make sure to press Simple Connect on Adapter Z within two
minutes after you press Simple Connect from the existing network. The LEDs on both devices will switch off and on twice to
signify that they are searching for another device to pair with.
Note: Do not press Simple Connect for more than 2 seconds.
4 To confirm if the connection was established, check the LEDs. The Power LEDs and the Powerline Activity LEDs on all
IP TV are on. Computer
Adapters
Network XY Z
IP TV Printer Printer
If the Powerline Activity LED on Adapter Z is off, this means the pairing was not successful. In this case, please repeat the the
process as outlined from point 1.
er IP TV
Computer Computer Computer Com
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide YML201AVX
www.netcomm.com.au
NetComm Powerline Series - 200Mbps Powerline Adapters
Network XY Z
5 Unplug Adapter Z and then connect it to your Ethernet device using the Ethernet cables from the product package. After connecting the
Computer
Ethernet cable, plug Adapter Z directly to Printer IP TV
a wall outlet. An Computer
Ethernet-enabled device can be a router, computer, hub, gaming console, IP
phone, network printer, or IP TV set-top box.
Note: Powerlines work best when connected directly to a wall socket. Avoid plugging it to a power strip or power extension. The other electrical devices in the power strip
create noise that may affect the performance of the Adapter.
er Computer Computer Com
IP TV Computer
Computer IP TV Printer
IP TV Printer Printer
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au
Getting Started
Come on you know you want to
Router R
Getting Started
Plan Your Network
Here are ideas on how you can plan your Powerline network.
Local Network
Share ultra fast Internet connection with any computer wherever it is in the house. IP TV Laptop Telephone Gaming
Router Rou
Router
Laptop Laptop
IPGaming
TV Network Laptop Telephone Gaming Console Printer IP TV
Connect your gaming console to the Internet and compete with other online players.
Router
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au 11
Entertainment Network
Experience IP TV streaming into your home entertainment system.
Router Router
Media Network
Realize your high tech lifestyle by converging your IP devices into a single network.
Router Router
Router
Laptop Laptop G
Note: To use Powerline Utility, you need a computer using a Windows operating system with the .NET Framework installed. If you do not have .NET installed, the Powerline
installer will installer it for you.
Requirements
Your computer must meet the following requirements:
• Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP (32 and 64 bit), Vista (32 and 64 bit) or 7 (32 and 64 bit)
• 300 MHz Processor
• 128 Mb of RAM
• .NET Framework
• Network Interface Card
• CD-ROM
• 128 Mb of free hard disk space
Installation
To install Powerline Utility:
1. Insert the Resource CD that comes with the Powerline Adapters into the CD-ROM drive.
2. The CD should auto-run. If so, skip to Step 5. If not go to Step 3.
3. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
4. In the Run dialog box, type D:\Setup.exe (where D: is your CD-ROM drive), and then click OK.
5. Follow the instructions on the installation wizard.
Two applications will be installed in your computer - Powerline Utility will be installed first followed by .NET Framework. The installer detects
any version of .NET Framework in your computer. If .NET Framework is not installed, a dialog box opens to ask if you would like to install
.NET Framework. Click Yes. The .NET Framework will not be installed if the required version is already in your computer.
• Home
• Private Network Name
• Quality of Service
• Devices
• Firmware Upgrade
Home
Home provides a list of all the possible tasks you can perform in the Powerline Utility. To start a task, you first need to select the network
card connected to your Powerline Adapter. This is most helpful when you have more than one network card in your computer. When you
select a network card, the MAC Address of the Powerline Adapter connected to your computer appears. If there is no Powerline Adapter
connected to your computer, no MAC address will appear.
After selecting the network card, there are four possible tasks you can perform. These tasks include:
• Change the Private Network Name
• Change the QoS settings
• View devices in the network
• Upgrade the firmware
Private Network Name provides the function to manually change the Private Network Name of local and remote Powerline Adapters.
A Private Network Name is a string of 8 to 64 characters that enables Powerline devices to communicate with each other.
If you intend to create multiple networks, you can assign different Private Network Names among your devices. You have to, however, make
sure that at least two Powerline Adapters have a similar Private Network Name. A Powerline Adapter that uses a unique or random Private
Network Name will not be able to communicate with other devices.
Note: In case you cannot connect into the network after changing the Private Network Name, please power cycle the device. To power cycle, disconnect and then reconnect
the Powerline Adapters from the power outlet.
Note: You must change the Private Network Name (PNN) on the remote Powerline Adapters before changing your local PNN. If you change the local PNN first you will lose
connectivity to the remote.
NP201 AV Powerline
P/W: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
MAC: 00:60:64:#X:#X:#X
############ N367
6. Click Apply. When the process is complete, the message Settings Applied appears.
After changing the Private Network Name of the remote Powerline Adapter, it will no longer be able to communicate with your local
Powerline Adapter, unless you use a similar Private Network Name for your local Powerline Adapter.
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au 17
Simulate Simple Connect Button
Simulate Simple Connect Button allows you to apply functionalities without manually pressing the Simple Connect button on a Powerline
device. However, this only works on local devices.
Simple Connect Select to search and pair with another device, or search and join an existing Powerline network.
PNN Randomize Select to reset to a random Private Network Name. A Powerline Adapter using a random
Private Network Name will be disconnected from the Powerline network and will not be able to
communicate with other devices until it forms a new network or joins an existing network.
AVLN Status Displays the Powerline Adapters Logical Network membership status number.
Note: The Simulate Simple Connect Button functions from Powerline Utility can be used for 200Mbps Powerline versions with or without the Simple Connect button on
the device.
Quality of Service
Quality of Service gives you the capability to prioritize particular applications within your network. QoS is not enabled by default.
QoS Modes:
To enable QoS:
1. Open Powerline Utility.
2. Click Quality of Service.
3. Check Enable QoS.
4. Select a QoS mode.
5. Click Apply. When the process is complete, the message Settings Applied appears.
Devices
Devices displays information about remote Powerline Adapters detected on the network. Only Powerline Adapters using the same Private
Network Name as the local Powerline Adapter will appear in the Remote Devices list.
Devices displays the following information:
TEI Displays the Terminal Equipment Identifier.
Device MAC Displays the Powerline MAC Address.
address
Bridge MAC Displays the MAC Address of the Ethernet network adapter connected to the Powerline.
Address
Connection Rate Displays the Transmit and Receive connection rates.
Firmware Upgrade
Use this to upgrade the firmware of your Powerline Adapter. After upgrading, the Powerline Adapter will retain the same Private Network
Name and MAC address settings. To upgrade, you need to have both the configuration file (.PIB extension) and firmware file (.NVM
extension). Firmware upgrades can be downloaded from www.netcomm.com.au.
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au 19
Frequently Asked Questions
Someone already asked us that
NetComm Powerline Series - 200Mbps Powerline Adapters
All Powerline versions can co-exist with each other. 200Mbps Powerline Adapters, however, are not backward compatible with earlier
(85Mbps) Powerline releases.
If you will use different versions of 200Mbps Powerline Adapters in a single network, you need to use the Powerline Utility software to create
a Private Network Name for all devices. Unlike the new version of 200Mbps Powerline, older versions do not feature the Simple Connect
button which enables the device to create a common Private Network Name without using the software.
How does 200Mbps Powerline achieve a higher bandwidth than earlier Powerline releases?
200Mbps Powerline complies with the Powerline standard. It achieves higher data throughput by using a broader frequency spectrum
(2-30 MHz rather than 4-21 MHz), by using a better access method (Time Division Multiple Access rather than Carrier Sense Multiple
Access/Collision Detection), and by using a better processor with a greater bitload per Hz.
Can 200Mbps Powerline Adapters be used alongside 85Mbps Powerline devices within the network?
85Mbps and 200Mbps Powerline standards can co-exist but they will not be able to communicate with each other.
Is 200Mbps Powerline suitable for triple play i.e. use of data, voice, and video applications simultaneously?
Yes, triple play is supported.
Are Gigabit Ethernet adapters required for use with 200Mbps Powerline Adapters?
No. Under ideal conditions, Powerline has a physical gross data rate of up to 200 Mbps. The effective net data rate is somewhat lower. A
100 Mbps Ethernet adapter is therefore adequate in most cases.
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au 21
If one Powerline adapter is connected to a LAN switch, is it possible for other computers in the switch to communicate with other
Powerline devices?
Yes.
How much is the power consumption of 200Mbps Powerline on a 230-volt power supply?
Powerline has a power consumption of 4.5 watts.
Can I use Powerline Adapters to connect computers located in different floors of the building?
Yes, as long as the electric wires are connected and do not exceed 200 meters.
Can I use Powerline Adapters in an old house with old power supply lines (partly without separated ground wire)?
Yes. However, performance may be affected because of the quality of the wires.
Can I plug Powerline Adapters into a multiple socket switch or do I have to plug it directly to the wall socket?
You can plug Powerline Adapters into a multiple socket switch. However, we strongly advise to plug it directly to a wall socket to achieve
optimal performance.
What will happen if I connect two Powerlines Adapters to the same router?
This will cause collision and slow down the network traffic. To prevent collision, you need to assign different Private Network Names on
each Adapter.
NetComm Limited reserves the right to change the specifications and operating details of this product without notice.
All other trademarks are acknowledged the property of their respective owners.
Product Warranty
The warranty is granted on the following conditions:
1. This warranty extends to the original purchaser (you) and is not transferable;
2. This warranty shall not apply to software programs, batteries, power supplies, cables or other accessories supplied in or with the product;
3. The customer complies with all of the terms of any relevant agreement with NetComm and any other reasonable requirements of NetComm including producing such evidence
of purchase as NetComm may require;
4. The cost of transporting product to and from NetComm’s nominated premises is your responsibility; and,
5. NetComm does not have any liability or responsibility under this warranty where any cost, loss, injury or damage of any kind, whether direct, indirect, consequential, incidental
or otherwise arises out of events beyond NetComm’s reasonable control. This includes but is not limited to: acts of God, war, riot, embargoes, acts of civil or military
authorities, fire, floods, electricity outages, lightning, power surges, or shortages of materials or labour.
6. The customer is responsible for the security of their computer and network at all times. Security features may be disabled within the factory default settings. NetComm
recommends that you enable these features to enhance your security.
Limitations of Warranty
The Trade Practices Act 1974 and corresponding State and Territory Fair Trading Acts or legalisation of another Government (“the relevant acts”) in certain circumstances imply
mandatory conditions and warranties which cannot be excluded. This warranty is in addition to and not in replacement for such conditions and warranties.
To the extent permitted by the Relevant Acts, in relation to your product and any other materials provided with the product (“the Goods”) the liability of NetComm under the
Relevant Acts is limited at the option of NetComm to:
• Replacement of the Goods; or
• Repair of the Goods; or
• Payment of the cost of replacing the Goods; or
• Payment of the cost of having the Goods repaired.
All NetComm ACN 002 490 486 products have a standard 12 months warranty from date of purchase. However some products have an extended warranty option (refer
to packaging). To be eligible for the extended warranty you must supply the requested warranty information to NetComm within 30 days of the original purchase by
registering on-line via the NetComm web site at
www.netcomm.com.au
Product Warranty
NetComm products have a standard 12 months warranty from date of purchase. However some products have an extended warranty option, via
registering your product online at the NetComm website www.netcommlimited.com.
Technical Support
If you have any technical difficulties with your product, please refer to the support section of our website.
www.netcomm.com.au/support
Note: NetComm Technical Support for this product only covers the basic installation and features outlined in the Quick Start Guide. For further information regarding the advanced features of this product, please
refer to the configuring sections in the User Guide or contact a Network Specialist.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of NetComm Limited or their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Images shown
may vary slightly from the actual product.
YML201AVX �������������������������������������
200Mbps Powerline Adapters User Guide
www.netcomm.com.au 25