How to configure XE103 to connect with a XE104?

This article explains how to configure XE103 and XE104 to connect over a powerline network.

Physical Connections:

• Connect the ethernet port of XE103 to the router/network.
• Connect your computers/gaming devices in the other room to the ethernet ports of the XE104 adapter.
  Note: XE104 has 4 ethernet port. If you need to connect more than 4 devices, you can use a hub or a switch.
• Plug in both XE103 and XE104 to power outlets.
• An example is shown below:
  

Verify the connectivity:

1. Once the physical connections are done, check to verify whether the three lights on both the powerline devices are lit.
   
2. All the 3 lights on both the devices should be on to indicate a successful connection. If the lights don't come on, please refer to the troubleshooting section at the end of this article.
3. Once you have confirmed the physical connection, verify whether the computers obtain IP address from the router - if they do, then they should be able to go online through the router.

Enable encryption:

Once you have established connection over the powerline network, you should secure and create a Private Powerline network to prevent unauthorized access over the same electrical circuit. This section explains how to enable encryption.

1. Download the latest Powerline configuration utility from the NETGEAR support site:
2. Following the instructions, complete the installation of the encryption utility.
3. After the installation, open the encryption utility from the Start > Programs menu or by launching the shortcut created on your desktop.
4. On the utility, Main tab shows the MAC Address of the XE104 directly connected to the PC under ‘Local devices’.
   
5. The utility will show all the Powerline devices connected in the network. From the device list, select the adapter that you want to be added in your Private Powerline network and click Enter Password.
   
6. Enter the device password found on the back of the specific Powerline unit. Follow steps 5 and 6 for all the Powerline adapters listed in the utility.
   
7. Once the device passwords are entered for all Powerline devices, click on the Security Tab to create a Private network.
   
8. Type your desired password for the Private Powerline network and click on Set All Devices.
   
   The default password is: HomePlug
9. This should display a pop-up window indicating that the operation is successful.

Troubleshooting:

Powerline LED is not lit: The reason is that the powerline adapters are not able to communicate to the other Powerline adapter in the network.

• Ensure that the Powerline adapters are securely plugged in the power socket. Make sure Power light is lit.
• Connect the Powerline adapters in the same room to see if they are able to communicate. If they cannot communicate when on the same room, it may be a hardware issue with the Powerline adapter.
• When Powerline adapters are not on the same room, ensure that they are in same phase of electricity (circuit breakers). Different phase may stop the communication between the adapters.

Only Power LED is lit:

• Try the Powerline adapter on a different power outlet.
• Make sure the other Powerline adapter is plugged in as well and connected to the router.

Unable to get IP address on the computer connected to a Powerline adapter:

• Check whether router’s DHCP server is active by connecting a computer directly to the router and check for the valid IP address.
• See “Powerline LED is not lit” above for additional troubleshooting.
• Assign static IP address on the computer of the same range as the router and check the connection.

N101743.asp Mar 13, 2008