NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and
Network Management
April 22, 2015
NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2
HomePlug AV Terms and Explanations ................................................................................................................................... 3
PLC Adapter Indicator LEDs and Switches............................................................................................................................... 4
Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Unsecured Network Mode) ...................................................................................................... 5
Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Secured Network Mode) .......................................................................................................... 5
Adding Additional Adapters .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Optimizing Network Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Use of the Convenience Outlet on AV200 NetSocket Adapters ............................................................................................. 7
Repairing a Broken Network ................................................................................................................................................... 7
For Further Customer Support................................................................................................................................................ 8
About LEA Networks ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction
This application guide will give the user a more comprehensive understanding of how HomePlug AV adapters work and
how to use them. The secure pairing and factory reset buttons are all that’s needed to perform any required operations
on an adapter. When adapters are paired, the pairing status light will be on (though it blinks to indicate activity). If the
pairing light doesn’t come on, then see the final section “Repairing a Broken Network”. Often it’s easier to understand
and interpret your HomePlug network by running and monitoring the network using LEA Networks SoftPlug network
management software. This allows the user to see the real-time status, network mode, and connection speed of each
device in the network. Once the user is familiar with resetting and secured pairing procedures, the software isn’t as
necessary.
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
HomePlug AV Terms and Explanations
Secured Pairing (Group) Button- a user accessed button on all HomePlug AV adapters. When held until all the status
lights blink off, and then released (~10 seconds), the adapter is enabled into secured network mode with a new secure
network membership key. If an adapter is already in secured mode, the 10 second hold will clear and reset a new key.
Pressing for 2 seconds and releasing tells the previously secured adapter to broadcast its key and allow other secured
mode adapters to join its network. The pairing LED will blink while in share mode.
Network Name- a text name for the HomePlug network (secured or unsecured). This allows the user to identify the
adapters in their network when others are present (as in a multi-unit household).
Network Membership Key (NMK)- adapters in secured network mode use a private network password key between
each other. This prevents any other adapters from joining the secured network. The key is only known to the secured
adapters themselves.
Reset Button- a user accessed button on all HomePlug AV adapters. This button is recessed in a hole to prevent
accidental actuation. When pressed for 1 second and released, the adapter is reset to factory defaults (unsecured
network mode and default network name such as “HomePlug AV”).
Sleep Mode- adapters will go into a standby low power mode if no Ethernet signal is detected (after 2-10 minutes of
inactivity). The power light will blink slowly, and all other lights will be off. The device will wake back up once a signal is
detected, or the unit is power cycled (unplug, then replug into outlet).
SoftPlug- LEA Network’s network management software. This allows the user to see the status of all HomePlug AV
adapters in their network (not just LEA Networks versions), change the network name, reset or reboot the adapters, etc.
It can be downloaded from LEA Network’s support page here. The computer must be connected directly to a PLC in the
network in order for the software to see the adapters.
Secured Network Mode- adapters can be set into a secured mode. This uses a randomly generated private network
membership key that can only be shared between adapters after the user enables the device to broadcast it. This
prevents access to the devices on the network from neighbouring PLCs, and allows the setup of multiple independent
networks in the same location.
Unsecured Network Mode- the default mode for adapters is unsecured networking. Any HomePlug AV compliant
adapter plugged in will automatically connect to other adapters in the home or office AC network. Unless security or
adjacent network issues occur, it’s best to leave the adapters in this mode. Communications between the adapters is still
encrypted.
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
Status LEDs
Reset Button
Secured Pairing Button
Adapter Status LEDs
NetPlug 200+ Only
Green: high speed connection
(>30Mbps)
Orange: medium speed connection
(15-30Mbps)
Red: low speed connection
(<15Mbps)
Power Status
Pairing Status
Ethernet Status
Solid: power is on
Slow Blinking: standby mode
Medium Blinking: network key
sharing mode
Solid Color: paired to network
Blinking: sending or receiving
data
Off: not paired to network
Solid: adapter is connected to
attached device
Blinking: sending or receiving
data
Off: no device attached or no
connection to Ethernet port on
device
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Unsecured Network Mode)
Newly purchased adapters only need to be plugged in and connected to the home network, no actions are required.
Factory default is unsecured network mode so they will automatically pair to each other. For units that were previously
in secured network mode, or in an unknown mode, reset each unit to factory default by pressing the reset button for 1
second and releasing. Pairing is indicated by the pairing status LED turning green. If difficulties persist, see the last
section “Repairing a Broken Network”. When running the SoftPlug application, the adapters will be shown with a red
unlocked symbol. The computer running SoftPlug must be connected to one of the PLCs in order to see the network.
Pairing can be done in place, or with the units plugged into an outlet strip as shown for convenience.
Pairing HomePlug Adapters (Secured Network Mode)
Adapters should be paired in unsecured network mode first before attempting to convert to secure network mode, see
above section. During the pairing procedure, if any units go into standby mode, simply unplug and replug the adapter
back into the outlet, and proceed from the last completed step. The adapters retain their last setting indefinitely.
1. Enable the first unit into secure network mode by pressing and holding the secure pairing button until the lights
blink off (~10 seconds) then release. When monitoring this unit with SoftPlug, the connection to the second
adapter will be interrupted, and the connected adapter in secured mode will now have a green locked symbol
indicating secure network mode.
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
2. Repeat step 1 on the other adapter. They are both now in secured mode, but need to share the network key
(password) in order to pair up. SoftPlug will still only show the connected adapter since they have not shared the
network key yet.
3. On one unit (it doesn’t matter which), press the secure pairing button for 2 seconds and release. The adapter
will enter sharing mode, and the power LED should blink steadily. Press the secure pairing button on the other
adapter for 2 seconds and release. The second adapter must be put into pairing mode within 2 minutes, or the
first adapter will exit pairing mode. If this happens, simply power cycle the adapters and repeat this step.
Successful pairing is indicated by the pairing status LED turning green on both units. SoftPlug will now show the
two adapters connected with green locked symbols.
Adding Additional Adapters
Unsecured Network Mode: For unsecured (factory default) network adapters, simply plug the new adapter(s) into an
outlet and connect the Ethernet port to the new network device.
Secured Network Mode: To add additional adapters to a secured network, it is best to add them one at a time. On each
additional adapter repeat these three steps:
-First perform a factory reset on the new adapter.
-Put the new adapter into secure network mode by pressing the pairing button for 10 seconds (until the lights blink out)
and release.
-Press the secure pairing button for two seconds on any existing paired adapter, then press the pairing button for two
seconds on the new adapter. The adapter will pair into the network, and show in SoftPlug with a green locked symbol.
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
Optimizing Network Performance
-Plug adapters directly into the wall outlet, not in a power strip or extension cord. If needed, it’s better to plug the unit
directly into a wall outlet and use a longer Ethernet cable to reach the device, than plug the adapter into a power strip
nearby the equipment.
-If an extension cord or power strip is necessary, use a type without surge suppression or noise filters.
-Do not plug the adapters into a GFCI outlet; the internal circuitry of a GFCI greatly decreases the connection speed.
-Avoid using the adapter in the same outlet or circuit as major appliances such as clothes or dish washers, electric
clothes dryers, and refrigerators.
-Avoid using a mobile phone or tablet (wall mount type) charger in the same outlet as the adapter.
Use of the Convenience Outlet on NetSocket AV200
-The outlet on the AV200 NetSocket adapter contains noise filtering to ensure that devices plugged in don’t interfere
with the PLC signal.
-Power strips, wall chargers, and other noise producing appliances should be plugged into the outlet if possible.
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
Repairing a Broken Network
If changes are made to the network and everything stops working, or there is difficulty getting units paired, try the
following step by step procedure.
1. Unplug all adapters from their wall positions.
2. Use a power strip or multi-outlet extension cord to do the initial testing and pairing. The units will not have an
issue connecting to each other when plugged into the same strip or cord, and it will allow you to see the status
lights and reset/pairing buttons easily. They can be put back to their intended locations once pairing is
completed; PLC adapters retain their last settings even when unplugged.
3. Plug two units into the power strip or cord, making sure the buttons and lights are visible.
4. Press the factory reset button for 1 second and release on each unit. The two units should pair within 5 seconds,
as indicated by the pairing light turning green. It is normal for the pairing light to blink, this indicates they are
communicating. When running the SoftPlug application, both adapters will be shown with a red unlocked
symbol. The computer must be plugged directly into one of the adapters for SoftPlug to see the units.
5. If they do not pair, unplug the units for ~1 minute and re-plug them into the strip. Repeat pressing the factory
reset button on each for 1 second.
6. If the units pair successfully, then unplug and move them to their intended location.
7. For additional adapters, leave one successfully paired unit in the strip, and pair additional adapters one at a
time. Press the reset button on only the new adapter for 1 second. As before, the two units should pair within 5
seconds, as indicated by the pairing light turning green. As the additional adapters are paired, they can be
unplugged and moved to their intended location.
For Further Customer Support
For more information, email [email protected].
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NetPlug and NetSocket HomePlug AV Pairing and Network Management
About LEA Networks
LEA Networks is a worldwide provider of xDSL splitters/filters, Power Line Carrier (HomePlug AV), Primary Surge
Protection and connectivity systems for the telecommunications industry. The company researches, designs, markets,
and distributes a wide range of standard and custom products, which have been deployed by over 150 carriers
worldwide. Headquartered in Skokie, Illinois, LEA Networks is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HF Company (NYSE
Euronext: HF).
USA
LEA Networks, LLC
5500 W. Touhy Ave, Suite P
Skokie, Illinois
60077 USA
Phone: +1.847.673.1853
Fax: +1.847.673.2153
France
LEA SAS
Immeuble Le Linéa
1 Rue du Général Leclerc
92047 Paris La Défense Cedex
Phone: +33 (0) 1.49.97.05.30
Fax: +33 (0) 1.49.97.05.31
China
LEA Technologies Ltd
Tianan Hi-Tech Plaza Tower A
Futian District, Shenzhen
PRC 518048, China
Phone: + 86.755.8287.6321
Fax: + 86.755.8287.6331
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logos are registered trademarks. Information is subject to change without notice. Rev.012314
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