Frequently Asked Questions

Does Actiontec sell a Wireless Range Expander or Wireless Repeater, to extend a wireless networks coverage?

Can the Wireless on this device be updated or upgraded?

How is a replacement Actiontec CD obtained?

Will the range of the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter allow my neighbor to receive the network signal?

Can I have a mixed network of 14Mbps, 85Mbps and 200Mbps HomePlug adapters?

There is only one HomePlug adapter in the package. How do I use it?

I connected both HomePlug adapters and installed the Configuration Utility, but it can only see one of the adapters?

How do I secure the wireless signal coming from the MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender?

Does Actiontec sell a Wireless Range Expander or Wireless Repeater, to extend a wireless networks coverage?
No, Actiontec does not sell a Wireless Repeater. The Wireless Routers, Access Points and Gateways that we currently produce, do not support WDS or Wireless Distribution System. (WDS is a technology that allows the linking of several Wireless Access Points, to create one large Wireless network.)

Can the Wireless on this device be updated or upgraded?
No, the antenna on this device is permanently attached, and cannot be changed or upgraded.

How is a replacement Actiontec CD obtained?
There are two methods for obtaining a replacement Actiontec CD.
1. Downloading the ISO for free from the Actiontec Support Site. If an ISO is available, it will be posted along with all other Drivers and Software, on the support page for that product. Instructions for converting the ISO file into a CD can be downloaded along with the ISO.
2. Contacting Actiontec Technical Support by phone and purchasing one. Actiontec CDs can be purchased for $6.95 (including S&H) within the USA, and $8.95 (including S&H) for customers in Europe and the UK.
To purchase call: 1-800-371-0442 (USA), 0800-180-4434 (UK)
Please have your Visa or MasterCard ready, along with product name and model number, or CD part number if available. (MasterCard and Visa are the only cards Actiontec is able to accept.)

Will the range of the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter allow my neighbor to receive the network signal?
It is possible. But using the encryption utility provided with the HomePlug adapter, can prevent others from accessing the network.
The reason for this is because the HomePlug adapter has a range of 300 meters in wall power lines and is able to pass through circuit breakers. It will not, however, pass through power transformers. In the U.S., it is common for a small transformer to be hung from a utility pole to service a single house or a small number of houses, the chances of your network reaching your neighbor is unlikely.

Can I have a mixed network of 14Mbps, 85Mbps and 200Mbps HomePlug adapters?
Yes, but they are not all interoperable. This may sound like a contradiction but it isn't. The 14Mbps and 85Mbps are interoperable, but a connection between the 85Mbps and the 14Mbps adapters will always operate at the speed of the slower device.

All of the adapters, the 14Mbps HomePlug adapter, the 85Mbps MegaPlug adapter, and the 200Mbps MegaPlug AV adapter can co-exist on the same home electrical system and operate properly, but the 200Mbps MegaPlug AV cannot connect to the slower 14Mbps and 85Mbps adapters. This is because the 14 and the 85 comply with the earlier HomePlug 1.0 and 1.0 Turbo standard and use 56bit DES encryption, but the 200Mbps adapter complies with later HomePlug AV standard and it uses 128bit AES for encryption.

Example:
If you need to use both the 200Mbps and the 14Mbps or the 85Mbps adapters on the same network, there will need to be a pair of each. For a 200Mbps adapter that is connected to a PC to communicate on the network, there must be a 200Mbps adapter connected to the networks router or hub; and since a 85Mbps adapter connected to a second PC cannot communicate with the 200Mbps adapter, there must also be a 14Mbps or a 85Mbps adapter connected to the router or hub so that the slower 85Mbps adapter can communicate as well.

There is only one HomePlug adapter in the package. How do I use it?
A single HomePlug adapter cannot be used alone. To use HomePlug adapters effectively there must be a minimum of two. Once a network has been established, HomePlug adapters can be added one at a time. If you have purchased a single HomePlug adapter, to move forward you will need to either purchase another single HomePlug adapter or return the single adapter and replace it with a kit. Kits will have either a pair of HomePlug Ethernet adapters, a HomePlug Ethernet adapter and a HomePlug 4-port Ethernet Hub or a HomePlug Ethernet adapter and a HomePlug Wireless Network Extender included.

I connected both HomePlug adapters and installed the Configuration Utility, but it can only see one of the adapters?
There can be many reasons for an adapter to not be detected.

Problems:
1. If the adapter is connected to a surge protector or power strip that is turned off.
2. If the outlet that the adapter is plugged into is not functioning correctly or it's circuit breaker is tripped or switched off.
3. If the adapter is on a part of the buildings electrical system that cannot be reached by the network signal.

Resolutions:
1. The surge protector or power strip can be turned on, but Actiontec does not recommend the use of surge protectors or power strips with HomePlug adapters.
2. Verify the circuit breaker is on and working correctly, and try moving the adapter to another outlet.
3. Actiontec recommends moving one adapter as close to the other, as possible temporarily, to verify both adapters are functioning correctly. Once both of the adapters are recognized by the Utility, and configured; move the remote adapter to the desired location.

How do I secure the wireless signal coming from the MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender?
The MegaPlug Wireless Network Extender functions as a Wireless Access Point that just happens to be connected to the MegaPlug network. The Wireless Network Extender (WNE) comes with a Utility for accessing and configuring it, like most Wireless Access Points.
To configure the WNE, insert the accompanying CD; the MegaPlug Wireless Configuration Utility will start automatically.

1. When the utility opens, begin by clicking Locate Device.