Frequently Asked Questions

How is a replacement Actiontec CD obtained?

How many HomePlug Ethernet Adapters can be installed on the same LAN (Local Area Network)?

Do I have to install the Configuration Utility on each computer on the network to set up the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter network correctly?

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?

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

When I launch the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility, Vista has the Fatal Error "Failed to initialize Network interface - Exiting". Is there a fix?

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.)

How many HomePlug Ethernet Adapters can be installed on the same LAN (Local Area Network)?
Actiontec recommends using no more that 16 HomePlug Ethernet Adapters on one network.

Do I have to install the Configuration Utility on each computer on the network to set up the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter network correctly?
No, the Configuration Utility is a diagnostic and encryption tool. The HomePlug Ethernet Adapter is completely plug-n-play, because it needs no software drivers to operate. If needed, the Configuration Utility can be installed onto a single computer on the network, used to set up the encryption, and then removed or deleted. The HomePlug Ethernet Adapter network will continue to operate without it.

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.

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.

When I launch the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility, Vista has the Fatal Error "Failed to initialize Network interface - Exiting". Is there a fix?
The User Access Control (UAC) implemented in Windows Vista can cause the Fatal Error, "Failed to initialize Network interface - Exiting" when the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility is launched. This can usually be resolved by running the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility as Administrator.

Work-Around:
Directions for running the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility as Administrator.
1. Click Start, click Run, and click Browse
2. In the column on the left click Computer
3. Double-Click the C: Drive, Double-Click Program Files
4. Double-Click Actiontec, Double-Click MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility
5. Right-Click the application "device_manager.exe" and choose Copy
6. Then on the Desktop's background, right-click and choose Paste Shortcut

Now whenever you wish to run the MegaPlug AV Configuration Utility, right-click the new "device_manager - shortcut" icon on the Desktop, and select "Run as Administrator". This will allow the Configuration Utility to run with sufficient privileges to avoid the Fatal Error. The shortcut can be renamed if desired.