TP Link Homeplug Encryption Question

jb7 · 28 Feb 2012 at 16:33

Today I purchased a TP-Link TL-PA211KIT, performance is BRILLIANT! However I have a question about encryption

Currently, I just bought them and plugged them in - does this mean that my internet connection currently is NOT encrypted? Because I read

Simply by pushing the Pair button on the adapters, users can set up a hassle-free Powerline network within minutes, complete with 128-bit AES encryption for network security and data protection.

This is fine, I can do this for my existing set of 2 homeplugs

However, performance was so good that I ordered myself 4 more, giving me 6 homeplugs in total - how am I supposed to set up encryption on these? :confused:

Many Thanks

Sin_Chase · 28 Feb 2012 at 16:53

If manual intervention is possible connect to them through a PC with an ethernet cable and configure them.

From what I can gather from the manual you get 120 seconds from when you put the first adapter in pair mode. I assume you can chain up 3 more in that time, that is unless the pair sequence terminates the second 1 additional device is found.

jb7 · 28 Feb 2012 at 16:59

Sin_Chase said:
If manual intervention is possible connect to them through a PC with an ethernet cable and configure them.

From what I can gather from the manual you get 120 seconds from when you put the first adapter in pair mode. I assume you can chain up 3 more in that time, that is unless the pair sequence terminates the second 1 additional device is found.

Using the included powerline utility? I can't see any option for encryption here

Sin_Chase · 28 Feb 2012 at 17:00

Do they not have management addresses?

To be fair I have not worked with them at all but assumed they would have some kind of web based management interface?

Sin_Chase · 28 Feb 2012 at 17:06

Found it:

Join an existing Powerline AV Network: Powerline adapter A and Powerline adapter B form a HomeplugAV Network, Powerline adapter C wants to join this network.

Step 1. Press and hold the Pair button on Powerline adapter C for 3 to 8 seconds.

Step 2. Press and hold the Pair button on Powerline adapter A/B for 3 to 8 seconds. (This step must be taken within 120 seconds after step 1 is finished.)

Step 3. Wait for about 60 seconds while your Powerline adapters are connecting. The Power LED on Powerline adapter A/B and C will stop flashing and become solid light when the connection is made.

jb7 · 28 Feb 2012 at 17:24

Sin_Chase said:
Found it:

that's brilliant, thanks a lot

jb7 · 28 Feb 2012 at 20:55

Another question about homeplugs

I have been doing some research online, and I found this

HomePlugs are like old School Ethernet; they run on half-duplex. So only one device can send at a time.

So does this mean that if I have my PC hooked up to one homeplug downloading something off Steam, but I also have my Macbook hooked up to another homeplug, when I use my macbook, will the Steam download freeze/stutter? because only one device can send at a time.....?

Sin_Chase · 29 Feb 2012 at 06:57

It's not quite that in your face no. You will not get the throughput that full duplex of the same speed would get but you are not going to notice it.

Wireless b/g is half duplex also and most people would never ever realise. Wireless n can do pseudo full duplex by multiplexing over 2 different channels at half duplex. (2.4 and 5GHz)