6
Installing the Adapters
Linksys PLWK400
Installing the Adapters
Installation overview
To set up your Powerline network, you should:
 • Make sure you already have Internet access and a working home network. 
 • Share Internet access with your Powerline network.
 • Install  Powerline  adapters  near  the  network  devices  that  you  want  to 
connect to your home network.
 • Make  sure  that  the  wireless  devices  that  you  want  to  connect  to  the 
PLW400 have a working wireless feature. An easy way to test this is to 
first try to connect the wireless network device to your home’s wireless 
router while near the router.
Tips
 • If possible, connect Powerline adapters directly to a  wall power outlet, 
and not to an extension cord, power strip, or surge protector.
 • If a Powerline adapter must be installed onto a power strip, make sure 
that no other electronic devices are connected to the same power strip.
 • If possible, position the PLW400 near the wireless devices that you want 
to connect.
 • Avoid obstructions (such as metal file cabinets, mirrors, and thick walls) 
between the PLW400 and any wireless device you want to connect.
How to share Internet access
To share Internet access over the Powerline network, connect your router to 
the Powerline network (typically with a single-port Powerline adapter such as 
the PLE400).
To connect your wireless router to your Powerline network:
1. 
Connect  your  PLE400  (or  another  single-port  Powerline  adapter)  to  a 
power outlet near your wireless router. The adapter’s power LED turns 
on.
2. 
Use  the  included  Ethernet  network  cable  to  the  port  on  the  adapter 
and to an available port on the back of the wireless router. The adapter’s 
Ethernet  LED  turns  on. You  are  now  ready  to  extend  your  Powerline 
network to the rest of your home.
NOTE
For advanced security setup, see “Setting up advanced security” on 
page 8.