MERCUSYS AV1000 Gigabit Powerline Wi-Fi Extender User Guide

Conventions

This guide complements the Quick Installation Guide, providing detailed instructions for internet setup and configuration in typical scenarios. Features may vary by model and software version. Images and descriptions are examples and may not reflect your actual experience. Compatible with HomePlug AV and AV2 Standard Powerline adapters. May not be compatible with routers with altered firmware, open-source programs, or outdated firmware.

More Info
Specifications and the latest software are available at www.mercusys.com. The Quick Installation Guide can be found with this guide or in the router package.

Speed/Coverage Disclaimer
Maximum wireless signal rates are based on IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput and coverage are not guaranteed and vary based on network conditions, client limitations, and environmental factors. Maximum Powerline signal rates are based on HomeplugAV/AV2 specifications. Actual Powerline throughput and range are not guaranteed and vary based on network conditions and environmental factors.

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Product Overview

The Mercusys powerline adapter extends your home network using your home's electrical circuit.

1.2 Product Appearance

Your powerline adapter may differ slightly in appearance based on region and product version. The MP510 (EU Version) is used for demonstration.

1.2.1 LED Legend

LEDs indicate the powerline adapter's working status:

*Five minutes after the device is turned off or inactive, it will automatically switch to Power-Saving Mode (MP500 Only).

1.2.2 Physical Interface

The powerline adapter features:

• LED Indicator
• Wi-Fi Clone Button
• Pair/Reset Button
• Gigabit Ethernet Port
• Power Plug: Connects to a power socket.

Pair/Reset Button:
• Press and hold for 1 second to join a powerline network. Refer to 'Secure Powerline Network by Pairing' for more information.
• Press and hold for more than 6 seconds to reset the powerline adapter.

Ethernet Port:
Connect wired devices using an Ethernet cable.

Wi-Fi Clone Button:
• Press and hold for 1 second to copy wireless settings from the main router. Refer to 'Wi-Fi Clone' for more information.
• Press and hold for about 5 seconds to turn the wireless function on or off. The wireless function is on by default.

Chapter 2 Use the Powerline Device

2.1 Requirements

Powerline devices work in pairs. You need at least two powerline products for a powerline network. For optimal performance:

• All powerline devices should be on the same electrical wiring system.
• Avoid plugging powerline devices near high-powered household devices (e.g., washing machines, refrigerators).
• Plug the powerline device directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip, extension cord, or surge protector. [Image showing a wall outlet with a smiley face and a power strip with a sad face]
• Use the powerline device only in the directions shown. [Image showing two powerline devices plugged into wall outlets, both with smiley faces]

2.2 Extend Wired Network by Plug & Play

To extend your wireless network to areas with weak signals, use a Powerline Wi-Fi Kit (includes a powerline adapter and extender).

1. Connect the adapter to a LAN port of your router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Plug the extender into wall outlets on the same electrical circuit.
3. Wait for the Power LED on the powerline device to turn solid green.
4. Connect to the Wi-Fi using the SSID and password on the product label.

[Diagram showing Internet connection to router, then to powerline adapter, then via powerline to powerline extender, and finally to a laptop.]

Done! Now enjoy the internet!

2.3 Secure Powerline Network by Pairing

Powerline devices share factory settings and can communicate. To ensure communication only between your devices, pair them. This creates a secured network where other devices cannot join without pairing. You can pair two devices at a time.

To secure your network after using Plug & Play:

1. Verify all powerline devices' LEDs are solid on.
2. Tip: Plug devices close to each other for pairing. Relocate them later.
3. Press the Pair button on the adapter for 1 second (LED blinks green quickly).
4. Within 2 minutes, press the Pair button on the extender for 1 second (LED blinks green quickly). When the LED turns solid green, pairing is complete. [Diagram showing two powerline devices with LEDs blinking green quickly, then solid green]
5. Relocate the extender to a Wi-Fi "dead" zone. Connect using the SSID and password on the product label.

Done! Enjoy your secure powerline network!

2.4 Add Another Powerline Adapter

If your wireless network coverage is insufficient, add another powerline extender.

1. Plug the new powerline extender into a wall outlet near an existing powerline device.
2. Wait for the LED to turn on. If it doesn't, proceed to step 2 to pair it into the secured network.
3. Press the Pair button on an existing powerline device for 1 second (LED blinks green quickly).
4. Within 2 minutes, press the Pair button on the new powerline extender for 1 second (LED blinks green quickly). When the LED turns solid green, pairing is complete. [Diagram showing an existing powerline device and a new powerline extender, with pairing LEDs]
5. Relocate the new extender to a Wi-Fi "dead" zone. Connect using the SSID and password on the product label. If the default SSID is not found, the Wi-Fi Move feature may have copied existing settings. Use your existing powerline network's SSID and password.

[Diagram illustrating an extended network across two floors of a house, connecting devices via powerline adapters.]

Done! Enjoy the internet through your extended network!

Chapter 3 Configure via Web Management Interface

3.1 Log In Web Management Interface

1. Connect your device to the powerline extender wirelessly.
2. Open a web browser and enter http://mwlogin.net in the address bar. [Image of a browser address bar with http://mwlogin.net]
3. A login window will appear. Create a login password. Click LOGIN. Use this password for future logins. [Image of a login window prompting for a new password]

3.2 Manage Powerline Network

A powerline network consists of adapters and extenders. Devices in the same network share the same network name.

3.2.1 Add a New Device to the Powerline Network

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to the Status page and click the Powerline Network icon to open the Powerline Device List. [Image of the Powerline Device List interface]
3. Click the add icon [+] and enter the 16-character Powerline Key (found on the back of the device) in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. [Image showing the Powerline Key input field]
4. Click ADD to add the device.

3.2.2 Change Powerline Network Name

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Basic > Powerline.

[Image showing Powerline settings with MAC Address, Powerline Key, and Network Name fields.]

3. Change the Network Name. Click Default to use the default name (e.g., HomePlugAV). Note: The Wi-Fi Move function is disabled if the default name is used.
4. Click Save to apply changes.

3.3 Wi-Fi Move

Wi-Fi Move is enabled by default. When enabled, changes to Wi-Fi settings and LED schedules on one extender are automatically synchronized to other extenders with Wi-Fi Move enabled on the same powerline network.

To enable Wi-Fi Move:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wi-Fi Move.
3. Toggle on Wi-Fi Move. [Image showing the Wi-Fi Move toggle switch]

Note: Wi-Fi Move synchronizes Wi-Fi Settings and LED Schedules. When enabled, the following are synced: Wireless SSID & Password, Wireless Security, Wireless Mode, Wireless Radio Status, Wi-Fi Schedules, LED Schedules, Wi-Fi Clone Settings, MAC Filter Settings, Parental Controls, and Guest Network.

3.4 Wi-Fi Clone

To copy wireless settings from your router to the extender for unified SSID and password access:

1. Ensure your router supports the same band as your extender.
2. Plug your extender near your router.
3. Press the WPS button on your router.
4. Within two minutes, press the Wi-Fi button on the bottom of the extender for 1 second (LED blinks orange).

Done! When the LED blinks orange quickly for 3 seconds and then stays solid green, Wi-Fi Clone is complete.

3.5 Wireless Network

3.5.1 Customize Wireless Settings

The extender's wireless network name (SSID), password, and security options are preset. You can find the preset details on the product label or customize them.

Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.

Go to Basic > Wireless Settings.

To enable or disable the wireless function:
Select the box to enable; deselect to disable. If disabled, all wireless settings are ineffective.

[Image showing Wireless Settings interface with options for Host Network and Enable Sharing Network.]

To change the wireless network name (SSID) or hide SSID:
The default SSID is MERCUSYS_XXXX, and the password is on the product label. Enter new values directly. SSID and password support up to 32 characters and are case-sensitive.

[Image showing SSID input field, Hide SSID checkbox, and advanced settings dropdowns.]

Select Hide SSID to prevent broadcasting. Your SSID will not appear in network scans, requiring manual connection.

Note: Write down the new SSID, as you will be disconnected when new settings are applied.

To customize more advanced settings:

• Security: Choose from No Security, WPA/WPA2 Personal (Recommended), or WEP, WPA2. WPA2 offers the highest security. Avoid changing default settings unless necessary.
• Version: Auto (Recommended) selects WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal based on the wireless station's capability. WPA-PSK uses a pre-shared key.
• Encryption: Select Automatic (Recommended), TKIP, or AES.
• Password: Set the Wi-Fi network password.
• Channel: Select a channel to determine the operating frequency. Change only if experiencing interference.
• Mode: Select 802.11n only (for 802.11n clients), 802.11g/n mixed (for 802.11g and 802.11n clients), or 802.11b/g/n mixed (for all client types). Note: 802.11n only mode restricts connections to 802.11n clients. 802.11b/g/n mixed is recommended for broader compatibility.
• Channel Width: Auto adjusts channel width for clients.
• Transmit Power: High is recommended for the best signal strength.

3.5.2 Wireless Clients

View detailed information of wireless clients connected to the extender.

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Wireless > Clients page. [Image of the Online Wireless Clients interface]
3. View device name, MAC address, connected wireless band, and IP address.

Tips: Wireless client details are also available under Status > Wireless Clients.

3.6 LED Schedules

To automatically turn off LEDs during specific times:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Wireless > Device Settings > LED Control.
3. Enable LED Status. [Image of LED Control interface with LED Status toggle]
4. Enable LED Schedule.
5. Click Add to create an entry.
6. Choose LED Off Time and select the days (Sunday to Saturday).
7. Click SAVE. [Image of the Add LED Schedule interface]

Done!

3.7 Schedule Your Wireless Function

To automatically turn off the wireless network during periods of no use:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wi-Fi Schedule. [Image of Wi-Fi Schedule interface]
3. Enable Wi-Fi Schedule.

Note: If "Do not turn off WiFi while clients are connected to it" is checked, the schedule is disabled when clients are connected.

4. Click Add to create an entry.
5. Choose WiFi Off Time and select the days (Sunday to Saturday).
6. Click SAVE. [Image of the Add Wi-Fi Schedule interface]

Done!

3.8 Parental Controls

Control children's wireless device internet access times:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Advanced > Parental Controls. [Image of Parental Controls interface]
3. Enable Parental Controls.
4. Click Add to create an entry.
5. Select a device from the list or enter its MAC Address manually.
6. Choose Internet Access Time and select the days (Sunday to Saturday).
7. Add a Description for the device.
8. Click SAVE.

Note: Ensure Time Settings are correct before using this function.

[Image showing the Add Parental Control entry interface with device selection, time scheduling, and description fields.]

Done!

3.9 Guest Network

Create a guest network for visitors, limiting their access while ensuring network security and privacy.

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Advanced > Guest Network. [Image of Guest Network settings]
3. Check relevant boxes to limit network authorities (e.g., Allow guests to see each other, Do not allow guests to manage my network, Automatic disable after 30 minutes).
4. Configure the following settings: [Image of Guest Network Settings interface]
   • 2.4GHz: Enable/disable the guest network.
   • Network Name (SSID): Set the guest network name. Default is MERCUSYS_Guest_XXXX.
   • Security: Choose No Security or WPA/WPA2-Personal.
   • Hide SSID: Check to hide the guest network.

To enable or disable the guest network function:
Select the 2.4GHz box to enable; deselect to disable. If disabled, guest network settings for that band are ineffective.

To change the guest network name (SSID) and password:
The default SSID is MERCUSYS_Guest_XXXX, and the default password is on the product label. You can change these by entering new values. SSID supports up to 32 characters, and both SSID and password are case-sensitive.

Done!

3.10 MAC Filter

This function uses the MAC address (a unique 12-digit hexadecimal address) of network devices to control access.

To prevent unauthorized access using MAC addresses:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Advanced > WirelessGuest > Network.
3. Toggle on MAC Filter.
4. Select a filtering rule (e.g., Black List). [Image of MAC Filter interface with Blacklist/Whitelist options]
5. Click Add to add devices to the list.
6. Select 'Select From Device List' to add connected devices, or 'Add Manually' to enter the device name and MAC address. [Image of Add Devices interface]

Done!

3.11 Administration

3.11.1 LAN IP Address

Configure the extender's LAN settings:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Device Settings > LAN Settings. [Image of LAN Settings interface]

LAN Type:
• Obtain an IP address automatically (Recommended): Your extender gets an IP address from the main router.
• Use the following IP address: Manually configure LAN parameters.

• IP Address: The extender's IP address.
• Subnet Mask: The subnet mask associated with the IP address.
• Gateway: The IP address of the gateway device.
• Primary DNS: Your ISP's DNS IP address.
• Secondary DNS: Another DNS server IP address from your ISP.

3.11.2 Set Up System Time

System time is used for time-based functions like Parental Controls and Wi-Fi Schedules. You can set it manually or automatically.

Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.

Go to Settings > Time Settings page. [Image of System Time settings]

To automatically synchronize the time:

1. Select 'Get from the Internet'.
2. Select your local Time Zone.
3. Enter desired NTP Server IP addresses or domain names (Optional).
4. Click SAVE.

To manually set the date and time:

1. Select 'Manually'.
2. Enter the current Date.
3. Enter the current Time (24-hour format).
4. Click SAVE.

To set up Daylight Saving time:
Check the 'Daylight Saving Time' box. Select the correct Start and End dates and times for your local time zone. Click SAVE. [Image of Daylight Saving Time settings]

3.11.3. Upgrade the Firmware

Mercusys regularly releases firmware updates for improved features. Download the latest firmware from www.mercusys.com.

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Settings > Firmware Upgrade page and confirm the Hardware Version. [Image of Firmware Upgrade interface]
3. Download the latest firmware file from www.mercusys.com.
4. Click BROWSE to locate the firmware file and click UPGRADE.
5. Wait for the upgrade and rebooting process.

Notes:

• Back up your current settings before upgrading.
• Do not turn off or reset the extender during the upgrade.
• If the upgrade is interrupted, connect your computer via Ethernet cable, set a static IP to 192.168.0.X and subnet mask to 255.255.255.0, then visit http://192.168.0.254 to complete the upgrade.

3.11.4. Back Up and Restore Configuration Settings

Configuration settings are stored in a file. Back up this file for future use or to restore previous settings. You can also erase current settings and reset to factory defaults.

To backup configuration settings:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Settings > Backup & Restore page. [Image of Backup & Restore page with Backup button]
3. Click BACK UP to save current settings to a 'config.bin' file on your computer.

To restore configuration settings:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Settings > Backup & Restore page. [Image of Backup & Restore page with Restore section]
3. Click BROWSE to locate the backup file ('config.bin') and click RESTORE.
4. Wait for the restoring and rebooting process.

Note: Do not turn off or reset the extender during restoring.

To reset the extender to factory default settings:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Settings > Factory Default Restore page. [Image of Factory Default Restore page with FACTORY RESTORE button]
3. Click FACTORY RESTORE to reset the extender.
4. Wait for the resetting and rebooting process.

Notes:

• Do not turn off the extender during resetting.
• Back up current settings before resetting.

3.11.5. Change Login Password

Go to Settings > Change Login Password to change the extender's management password.

[Image of Change Login Password interface with fields for Old Password, New Password, and Confirm New Password.]

Notes:

• The new password must not contain spaces.
• The new password must be 6-32 characters long.
• The new password must include at least two types of characters: letters, numbers, and symbols.

3.11.6. System Log

Save the system log for troubleshooting when the extender is not working properly.

To save the system log:

1. Connect wirelessly to the extender and log in at http://mwlogin.net.
2. Go to Settings > System Log page. [Image of System Log interface]
3. Choose the desired log type and level.
4. Click SAVE LOG to save the system log locally.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. How do I reset my powerline device?

With the powerline device plugged in, press and hold the Pair button for at least 6 seconds. Release the button. The LED will turn off and then back on, indicating the reset is complete.

Q2. How to troubleshoot if there is no internet connection in my powerline network?

• Ensure all powerline devices are on the same electrical circuit.
• Ensure all Power LEDs are solid on. If not, re-pair your adapters and extenders.
• Ensure all hardware connections are secure.
• Check for internet connection by connecting a computer directly to the modem or router.
• Ensure your computer's IP address is in the same segment as your router's.

Q3. What can I do if a successfully-paired powerline device does not reconnect after it has been moved to a new location?

• Try a different socket on the same electrical circuit. Ensure the Power LED is solid on.
• Try pairing again.
• Check for interference from appliances like washers or air conditioners. Plug the interfering appliance into the integrated electrical socket (if available on the powerline device) to reduce electrical noise.