Securing your Powerline Network

TRENDnet User’s Guide

Powerline networks consist of two or more Powerline devices connected together using the same encryption key. At default settings, all TRENDnet Powerline adapters are assigned the same encryption key and there is no additional setup required for the first installation. You would simply need to plug the TRENDnet Powerline adapters into available wall power outlets and the adapters will connect to each other using the default encryption key HomePlugAV and create your Powerline network automatically.

In order for your Powerline devices to connect to the same Powerline network, the same encryption key must be assigned to all Powerline devices in that network. Powerline devices that are not assigned the same encryption key will not be able to connect to the Powerline network.

For additional security, it is recommended that you can change the default encryption key to prevent anyone nearby with a Powerline network from gaining access to your network.

Note: After the default encryption key has been changed and the Powerline adapters have been connected using a new encryption key, the Powerline adapters will retain their security settings when they are unplugged and moved to a new location. No additional reconfiguration of the Powerline adapters is needed after the default encryption has been changed.

There are two methods you can change the default encryption key:

∙Use the physical Sync button on your Powerline adapter to generate a random encryption key. See “Using the Sync Button” on page 7.

∙Create a customized encryption key for your Powerline network using the included Powerline Utility. See “Using the Powerline Utility” on page 9.

TPL-306E / TPL-306E2K

Using the Sync button

Change your default encryption key using the Sync button

The physical Sync button on the Powerline adapter provides an easy method of changing the default encryption key. The Sync button generates a random encryption key for your Powerline network. To create a customized encryption key, see “Using the Powerline Utility” on page 9.

Note: The default encryption key assigned to TRENDnet Powerline adapters is HomePlugAV. Before changing the default encryption, please ensure that your Powerline adapters are already installed and connected using the default encryption key.

See “Installing your Powerline Adapters” on page 5.