NETGEAR XAVB5501-100NAS Understanding Powerline Network Security, Set the Encryption Key

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XAV5501 Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter User Manual

Understanding Powerline Network Security

A Powerline network consists of two or more Powerline adapters using the same network encryption key. Securing your network is crucial. By encrypting the information you send over the Powerline XAV5501 Adapter, you help to keep it secure from hackers. If you do not set up security on your network, anyone nearby with a Powerline network can potentially use their connection to gain access to your network and information you send over the Internet. This is especially relevant in settings such as apartment buildings, office buildings, dorm rooms, and other more populated areas.

Powerline devices connected to the same network must use an identical encryption key. The security used by Powerline XAV5501 Adapters is similar to the SSID and encryption keys used in wireless networks, but you do not need software to configure Powerline XAV5501 Adapters.

There are two ways to secure your Powerline network.

•Use the Security button located on the Powerline adapter to automatically generate a random encryption key. See Set the Encryption Key .

•Use the XAV5501 Powerline Utility to configure your Powerline network with an encryption key that you specify. If you are already using Powerline or HomePlug devices then you will need to use the Powerline Utility. If not already installed, the Powerline Utility should be installed on your computer. See Installing the XAV5001 Powerline Utility on page 12.

For information about using the XAV5501 Powerline Utility to configure Powerline security or to prioritize Powerline network traffic using the Quality of Service (QoS) feature, see Chapter 2.

Note: To return the XAV5501 Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter to its factory

default settings, see Reset a Device to Factory Settings on page 17.

Set the Encryption Key

You can use the Security button to change the default encryption key and set a private encryption key instead. The default encryption key is HomePlugAV.

Note: Before you change the Encryption key, you need to install the Powerline adapters and get them up and running. Otherwise, they might not be able to communicate with each other.

10 Chapter 1. Installation and Basic Configuration

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Contents XAV5501 Powerline AV+ Adapter Statement of Conditions Technical SupportTrademarks Revision HistoryContents Installation and Basic Configuration How the Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter Fits in Your NetworkLED and Feature Descriptions Powerline XAV5501 Adapter FeaturesXAV5501 Product Label Model Number Feature Descriptions Installing Your Powerline XAV5501 Adapter Prepare for InstallationConnecting a Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter to the Router Connecting the XAV5501 to a RouterTo add Powerline adapters Adding Adapters to Your NetworkUnderstanding Powerline Network Security Set the Encryption KeyTo set a private encryption key Installing the XAV5501 Powerline Utility To install the XAV5501 Powerline UtilityPowerline Utility Screen Navigate to Start Programs Netgear Netgear Powerline UtilityChange the Name of a Powerline Device Powerline Utility main screenTurn LEDs On or Off To name any Powerline device in your Powerline networkSet Encryption Keys To set the Encryption Key for the Powerline network Set Up Quality of Service QoSClick Apply Security to Selected Devices QoS Setup screen Using the XAV5501 Powerline Utility To prioritize by general application typeAdd a Device to a Powerline Network Reset a Device to Factory SettingsTo reset to factory defaults To add a device from a locally connected computer Security IconClick the Apply Security to Selected Devices button Return to the Default Network Encryption Key Click the Use Default Encryption Key buttonProduct Registration and Support Basic FunctioningLED Troubleshooting Tips LED and Feature TroubleshootingProblems after Changing the Network Encryption Key Technical Specifications Supplemental InformationSafety Information Electromagnetic EmissionsAppendix A. Supplemental Information Netgear Powerline Products Notification of ComplianceRegulatory Compliance Information FCC Requirements for Operation in the United StatesFCC Declaration Of Conformity GPL License Agreement Index Index
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