Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx

Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this button. See Chapter 4 on page 35 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx. See Section 2.2 on page 21 for instructions on installing the utility.

Use the firmware detection and firmware upgrade tools to upgrade to the latest firmware. Because the latest PLA-4xxs are only compatible with other powerline devices with the latest HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tools are available to help you upgrade. You can download both of these tools from the ZyXEL website (www.zyxel.com.tw). See Chapter 3 on page 29 for information in using these tools.

"This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA-4xx which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.

1.4Security

Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your PLA-4xx.

1.4.1 Passwords

You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords.

Table 1 Password Summary

PASSWORD

DESCRIPTION

Network Name

All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are

 

shipped with the same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”.

 

Change the network name via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration

 

Utility to create a private network. See Section 5.3 on page 43.

 

 

DAK (Data Access

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline

Key) Password

network you must enter the adapters’ DAK password in the PLA-4xx

 

Series Configuration Utility. This password is printed on the

 

powerline adapter itself.

 

You don’t need to add the password for the powerline adapter

 

directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility

 

(local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote powerline

 

adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but not directly

 

connected to your computer).

 

 

1.4.2 Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your powerline devices have the ENCRYPT button.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide