ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 manual Passwords, Setting Up Security

Chapter 1 Introducing the 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
Private Network	All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are
Password	shipped with the same powerline network password “HomePlugAV”.
	Change this password via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration
	Utility to create a private network. See Section 3.3 on page 26.
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

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-4xx or other HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters. Although the PLA-4xx is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.

1It’s easy and only requires you to change a password.

2It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA-4xx and other powerline adapters, the electrical wiring in your home becomes an extension of your Ethernet network. Your network traffic flows freely within the electrical circuit of your home and is bounded in most cases by a power meter.

Without security (encryption) your information is accessible to anyone using a powerline adapter on the same electrical circuit. In some cases, a circuit can be shared by more than one household.

To prevent compromising your network security, you can create a private network. A private network uses a secret password to make sure that only permitted powerline adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 3.1.1 on page 26 for information on setting up a private network.

"Buildings and even streets may share a coaxial cable connection. If your powerline network uses a coaxial cable, the network will probably extend outside your premises. In this case make your network more secure with a private network password.

3You may need to change the password to create multiple powerline networks. See the next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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