Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

Figure 16 Network Info Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4 Network Info Screen

LABEL

DESCRIPTION

Adapter

This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different

 

powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected

 

directly to the PLA-4xx. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your

 

computer has two network cards and both are connected to a PLA-4xx, then you have

 

two powerline networks.

 

 

Central

The Central Coordinator of the powerline network is the powerline adapter which

Coordinator

keeps track of which devices are part of the network as well as synchronizes

MAC

communication within the powerline network. If the Central Coordinator is removed

 

from the powerline network then another powerline adapter takes its place. This field

 

displays the MAC address of the PLA-4xx which is the Central Coordinator of the

 

powerline network. This powerline adapters in your powerline network automatically

 

select the Central Coordinator.

 

 

The information provided in the following table reflects transmission rate information about the powerline adapters which communicate in your powerline network.

The powerline adapters listed in this table are all the powerline adapters in your powerline network except the powerline adapter selected in the Configuration page of the configuration utility. In other words, if the Local powerline adapter is selected in the Configuration screen, then this table will display the rates of transmission from the powerline adapter connected to the computer running the configuration utility to all the Remote powerline adapters.

Site

This field displays:

 

• Local, if it is the PLA-4xx directly connected to the computer running the

 

configuration utility.

 

• Remote, if it is a PLA-4xx in your powerline network but not directly connected to

 

the computer running the configuration utility.

 

 

MAC Address

This field displays the MAC address of your powerline adapter. The MAC address of

 

your powerline adapter can be found by looking at the label on your device. It consists

 

of six pairs of hexadecimal characters (hexadecimal characters are “0-9” and “a-f”). In

 

the case of the PLA-4xx, this label is on the bottom of the device.

 

 

30

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 manual Network Info Screen
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PLA-400 specifications

ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 is an innovative Powerline Ethernet adapter designed to extend network connectivity through your home's electrical wiring. This device is particularly beneficial for users who face challenges with Wi-Fi signals due to distance or physical obstructions like walls and furniture. The PLA-400 provides a reliable alternative, allowing users to take advantage of existing electrical infrastructure to establish a stable and high-speed internet connection.

One of the main features of the PLA-400 is its impressive data transmission rate. With support for speeds of up to 500 Mbps, this adapter allows for seamless streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. This high-speed capability ensures that users can enjoy smooth internet experiences without the lag that typically accompanies slower connections.

The ZyXEL PLA-400 utilizes HomePlug AV technology, which is a standard for Powerline communication. This technology allows multiple devices to connect over the same electrical circuit without interference. The adapters are also equipped with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize bandwidth usage for latency-sensitive applications, ensuring that connections remain stable even when multiple devices are in use.

Another significant characteristic is the ease of installation. The PLA-400 features a plug-and-play design, enabling users to set up their network by simply plugging the adapters into electrical outlets. There is no need for complex configuration or installation procedures. Additionally, the device includes security features, including 128-bit AES encryption, which ensures that your data remains secure while being transmitted over the powerlines.

The accuracy of the connection and its reliability is further enhanced by the adapter's integrated power-saving features. When not in active use, the PLA-400 can enter a low-power mode, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance.

In summary, the ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 Powerline Ethernet adapter stands out for its high-speed performance, ease of use, and emphasis on security. With its reliance on HomePlug AV technology, this device is perfect for users looking to enhance their home networking experience while leveraging existing electrical wiring for optimal connectivity. Whether for casual browsing, streaming high-definition content, or online gaming, the PLA-400 is designed to meet diverse networking needs effectively.
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