Appendix A Product Specifications

52

Table 10

Firmware Specifications

 

 

FEATURE

 

DESCRIPTION

 

Powerline Functionality

The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices

 

 

 

communicate using standard electrical wiring.

 

 

 

It supports a data transfer rate of up to 200Mbps.

 

 

 

Data is encrypted using 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

 

 

 

HomePlug AV compatible devices co-exist with HomePlug 1.0 devices

 

 

 

but do not detect each other.

 

 

 

The range of a HomePlug AV network is 300 meters/984 feet in optimal

 

 

 

conditions.

 

 

 

 

HomePlug AV is compatible with all OSs.

 

 

 

The maximum number of powerline devices on a single network is 16.

 

 

 

Support for 64 devices communicating on a single network is planned for

 

 

 

future firmware release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encryption

 

128-bit AES Encryption

 

 

 

 

 

Frequency Band

1.8 MHz ~ 30 MHz

 

 

 

 

 

Certifications

FCC, CE, CUL, UL, HomePlug AV, RoHS

 

 

 

 

 

Device Management

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to easily configure the PLA-

 

 

 

4xx.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Network Password

Change the powerline network password to only allow the powerline

 

 

 

adapters you specify to join your network.

 

 

 

 

 

Firmware Upgrade

Download new firmware (when available) from the ZyXEL website and

 

 

 

use the configuration utility to install it.

 

 

 

Note: Only upload firmware for your specific model!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 11

Performance

 

 

 

FEATURE

 

 

DESCRIPTION

 

Throughput over PHYsical Transport

Supports up to 200 Mbps in half duplex mode

 

Medium (PHY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughput over UDP

 

Supports up to 150 Mbps over in-house power/coaxial

 

 

 

 

lines (LAN port limits to 100 Mbps)

 

 

 

 

Number of devices in one powerline

Supports up to 64 devices in 4 network groups

 

network

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following list, which is not exhaustive, illustrates the standards supported in the PLA-4xx.

Table 12 Standards Supported

STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

HomePlug AV

Designed for transmitting audio/video on a home powerline network.

 

 

RFC 868

Time Protocol.

 

 

RFC 1112

IGMP v1

 

 

RFC 1157

SNMPv1: Simple Network Management Protocol version 1

 

 

RFC 1901

SNMP v2c Simple Network Management Protocol version 2c

 

 

RFC 2236

Internet Group Management Protocol, Version 2.

 

 

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 manual Appendix a Product Specifications Firmware Specifications

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.