Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-400/402

3.1.1 Power Line Network Security

When the PLA-400/402s communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the power line network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot understand the message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data between power line adapters.

For the power line adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network password. This password allows the power line adapters to understand the encrypted information sent in the power line network.

By default the PLA-400/402s are all configured with the password HomePlug, this allows you to simply plug the devices in and not worry about setting up security. If you want to enhance the security on your power line network, you can change the network password on the power line adapters you want to allow to communicate in your power line network.

3.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

In order to manage the power line adapters on your power line network you must enter the adapters’ password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the DAK (Device Access Key) password. This password is printed on the power line adapter itself.

You don’t need to enter the DAK password for the power line adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility (local power line adapter), you only have to add the remote power line adapters’ passwords (those in your power line network, but not directly connected to your computer).

3.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

To launch the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the configuration icon on your desktop.

Figure 13 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon

Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs > ZyXEL Communication Corporation > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility.

3.3 Configuration Screen

Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your power line network, gain access to managing remote devices (those not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility) and change the power line network password. This screen opens up when you launch the configuration utility.

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PLA-400/402 Series User’s Guide