Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-407

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 39.

 

 

DAK (Data

In order to manage the Powerline adapters on your

Access Key)

Powerline network you must enter the adapters’ DAK

Password

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.

If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-407. Although the PLA-407 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 network name.

2It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA- 407 and other Powerline adapters, the Powerline wiring in your home becomes an extension of your Ethernet network. Your network traffic flows freely within the electrical outlets 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 (Network Name) to make sure that only permitted Powerline adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 5.3 on page 39 for information on setting up a private network.

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PLA-407 User’s Guide