5

The Configuration Utility

This chapter shows you how to use the Configuration Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network.

5.1 Overview

The PLA-4xx is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-4xxs in your network (without additional configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over your home’s electrical wiring (A).

Figure 21 Example Network Setup

A

All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the quality of your home’s wiring.

"See Section 5.1.1 on page 41 for more information on enhancing your powerline network security.

5.1.1Powerline Network Security

When the PLA-4xxs communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the powerline 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 powerline adapters.

 

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide