ZyXEL Communications 1.6Multiple Networks, 1.5.1 Passwords, 1.5.2 Setting Up Security

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

1.5.1 Passwords

You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords.

Table 4 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
	ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility or RESET/ENCRYPT button to create a
	private network. See Section 4.3 on page 27.
DAK (Data Access Key)	In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must
Password	enter the adapters’ DAK password in the ZyXEL PLA 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).

1.5.2 Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your powerline devices have the RESET/ENCRYPT button.

Alternatively, use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility to set up security on the PLA. Although the PLA 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 and other powerline adapters, the electrical wiring in your home becomes an extension of your Ethernet network. Your network traffic flows freely within the electrical circuit 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 4.3 on page 27 for information on setting up a private network.

3You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline networks. See the next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

1.6Multiple Networks

Multiple powerline networks can coexist on a single powerline circuit. You might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet networks.

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PLA Series User’s Guide