Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

1.5 Security

Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your PLA-4xx.

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 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 43.

 

 

DAK (Data Access

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline

Key) Password

network you must enter the adapters’ DAK 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).

 

 

1.5.2 Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your powerline devices have the 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-4xx. Although the PLA-4xx 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-4xx 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 5.3 on page 43 for information on setting up a private network.

 

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide