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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
19
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.
1 It’s easy and only requires you to change a network name.
2 It’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.
" Buildings and even streets may share a coaxial cable connection. If your
powerline network uses a coaxial cable, the network will probably extend
outside your premises. In this case make your network more secure with a
private network name.
3 You 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.
1.5 Multiple 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.
1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and
assign a Network Name (for example “Password1”) to this powerline adapter. Add
additional powerline adapters to your network by plugging them into your powerline
outlets and assigning them “Password1”. This completes the configuration of your first
powerline network.
2 Connect another powerline adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network
and assign a different Network Name (for example “Password2”) to this powerline
adapter. Again, add additional powerline adapters and assign them “Password2”.
You now have two private networks on your powerline circuit. Information is not shared
between the two networks as only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can
communicate with each other.