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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
18
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx
Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have
this button. See Chapter 4 on page 35 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx.
See Section 2.2 on page 21 for instructions on installing the utility.
Use the firmware detection and firmware upgrade tools to upgrade to the latest firmware.
Because the latest PLA-4xxs are only compatible with other powerline devices with the latest
HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tools are available to help
you upgrade. You can download both of these tools from the ZyXEL website
(www.zyxel.com.tw). See Chapter 3 on page 29 for information in using these tools.
" This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only
compatible with a PLA-4xx which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t
already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL
website.
1.4 Security
Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up
security on your PLA-4xx.
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.
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.
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
Key) Password
In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline
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).