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Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
28
3.1.1 Powerline 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.
For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same
network name. This password allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted
information sent in the powerline network.
By default the PLA-4xxs are all configured with the password HomePlugAV, this allows you
to simply plug the devices in and not worry about setting up security. If you want to enhance
the security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline
adapters you want to allow to communicate in your powerline network.
3.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)
In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the
adapters’ password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the
DAK (Device Access Key) password. This password is printed on the powerline adapter itself.
You don’t need to enter the DAK password for the powerline adapter directly connected to the
computer running the utility (local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote
powerline adapters’ passwords (those in your powerline network, but not directly connected to
your computer).
3.2 Starting the Configuration Utility
To launch the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the
configuration icon on your desktop.
Figure 11 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon
Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs >
ZyXEL Communication Corporation > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility.
3.3 Configuration Screen
Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline
network, gain access to managing remote devices (those not directly connected to the
computer running the utility) and change the powerline network name. This screen opens up
when you launch the utility.