ZyXEL Communications PLA470 V2 - Manual (Page 21)

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
21
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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.
1.5 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.
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.
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.
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 45 .
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).