ZyXEL PLA4231 User Guide

ZyXEL PLA4231 Manual

ZyXEL PLA4231 manual content summary:

  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 1
    PLA4231 500 Mbps Powerline Wireless N Extender Version 1.00 Edition 1, 12/2012 Quick Start Guide User's Guide Default Login Details LAN IP Address Password http://192.168.1.2 1234 www.zyxel.com Copyright © 2012 ZyXEL Communications Corporation
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 2
    in your product firmware or your computer operating system. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Related Documentation • Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide shows how to connect the PLA4231 and access the Web Configurator. 2 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 3
    AV Network with ENCRYPT 15 3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks ...17 3.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Behavior 19 Part II: Configuration Utility 21 Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility 23 4.1 Overview of the Installation Process 23 4.2 Installing the Utility ...23 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 4
    5.1.1 Powerline Network Security ...27 5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) ...28 5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility ...28 5.3 Configuration Screen ...29 5.4 Firmware Screen ...30 5.5 Network Info Screen ...31 5.6 Advanced Screen ...32 5.7 About Screen ...35 Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 5
    What You Need To Know ...79 11.3.1 LAN TCP/IP ...80 11.3.2 IP Alias ...80 11.4 LAN IP Screen ...80 11.5 IP Alias Screen ...81 Chapter 12 HomePlug ...83 12.1 Overview ...83 12.2 What You Can Do ...83 12.3 HomePlug Screen ...83 Chapter 13 Maintenance ...87 13.1 Overview ...87 PLA4231 User's Guide 5
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 6
    14 LEDs and Troubleshooting ...95 14.1 LEDs ...95 14.2 Power and Light Problems ...96 14.3 Configuration Utility Problems ...98 14.4 Powerline Problems ...98 14.5 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems 99 14.6 Wireless Connection Problems ...100 14.7 PLA4231 Access and Login Problems 101 Appendix A Pop
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 7
    PART I Introduction 7
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 8
    8
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 9
    In this User's Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the "powerline network". The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate using standard electrical wiring. 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4231 The PLA4231 plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 10
    have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website. • Use the Web Configurator for everyday management of the PLA4231 using a (supported) web browser. See Section 7.2 on page 49 for instructions on accessing the Web Configurator. • WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button. You
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 11
    If your devices do not have the RESET/ENCRYPT button, use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA4231. Although the PLA4231 is a "plug-andplay" network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home. 1 It's easy
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 12
    only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can communicate with each other. 1.7 Resetting the PLA4231 If you forget your password or IP address, or you cannot access the Web Configurator, you will need to use the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of the PLA4231 to reload the factory-default
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 13
    Your PLA4231 supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPS allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to configure security
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 14
    Chapter 2 The WPS Button 14 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 15
    also support the ENCRYPT feature. No other powerline setting changes are required to connect. You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to: • set up a new powerline network. • separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks. • reset the PLA4231 to the factory defaults. 3.2 Set Up a HomePlug
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 16
    2 and 3 in this section. If that doesn't work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 14.5 on page 99 for suggestions. 4 To add more powerline devices to your network, press and hold the RESET/ENCRYPT button on device C (shown below) for for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. 16 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 17
    ) in step of this section, you can now reconnect them. This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices. 3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to set up multiple powerline networks using your existing powerline network. PLA4231 User's Guide 17
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 18
    other. 3 Wait for about one minute while (A) and (C) connect. 4 Check the LEDs on both (A) and (C). When the power ( ) and HomePlug ( ) lights stop blinking and the power ( ) light shines steadily, the devices are connected. Figure 5 Two Separate Powerline Networks B A C 18 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 19
    it disconnects from the powerline network. The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and then turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network. See Troubleshooting in Chapter 14 on page 99 for suggestions on problems with the RESET/ ENCRYPT button and the lights. PLA4231 User's Guide 19
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 20
    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button 20 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 21
    PART II Configuration Utility 21
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 22
    22
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 23
    recognized on your powerline network. Note: This User's Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA4231 which has the latest firmware installed. If you don't already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website. 4.2 Installing
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 24
    Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility 1 Insert the included CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM drive. The Setup utility runs automatically. Alternatively this can also be done manually by double clicking the setup.exe file on the CD. A prompt appears asking you to install the .NET
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 25
    Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility 4 If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Just me. Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to use the configuration utility. Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 26
    Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility 26 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 27
    5.1 Overview This chapter shows you how to use the Configuration Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network. The PLA4231 is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 28
    Using the Powerline Configuration Utility By default the PLA4231s are all configured with the network name 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
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 29
    on the powerline network. The configuration utility automatically updates this information every 10 seconds. Click Scan to refresh the information in these fields (immediately). Note: Only devices which share the same network name are displayed in this table. Site This field displays MAC Address
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 30
    the firmware. You can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for your PLA4231. Note: If you have upgraded the firmware, make sure you also upgrade the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. Older version utilities are not compatible with PLA4231s using the latest firmware. 30 PLA4231 User
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 31
    5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility Note: Be sure to upload the correct model firmware as uploading the wrong model firmware may damage your device. Figure 14 Firmware Screen 5.5 Network Info Screen Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA4231 is communicating
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 32
    the ZyXEL website to download the latest utility and firmware for your ZyXEL HomePlug AV adapter. You can configure the powerline adapters on your network to give priority to network traffic depending on its importance. When you set the priority of a powerline adapter, you set how quickly messages
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 33
    Powerline Configuration Utility For example, if you have a file server on your home network to deliver music and movie files to computers in your home, you should set the priority of the powerline adapter connected to this server to Medium. If video traffic is delivered too slowly, quality problems
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 34
    if it is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. This is a read-only field which shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter you are configuring. You can find the MAC address of your PLA4231 displayed on a sticker
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 35
    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility 5.7 About Screen Use the About screen to view information regarding the configuration utility and firmware version of the PLA4231 you are connected to. Click the icon in the top right corner of the utility to view the About screen. Figure 18
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 36
    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility 36 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 37
    CHAPTER 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 6.1 Overview Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network. After setting up your first home powerline network (instructions for that are in the Quick Start Guide for your ZyXEL powerline adapter) you may want to extend the network or create
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 38
    your computer. Go to Start > (All) Programs > ZyXEL PLA42xx Series Configuration > PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility, or click on the icon on your desktop shown below. Figure 21 Click on the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility Icon 5 You are now ready to extend your powerline network or set up
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 39
    add to your network and open the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 6.3 on page 38). 2 The utility should open to the configuration tab. On this screen in the Site column your new powerline adapter should appear as Local (A). Check the Local adapter's MAC address (B). It should match
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 40
    powerline adapters to set up a new powerline network separate to your existing network. The figure below shows two powerline networks in a house. The first network (1) shows the home computer connected to a printer and access to the Internet. The second network (2) has no 40 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 41
    Network Setup Tutorial Internet access but with a media adapter such as the ZyXEL DMA-1100P you can use your TV to watch movies and play games which are stored on a computer. Figure 26 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network 1 Connect your new powerline adapter and open the configuration utility
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 42
    all powerline adapters you wish to add to your network. • Look for the DAK Password on a label on your powerline adapter. The DAK Password lets you access the adapter. • Select the Remote adapter you want to add (A) and type the DAK Password in the DAK Password field (B). 42 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 43
    6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial • Then type the new network name in the Network Name field. Figure 29 Adding an Adapter to Your New Network A B 4 Click Save. • If you do not type the DAK password or type it incorrectly either of the following pop-ups appear. Click OK and type the DAK Password
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 44
    PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility, change the Network Name on your local adapter to the network name for the network you want to access. The adapters on that network will then display in the adapter table, allowing you to select and configure each one. 6.7 Troubleshooting The HomePlug ( ) LED
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 45
    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial • Check you have entered the correct network name for your network. • Check your powerline adapter is connected to the same electrical circuit as other powerline adapters on your network. PLA4231 User's Guide 45
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 46
    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 46 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 47
    PART III Web Configurator 47
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 48
    48
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 49
    (enabled by default). Refer to the Troubleshooting chapter (Chapter 14 on page 95) to see how to make sure these functions are allowed in Internet Explorer. 7.2 Accessing the Web Configurator 1 Connect your computer to the LAN port of the PLA4231. 2 The default IP address of the PLA4231 is "192
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 50
    LABEL DESCRIPTION Language Select the language you want to use to configure the Web Configurator. Click Login. Password Type "1234" (default) as the password. (This is just an example). This shows the current to change the weather display. Figure 35 Change Weather 50 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 51
    to apply the settings and refresh the weather display. Note: You can also edit the timezone in Section 13.5 on page 88. 7.2.2 Password Screen You should see a screen asking you to change your password (highly recommended) as shown next. Figure 37 Change Password Screen PLA4231 User's Guide 51
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 52
    the Web Configurator The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 11 Change Password Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION New Password Type a new password. Retype to Confirm Retype the password for confirmation. Apply Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Ignore
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 53
    Scheduling Use this screen to schedule the times the Wireless LAN is enabled. LAN IP Use this screen to configure LAN IP address and subnet mask. IP Alias Use this screen to have the PLA4231 apply IP alias to create LAN subnets. HomePlug Powerline Setting Use this screen to view and change
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 54
    12 Navigation Panel: Access Point Mode LINK TAB FUNCTION Firmware Upgrade Use this screen to upload firmware to your PLA4231. Backup/ Restore Use this screen to backup and restore the configuration or reset your PLA4231 to the factory defaults. Restart System Restart This screen allows
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 55
    system statistics, associated wireless clients, and logs. 8.1 The Dashboard Screen Use this screen to get a quick view of system, Ethernet, WLAN and other information regarding your PLA4231. Click Dashboard. The following screen displays. Figure 39 The Dashboard Screen PLA4231 User's Guide 55
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 56
    Screen LABEL Refresh Interval Refresh Now Device Information Host Name Firmware Version Sys OP Mode LAN Information MAC Address IP Address IP Subnet Mask Default Gateway DHCP WLAN Information WLAN OP Mode MAC Address SSID Channel Security 802.11 Mode WPS Status DESCRIPTION Select a number of
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 57
    N/A when the line is disconnected. For the WLAN, it displays the maximum transmission rate when the WLAN is enabled and N/ A when the WLAN is disabled. PLA4231 User's Guide 57
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 58
    Chapter 8 Dashboard 58 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 59
    to the device state of the PLA4231. Note: To access the Monitor screens, you can also click the links in the Summary table of the ) to view the wireless stations that are currently associated to the PLA4231. 9.3 Log Use the View Log screen to see the logged messages for the PLA4231. Log entries in
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 60
    you wish to display. Click Apply to save your settings. Click Cancel to start the screen afresh. Figure 41 Monitor > Log Setting 9.4 Packet Statistics Click Poll Interval(s) field is configurable and is used for refreshing the screen. Figure 42 Monitor > Packet Statistics 60 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 61
    # This is the index number of an associated wireless station. MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of an associated wireless station. Association Time This field displays the time a wireless station first associated with the PLA4231's WLAN network. PLA4231 User's Guide 61
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 62
    Chapter 9 Monitor 62 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 63
    on or off, enter the SSID, select the channel, and configure wireless security between the PLA4231 and the wireless clients. • Use the MAC Filter screen (Section 10.6 on page 71) to allow or deny wireless stations based on their MAC addresses from connecting to the PLA4231. PLA4231 User's Guide 63
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 64
    (WMMQoS). This allows the PLA4231 to automatically set priority levels to services, such as email, VoIP, chat, and so on. • Use the WPS screen (Section 10.9 on page 74) to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to configure security settings manually. • Use the WPS
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 65
    , defined by the WiFi Alliance. WPS allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to configure security settings manually. Depending on the devices in your network, you can either press a button (on the device itself, or in its configuration utility) or enter
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 66
    . Table 18 Network > Wireless LAN > General LABEL Wireless Setup Wireless LAN Name (SSID) Hide SSID Channel Selection DESCRIPTION Select to enable or disable the wireless LAN. This is turned on by default. The SSID (Service Set IDentity) identifies the Service Set with which a wireless client is
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 67
    network without authentication. Apply Cancel Note: If the WPS function is enabled (default), only No Security and WPA2-PSK are available in this field. Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 10.5 Wireless Security
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 68
    in a network. Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key. Your PLA4231 allows you to configure up to four 64-bit or 128-bit WEP keys but only one key can be enabled at any one time. Select Static WEP from the Security Mode list. 68 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 69
    Generate. WEP Encryption A passphrase functions like a password. In WEP security mode, it is further converted by the PLA4231 into a complicated string that is referred to as the "key". This key is requested from all devices wishing to connect to a wireless network. Select 64-bits or 128-bits
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 70
    The default key is key 1. Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 10.5.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK from the Security Mode list. Figure 48 Network > Wireless LAN > Security: WPA2-PSK 70 PLA4231 User
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 71
    factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters, for example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02. You need to know the MAC address of the devices to configure this screen. To change your PLA4231's MAC filter settings, click Network > Wireless LAN > MAC Filter. The screen appears as shown. PLA4231 User
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 72
    number of the MAC address. MAC Address Enter the MAC address of the wireless station that are allowed or denied access to the PLA4231. Apply Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Cancel Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 72 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 73
    LAN > General screen, this field is not configurable and the PLA4231 automatically changes to use the maximum value. A Basic Service Set (BSS) exists when all communications between wireless clients or between a wireless client and a wired network client go through one access point (AP). Tx
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 74
    in this screen. Table 24 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS LABEL DESCRIPTION WMM QoS Select Enable to have the PLA4231 automatically give a service a priority level according to the ToS value in the IP header of packets it sends. WMM QoS (Wifi MultiMedia Quality of Service) gives high priority to
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 75
    with the PLA4231. This is the name of the wireless network (the PLA4231's first SSID). This is the type of wireless security employed by the network. Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. PLA4231 User's Guide 75
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 76
    to start WPS-aware wireless station scanning and the wireless security information synchronization. Use this button when you use the PIN Configuration method to configure wireless station's wireless settings. Type the same PIN number generated in the wireless station's utility. Then click Start to
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 77
    . If you have chosen Off earlier for the WLAN Status the Wireless LAN will turn off between the two times you enter in these fields. Apply Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Cancel Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. PLA4231 User's Guide 77
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 78
    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN 78 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 79
    can help you configure the manage IP address, and partition your physical network into logical networks. Figure 55 LAN Example LAN The LAN screens can help you manage IP addresses. 11.2 What You Can Do • Use the IP screen (Section 11.4 on page 80) to change the IP address for your PLA4231 and DNS
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 80
    . The PLA4231 supports three logical LAN interfaces via its single physical Ethernet interface with the PLA4231 itself as the gateway for each LAN network. 11.4 LAN IP Screen Use this screen to change the IP address for your PLA4231. Click Network > LAN > IP. Figure 57 Network > LAN > IP (Access
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 81
    Configurator again (see Section 13.7 on page 92 for details on how to reset the PLA4231). Also when you select this, you cannot enter an IP address for your PLA4231 in the field below. Static IP Address Click this if you want to specify the IP address of your PLA4231. Or if your ISP or network
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 82
    address of your PLA4231 in dotted decimal notation. IP Subnet Mask The subnet mask specifies the network number portion of an IP address. Apply Click Apply to save your changes back to the PLA4231. Cancel Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 82 PLA4231 User
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 83
    Use the HomePlug screen (Section 12.3 on page 83) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network. 12.3 HomePlug Screen Use this screen to change the powerline settings for your PLA4231. Click Network > HomePlug. Figure 59 Network > HomePlug PLA4231 User's Guide 83
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 84
    dashes "-"). The default network name (sometimes called a network password or network membership key (NMK)) of the PLA4231 is "HomePlugAV". HomePlug compatible devices use the same network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network. If you change the network name of
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 85
    the Web Configurator to all the Remote powerline adapters. Site This field displays: MAC Address Transmit Rate (Mbps) Receive Rate (Mbps) • Local, if it is the PLA4231 directly connected to the computer running the Web Configurator. • Remote, if it is a PLA4231 in your powerline network but not
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 86
    Chapter 12 HomePlug 86 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 87
    's time and date. • Use the Firmware Upgrade screen (Section 13.6 on page 90) to upload firmware to your PLA4231. • Use the Backup/Restore screen (Section 13.8 on page 93) to view information related to factory defaults, backup configuration, and restoring configuration. • Use the Restart screen
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 88
    . Cancel Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 13.4 Password Screen It is strongly recommended that you change your PLA4231's password. If you forget your PLA4231's password (or IP address), you will need to reset the device. See Section 13.8 on page 93 for details
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 89
    last date configured manually. When you select Manual, enter the new date in this field and then click Apply. Get from Time Server Select this radio button to have the PLA4231 get the time and date from the time server you specified below. User Defined Time Server Address Enter the IP address or
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 90
    the evening. Start Date Select this option if you use Daylight Saving Time. Configure the day and time when Daylight Saving Time starts if you back to the PLA4231. Click Cancel to reload the previous configuration for this screen. 13.6 Firmware Upgrade Screen Find firmware at www.zyxel.com in a
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 91
    On-line Firmware Upgrade Check for Latest Firmware Now Click this button to get the latest firmware information, such as the version number, release date, release note and file size from the ZyXEL website. Make sure your PLA4231 has Internet access. Do- Click this button to download and install
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 92
    time causing a temporary network disconnect. Pressing the Reset button in this section clears all user-entered configuration information and returns the PLA4231 to its factory defaults. You can also press the RESET button on the rear panel to reset the factory defaults of your PLA4231. Refer to the
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 93
    Note: If you uploaded the default configuration file you may need to change the IP address of your computer to be in the same subnet as that of the default PLA4231 IP address (192.168.1.2). 13.8 Restart Screen System restart allows you to reboot the PLA4231 without turning the power off. Click
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 94
    Chapter 13 Maintenance 94 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 95
    . 14.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA4231. The following figure is the front panel of the PLA4231. Use the lights to determine if the PLA4231 is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network. Figure 68 PLA4231 Lights PLA4231 User's Guide 95
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 96
    connection if you have used the RESET/ENCRYPT button. The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline adapter. The PLA4231 has a successful 10/100MB Ethernet connection. The PLA4231 is communicating with a networking device connected to the Ethernet port. The PLA4231 does not detect any devices
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 97
    on page 30 or Section 13.6 on page 90 for instructions on installing the latest firmware. 2 Use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to detect all other HomePlug devices on your powerline network. Make sure that the network name (sometimes called the network password) is the same on all of your
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 98
    for troubleshooting LED related problems. • Check all ZyxEL HomePlug AV devices on your network have the latest firmware installed. The latest utility cannot communicate with PLA4231s using earlier versions of the firmware. Go to Section 5.4 on page 30 or Section 13.6 on page 90 for instructions on
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 99
    path. 14.5 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems This section applies only to PLA4231s with the RESET/ENCRYPT button. The HomePlug light is already on, but I haven't pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button yet. Your device has already connected to another powerline device. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button for
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 100
    for 5 to 8 seconds, but the HomePlug light is still on. The HomePlug light is on, indicating it is still connected to another powerline device. Try again, pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button for 5 to 8 seconds. 14.6 Wireless Connection Problems I cannot access the PLA4231 or ping any computer from the
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 101
    check which provides the strongest signal to the wireless clients. 14.7 PLA4231 Access and Login Problems I don't know the IP address of my PLA4231. 1 The default IP address is 192.168.1.2. 2 If you changed the IP address and have forgotten it, • and your PLA4231 is a DHCP client, you can find your
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 102
    as the PLA4231. 5 Reset the device to its factory defaults, and try to access the PLA4231 with the default IP address. 6 If the problem continues, contact the network administrator or vendor, or try one of the advanced suggestions. Advanced Suggestion • If your computer is connected wirelessly, use
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 103
    LEDs and Troubleshooting 2 This can happen when you fail to log out properly from your last session. Try logging in again after 5 minutes. 3 Disconnect and re-connect the power adaptor or cord to the PLA4231. 4 If this does not work, you have to reset the device to its factory defaults. See Section
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 104
    Chapter 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting 104 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 105
    configurator you need to allow: • Web browser pop-up windows from your device. • JavaScript (enabled by default). • Java permissions (enabled by default default in Windows XP SP (Service Pack) 2) or allow pop-up blocking and create an exception for your device's IP address. PLA4231 User's Guide 105
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 106
    following steps. 1 In Internet Explorer, select Tools, Internet Options and then the Privacy tab. 2 Select Settings...to open the Pop-up Blocker Settings screen. 106 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 107
    and Java Permissions 3 Type the IP address of your device (the web page that you do not want to have blocked) with the prefix "http://". For example, http://192.168.167.1. 4 Click Add to move the IP address to the list of Allowed sites. Figure 72 Pop-up Blocker Settings PLA4231 User's Guide 107
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 108
    Options: Security 2 Click the Custom Level... button. 3 Scroll down to Scripting. 4 Under Active scripting make sure that Enable is selected (the default). 5 Under Scripting of Java applets make sure that Enable is selected (the default). 6 Click OK to close the window. 108 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 109
    Java Permissions 1 From Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options and then the Security tab. 2 Click the Custom Level... button. 3 Scroll down to Microsoft VM. 4 Under Java permissions make sure that a safety level is selected. 5 Click OK to close the window. PLA4231 User's Guide 109
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 110
    and Java Permissions Figure 75 Security Settings - Java JAVA (Sun) 1 From Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options and then the Advanced tab. 2 Make sure that Use Java 2 for under Java (Sun) is selected. 3 Click OK to close the window. Figure 76 Java (Sun) 110 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 111
    Firefox: TOOLS > Options Click Content to show the screen below. Select the check boxes as shown in the following screen. Figure 78 Mozilla Firefox Content Security PLA4231 User's Guide 111
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 112
    , click Tools, then Preferences. In the Advanced tab, select Content from the leftside menu. Select the check boxes as shown in the following screen. 112 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 113
    Figure 80 Opera: Enabling Java Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions To customize JavaScript behavior in the Opera browser, click JavaScript Options. Figure 81 Opera: JavaScript Options Select the items you want Opera's JavaScript to apply. PLA4231 User's Guide 113
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 114
    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions 114 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 115
    manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation. Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved. Disclaimer ZyXEL users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 116
    download the latest firmware at www.zyxel.com. To obtain the source code covered under those Licenses, please contact [email protected] to get it. Regulatory Information European Union The following information applies if you use the product within the European Union. 116 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 117
    (R&TTE Directive) Compliance Information for 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wireless Products Relevant to the EU and Other Countries Following övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EC ZyXEL 1999/5/ЕC. Hér með lýsir, ZyXEL því yfir að þessi búnaður er í samræmi : PLA4231 User's Guide 117
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 118
    networks (LANs). Later in this document you will find an overview of countries inwhich additional restrictions or requirements or both are applicable. The requirements for any country may evolve. ZyXEL Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) must be notified of any outdoor wireless link having
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 119
    ISO 3166 2 LETTER CODE AT BE CY CR DK EE FI FR DE GR HU IE IT LV LT LU COUNTRY Malta or stumble over them. • Always disconnect all cables from this device before servicing or disassembling. • Use ONLY an appropriate power adaptor or cord for your treated separately. PLA4231 User's Guide 119
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 120
    Appendix B Legal Information 120 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 121
    27 encryption 9, 27, 65 key 65 WPA compatible 65 ESSID 100 ETHN LED 95 F FCC interference statement 115 firmware 30 Firmware upload 90 file extension using HTTP firmware version 56 G General wireless LAN screen 66 Guide Quick Start 2 H HomePlug 83 HomePlug AV standard 9 I installation overview 23
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 122
    priority settings 32 application type 33 priority levels 34 private network 11 problems and solutions 95 product registration 116 PWR LED 95 Q Quality of Service (QoS) 73 Quick Start Guide 2 R receive rate 31 registration product 116 related documentation 2 Reset button 12 122 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 123
    PLA4231 User's Guide W warranty 116 note 116 Web Configurator how to access 49 Overview 49 web configurator 10 WEP Encryption 69, 71 WEP encryption 68 WEP key 68 Wi-Fi Protected Setup 13 Wireless association list 61 wireless channel 100 wireless LAN 100 wireless LAN scheduling 76 Wireless network
  • ZyXEL PLA4231 | User Guide - Page 124
    Index 124 PLA4231 User's Guide
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124

Quick Start Guide
www.zyxel.com
PLA4231
500 Mbps Powerline Wireless N Extender
Version 1.00
Edition 1, 12/2012
Copyright © 2012 ZyXEL Communications Corporation
User’s Guide
Default Login Details
LAN IP Address
Password
1234