Netgear PLP2000 User Manual - Page 13

PowerLINE 2000 About PowerLINE Network Security A PowerLINE network consists of two or more PowerLINE devices using the same network encryption key. By setting up security, you configure your PowerLINE network to use a private key instead of the default key. If you do not set up security on your network, anyone nearby with a PowerLINE network can potentially use his or her connection to gain access to your network and information that you send over the Internet. You can use the Security/Factory Reset button on the PowerLINE device to create a private encryption key and secure your PowerLINE network. See Use the Security/Factory Reset Button to Set the Encryption Key on page 13. Use the Security/Factory Reset Button to Set the Encryption Key All PowerLINE networks start with the same default encryption key. You can use the Security/Factory Reset button to replace the default key with a random private key. This is especially relevant in settings such as apartment buildings, office buildings, dorm rooms, and other more populated areas. Note A PowerLINE device can generate a random private encryption key only once. If you want to generate a new random key, first reset the PowerLINE device to its factory default settings. Press the Security/Factory Reset button for two seconds, and then release it. To set the encryption key: 1. Make sure that all of the PowerLINE devices that you want to configure are plugged in by checking that the Power and Pick A Plug LEDs on each device are lit solid green. Note Do not press the Security/Factory Reset button on the PowerLINE devices until the Power and Pick A Plug LEDs on each PowerLINE device are lit solid green. Pressing the Security/Factory Reset button too soon can temporarily disable PowerLINE communication. If PowerLINE communication is disabled, reset the PowerLINE device to its factory default settings by pressing the Security/Factory Reset button for two seconds and then releasing it. 2. Press the Security/Factory Reset button on the first PowerLINE device for two seconds. The Power LED starts blinking after you release the button, and then the PowerLINE device automatically creates a new, randomly generated encryption key that all other PowerLINE devices on the network will use. At this point, the PowerLINE devices cannot communicate with each other. 3. Within two minutes of pressing the Security/Factory Reset button on the first PowerLINE device, press the Security/Factory Reset button on the second PowerLINE device for two seconds. You must press both Security/Factory Reset buttons within two minutes. The Power LED starts blinking after you release the button. This process allows the second PowerLINE device to use the same private encryption key as the first device so that they can communicate. PowerLINE Networks 13