Netgear XAV2001 XAV2001 User Manual - Page 15

XAV2001 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter User Manual Understanding Powerline Network Security A Powerline network consists of two or more Powerline adapters using the same network encryption key. Securing your network is crucial. By encrypting the information you send over the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter, you help to keep it secure from hackers. If you do not set up security on your network, anyone nearby with a Powerline network can potentially use their connection to gain access to your network and information you send over the internet. This is especially relevant in settings such as apartment buildings, office buildings, dorm rooms, and other more populated areas. Powerline devices connected to the same network must use an identical encryption key. The security used by Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters is similar to the SSID and encryption keys used in wireless networks, but you do not need software to configure Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters. There are two ways to secure your Powerline network. • Use the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Security button located on the adapter to automatically generate a random encryption key. See "Changing the Default Encryption" on page 1-8. • Use the XAV2001 Powerline Utility to configure your Powerline network with an encryption key that you specify. If you are already using Powerline or HomePlug devices then you will need to use the Powerline Utility. If not already installed, the Powerline Utility is located on your Resource CD, and should be installed on your computer. See "Security" on page 2-9. For information about using the XAV2001 Powerline Utility to configure Powerline security or to prioritize Powerline network traffic using the Quality of Service (QoS) feature, see Chapter 2, "Using the XAV2001 Powerline Utility. Note: To return the XAV2001 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter to its factory default settings, see "Resetting to Factory Defaults" on page 2-16. Installation and Basic Configuration 1-7 v1.0, November 2009