ZyXEL PLA-470 User Guide - Page 21

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

21

Figure 3

PLA491 Power Strip

Do not connect a powerline adapter to the PLA491’s power outlets. Powerline

adapters connected in this way will not function correctly due to the EMI filter.

The table below lists some devices that can cause EMI on a power circuit. You may want to

connect these types of devices to the PLA491’s filtered power outlets to reduce the possibility

of interference on your powerline network.

1.5

Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx

Use the

ENCRYPT

button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have

this button. See

Chapter 4 on page 39

for instructions on using the

ENCRYPT

feature.

Use the

PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility

(or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx.

See

Section 2.2 on page 25

for instructions on installing the utility.

Use the firmware detection and firmware upgrade tools to upgrade to the latest firmware.

Because the latest PLA-4xxs are only compatible with other powerline devices with the latest

HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tools are available to help

you upgrade. You can download both of these tools from the ZyXEL website

(www.zyxel.com.tw). See

Chapter 3 on page 33

for information in using these tools.

Table 1

Devices that can cause EMI on the power circuit

DEVICES

Cell phone chargers

Lamps

Hair Dryers

Vaccuum Cleaners

Devices with motors, for example electric drills

Section	Page
User’s Guide	1
About This User's Guide	3
Document Conventions	4
Safety Warnings	6
Table of Contents	9
List of Tables	13
List of Figures	15
Introduction	17
Introducing the PLA-4xx	19
1.1 Overview	19
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx	19
1.3 Coaxial Cable Networks with the PLA402 v2	20
1.4 PLA491 Power Strip with EMI Filter	20
1.5 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx	21
1.6 Security	22
1.6.1 Passwords	22
1.6.2 Setting Up Security	22
1.7 Multiple Networks	23
Installing the Utility	25
2.1 Overview of the Installation Process	25
2.2 Installing the Utility	25
Managing the PLA- 4xx	31
Firmware Tools	33
3.1 Firmware Detection Tool	33
3.1.1 Firmware Detection Issues	33
3.1.2 Firmware Detection Procedure	34
3.2 Firmware Upgrade Tool	36
The ENCRYPT Button	39
4.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview	39
4.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT	39
4.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks	41
4.4 ENCRYPT Button Behavior	43
The Configuration Utility	45
5.1 Overview	45
5.1.1 Powerline Network Security	46
5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)	46
5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility	46
5.3 Configuration Screen	47
5.4 Firmware Screen	48
5.5 Network Info Screen	49
5.6 Advanced Screen	50
5.7 About Screen	53
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial	55
6.1 Overview	55
6.1.1 Important Terms	56
6.1.2 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter	56
6.1.3 Adding a Powerline Adapter	57
6.1.4 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter	59
6.1.5 Splitting a Network into Two Networks	60
6.2 Troubleshooting	63
LEDs and Troubleshooting	65
7.1 LEDs	65
7.1.1 PLA-401/PLA401 v2	65
7.1.2 PLA-400/400 v2/402 v2	67
7.1.3 PLA-470/PLA470 v2	68
7.1.4 PLA491	70
7.2 Power and Light Problems	71
7.3 Configuration Utility Problems	73
7.4 Powerline Problems	73
7.5 ENCRYPT Button Problems	74
Appendices and Index	77
Product Specifications	79
Legal Information	87

ZyXEL PLA-470 User Guide - Page 21

Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx, ENCRYPT, PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility

Page 21 highlights