ZyXEL PLA4215 User Guide - Page 12

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4215 Connect your PLA4215 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA4215 into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA4215 for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLA4215s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for example, a printer) to them. With a power socket, the PLA4215 can provide power to another device or connect to a power strip that allows more electrical devices, such as a printer or computer to be plugged. Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information. 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4215 Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this button. See Chapter 3 on page 21 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature. Use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA4215. See Section 2.2 on page 14 for instructions on installing the utility. Note: This User's Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA4215 which has the latest firmware installed. If you don't already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website. 1.4 Security Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your PLA4215. 1.4.1 Passwords You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords. Table 1 Password Summary PASSWORD Network Name DAK (Data Access Key) Password DESCRIPTION All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the same powerline network name "HomePlugAV". Change the network name via the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private network. See Section 4.3 on page 27. In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the adapters' DAK password in the PLA42xx 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). 12 PLA4215 User's Guide