ZyXEL PLA4225 User Guide - Page 12

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4225

PLA4225 User’s Guide

12

PLA4225s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for

example, a printer) to them.

Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.

1.3

Ways to Manage the PLA4225

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 PLA4225. 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 PLA4225 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 PLA4225.

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.

1.4.2

Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if

your powerline devices have the

ENCRYPT

button.

Table 1

Password Summary

PASSWORD

DESCRIPTION

Network Name

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

.

DAK (Data Access

Key) Password

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).

Section	Page
PLA4225	1
About This User's Guide	3
Document Conventions	4
Safety Warnings	6
Table of Contents	7
User’s Guide	9
Introducing the PLA4225	11
1.1 Overview	11
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4225	11
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4225	12
1.4 Security	12
1.4.1 Passwords	12
1.4.2 Setting Up Security	12
1.5 Multiple Networks	13
Installing the Utility	14
2.1 Overview of the Installation Process	14
2.2 Installing the Utility	14
2.3 Low Power Mode	16
Technical Reference	19
The ENCRYPT Button	21
3.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview	21
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT	21
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks	23
3.4 ENCRYPT Button Behavior	25
The Configuration Utility	26
4.1 Overview	26
4.1.1 Powerline Network Security	26
4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)	27
4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility	27
4.3 Configuration Screen	27
4.4 Firmware Screen	29
4.5 Network Info Screen	30
4.6 Advanced Screen	31
4.7 About Screen	34
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial	37
5.0.1 Overview	37
5.0.2 Important Terms	37
5.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter	38
5.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter	39
5.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter	40
5.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks	42
5.1 Troubleshooting	44
LEDs and Troubleshooting	47
6.1 LEDs	47
6.2 Power and Light Problems	48
6.3 Configuration Utility Problems	50
6.4 Powerline Problems	50
6.5 ENCRYPT Button Problems	51
Legal Information	53

ZyXEL PLA4225 User Guide - Page 12

Ways to Manage the PLA4225, 1.4 Security, 1.4.1 Passwords, 1.4.2 Setting Up Security, Passwords - quick start

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