ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 Series, User Manual

Page: 17 / 92

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 Series
PLA-401 Series User’s Guide
17
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only
compatible with a PLA-401 Series 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 PLA-401 Series.
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.
If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, use the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-401 Series. Although the
PLA-401 Series is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several
reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.
1
It’s easy and only requires you to change a network name.
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
PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private
network. See
Section 5.3 on page 37 .
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 PLA-4xx 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).