ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 Series, User Manual

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Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility
PLA-401 Series User’s Guide
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message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption
Standard) to safely transmit data between powerline adapters.
For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use
the same network name. This network name allows the powerline adapters to
understand the encrypted information sent in the powerline network.
By default the PLA-401 Seriess are all configured with the network name
HomePlugAV, this allows you to simply plug the devices in and not worry about
setting up security. If you want to enhance the security on your powerline
network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters you want
to allow to communicate in your powerline network.
5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)
In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must
enter the adapters’ password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This
password is called the DAK (Device Access Key) password. This password is
printed on the powerline adapter itself.
You don’t need to enter the DAK password for the powerline adapter directly
connected to the computer running the utility (local powerline adapter), you only
have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those in your powerline
network, but not directly connected to your computer).
5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility
To launch the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the
configuration icon on your desktop.
Figure 14 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon
Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start >
Programs > ZyXEL PLA-4xx Series Configuration > PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility.
Note: Close the Firmware Upgrade Tool and Firmware Detection Tool if either of
them are open for the Utility to work properly.