ZyXEL Communications PLA series, User Manual

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Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility
PLA Series User’s Guide
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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 PLAs 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.
4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)
In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the adapters’
password in the
ZyXEL PLA 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).
4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility
In Windows, to launch the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility simply double click on the
utility icon on your desktop.
Figure 11
ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration Utility Icon (Windows)
Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs >
ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration > PLA Series Configuration .
In Mac OS X, open the Applications folder and double-click the PLA Utility icon.
Figure 12
ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration Utility Icon (Mac)
4.3 Network Info Screen
Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA is communicating with other
powerline adapters on your powerline network.