Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA
PLA5236 User’s Guide
10
1.5 Se c urity
Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your
PLA.
1.5.1 Pa sswo rds
You use two types of passwords in the Home Plug AV powerline network. The following table describes
the differences between the passwords.
1.5.2 Se tting Up Se c urity
The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your
powerline devices have the
RESET/ ENC RYPT
button.
Alternatively, use the Zyxel
Ho m e Plug
screen (
) to set up security on the
PLA.Although the PLA 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.
2
It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA and other powerline
adapters, the electrical wiring in your home becomes an extension of your Ethernet network. Your
network traffic flows freely within the electrical circuit of your home and is bounded in most cases by a
power meter.
Without security (encryption) your information is accessible to anyone using a powerline adapter on the
same electrical circuit. In some cases, a circuit can be shared by more than one household.
To prevent compromising your network security, you can create a private network. A private network
uses a secret password (
Ne two rk Na m e
) to make sure that only permitted powerline adapters can
communicate in your network.
3
You may need to change the
Ne two rk Na m e
to create multiple powerline networks. See the next
section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.
Table 2 Password Summary
PASSWO RD
DESC RIPTIO N
Network Name
All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the
same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”.
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 Home Plug Screen (
). 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 web configurator (local powerline adapter), you only
have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but
not directly connected to your computer).