Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA
PLA6456 User’s Guide
10
Alternatively, use the Web Configurator
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 HomeGrid
network in your home.
1
It is easy and only requires you to change a network name.
2
It is a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA and other PLAs, 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 PLA 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
Domain Name
to make sure that only permitted PLAs can communicate in your network. See
for information on setting up a private network.
3
You may need to change the
Domain Name
to create multiple HomeGrid networks. See the next
section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.
1.7 Multiple Networks
Multiple HomeGrid networks can coexist on a single Powerline circuit. You might want to implement
multiple HomeGrid networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet
networks.
1
Connect one PLA to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a
Domain Name
(for
example “HomeGrid”) to this PLA (see
for more information). Add additional
PLAs to your network by plugging them into your Powerline outlets and assigning them “HomeGrid”. This
completes the configuration of your first HomeGrid network.
2
Connect another PLA to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and assign a different
Domain Name
(for example “HomeGrid2”) to this PLA. Again, add additional PLAs and assign them
“HomeGrid2”.
You now have two private networks on your Powerline circuit. Information is not shared between the
two networks as only PLAs with the same
Domain Name
can communicate with each other.
Summary of Contents for PLA6456
Page 6: ...6 PART I User s Guide...
Page 15: ...15 PART II Technical Reference...
