ZyXEL Communications PLA-4xx Series - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
16
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx
Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx.
See
Section 2.2 on page 19 for instructions on installing the utility.
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This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only
compatible with a PLA-4xx 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-4xx.
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
Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-4xx. Although
the PLA-4xx 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 password.
2 It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA-4xx
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.
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 this password via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration
Utility to create a private network. See Section 3.3 on page 28 .
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).