ZyXEL PLA-402 v3 User Manual
PLA-402 v3
Powerline Coaxial Ethernet Adapter
Firmware Version 3.3.4
Edition 1, 5/2009
www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2009
ZyXEL Communications Corporation
About This User's Guide
About This User's Guide
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for people who want to configure the PLA-402 v3 using
the web configurator.
Tips for Reading User’s Guides On-Screen
When reading a ZyXEL User’s Guide On-Screen, keep the following in mind:
• If you don’t already have the latest version of Adobe Reader, you can download
it from http://www.adobe.com.
• Use the PDF’s bookmarks to quickly navigate to the areas that interest you.
Adobe Reader’s bookmarks pane opens by default in all ZyXEL User’s Guide
PDFs.
• If you know the page number or know vaguely which page-range you want to
view, you can enter a number in the toolbar in Reader, then press [ENTER] to
jump directly to that page.
• Type [CTRL]+[F] to open the Adobe Reader search utility and enter a word or
phrase. This can help you quickly pinpoint the information you require. You can
also enter text directly into the toolbar in Reader.
• To quickly move around within a page, press the [SPACE] bar. This turns your
cursor into a “hand” with which you can grab the page and move it around
freely on your screen.
• Embedded hyperlinks are actually cross-references to related text. Click them to
jump to the corresponding section of the User’s Guide PDF.
Related Documentation
•Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get your PLA-402 v3 up and
running right away. It contains information on setting up your network and
configuring for Internet access.
• Support Disc
Refer to the included CD for support documents.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
3
About This User's Guide
Documentation Feedback
Send your comments, questions or suggestions to: techwriters@zyxel.com.tw
Thank you!
The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp.,
6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 30099, Taiwan.
Need More Help?
More help is available at www.zyxel.com.
• Download Library
Search for the latest product updates and documentation from this link. Read
the Tech Doc Overview to find out how to efficiently use the User Guide, Quick
Start Guide and Command Line Interface Reference Guide in order to better
understand how to use your product.
• Knowledge Base
If you have a specific question about your product, the answer may be here.
This is a collection of answers to previously asked questions about ZyXEL
products.
•Forum
This contains discussions on ZyXEL products. Learn from others who use ZyXEL
products and share your experiences as well.
4
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
About This User's Guide
Customer Support
Should problems arise that cannot be solved by the methods listed above, you
should contact your vendor. If you cannot contact your vendor, then contact a
ZyXEL office for the region in which you bought the device.
See http://www.zyxel.com/web/contact_us.php for contact information. Please
have the following information ready when you contact an office.
• Product model and serial number.
• Warranty Information.
• Date that you received your device.
Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
5
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User’s Guide.
Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your
device.
Note: Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may
need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Syntax Conventions
• The PLA-402 v3 may be referred to as the “PLA-402 v3”, the “ZyXEL device”,
the “device” or the “coaxial adapter” in this User’s Guide.
Document Conventions
• The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.3.4(AG) may be referred to
as the “configuration utility” or the “utility” in this User’s Guide.
• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
• A key stroke is denoted by square brackets and uppercase text, for example,
[ENTER] means the “enter” or “return” key on your keyboard.
• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters and then press the
[ENTER] key. “Select” or “choose” means for you to use one of the predefined
choices.
• A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For
example, Maintenance > Log > Log Setting means you first click
Maintenance in the navigation panel, then the Log sub menu and finally the
Log Setting tab to get to that screen.
• Units of measurement may denote the “metric” value or the “scientific” value.
For example, “k” for kilo may denote “1000” or “1024”, “M” for mega may
denote “1000000” or “1048576” and so on.
• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other
words”.
6
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
Document Conventions
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA-402 v3
icons used may not be an exact representation of your device.
PLA-402 v3 Computer Internet
Modem / Router Printer Notebook
TV
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
7
Safety Warnings
• Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming
pool.
• Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.
• Do NOT store things on the device.
• Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk
of electric shock from lightning.
• Connect ONLY suitable accessories to the device.
• Do NOT open the device or unit. Opening or removing covers can expose you to
dangerous high voltage points or other risks. ONLY qualified service personnel should
service or disassemble this device. Please contact your vendor for further
information.Make sure to connect the cables to the correct ports.
• Place connecting cables carefully so that no one will step on them or stumble over them.
• Always disconnect all cables from this device before servicing or disassembling.
• Use ONLY an appropriate power adapter or cord for your device.
• Connect the power adapter or cord to the right supply voltage (for example, 110V AC in
North America or 230V AC in Europe).
• Do NOT allow anything to rest on the power adapter or cord and do NOT place the
product where anyone can walk on the power adapter or cord.
• Do NOT use the device if the power adapter or cord is damaged as it might cause
electrocution.
• If the power adapter or cord is damaged, remove it from the power outlet.
• Do NOT attempt to repair the power adapter or cord. Contact your local vendor to order
a new one.
• Do not use the device outside, and make sure all the connections are indoors. There is a
remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
• Do NOT obstruct the device ventilation slots, as insufficient airflow may harm your
device.
• This power unit is intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount position.
Safety Warnings
8
Your product is marked with this symbol, which is known as the WEEE mark. WEEE
stands for Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment. It means that used electrical
and electronic products should not be mixed with general waste. Used electrical and
electronic equipment should be treated separately.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About This User's Guide ..........................................................................................................3
Document Conventions............................................................................................................6
Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................8
Table of Contents......................................................................................................................9
Part I: Introduction................................................................................. 13
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA-402 v3 ................................................................................................... 15
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 15
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 v3 ........................................................................ 16
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-402 v3 ........................................................................................ 17
1.4 Security ................................................................................................................................ 17
1.4.1 Passwords .................................................................................................................. 18
1.4.2 Setting Up Security .................................................................................................... 18
1.5 Multiple Networks ................................................................................................................ 19
Chapter 2
Installing the Utility.................................................................................................................21
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 21
2.2 Installing the Utility ............................................................................................................... 21
2.3 Low Power Mode ................................................................................................................. 24
Part II: Managing the PLA-402 v3 ......................................................... 25
Chapter 3
Firmware Tool .........................................................................................................................27
3.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 27
3.2 Firmware Upgrade Tool ....................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4
The SETUP Button..................................................................................................................29
4.1 SETUP Button Overview ..................................................................................................... 29
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
9
Table of Contents
4.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with SETUP .................................................................... 29
4.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks .............................................................................................. 31
4.4 SETUP Button Behavior ......................................................................................................34
Chapter 5
The Configuration Utility........................................................................................................35
5.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 35
5.1.1 Powerline Network Security ....................................................................................... 35
5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) .......................................................................................... 36
5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility .......................................................................................... 36
5.3 Configuration Screen .......................................................................................................... 37
5.4 Firmware Screen ................................................................................................................ 38
5.5 Network Info Screen ........................................................................................................... 40
5.6 Advanced Screen ............................................................................................................. 41
5.7 About Screen ....................................................................................................................... 44
Chapter 6
The OS X Configuration Utility ..............................................................................................47
6.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 47
6.1.1 System Requirements ................................................................................................ 47
6.1.2 Start the Configuration Utility ..................................................................................... 48
6.1.3 Add a Device .............................................................................................................. 48
6.1.4 Change Network Name .............................................................................................. 48
6.1.5 Change Nickname ...................................................................................................... 49
6.1.6 QoS Settings .............................................................................................................. 50
6.1.7 Set HomePlug Light Color .......................................................................................... 51
6.1.8 Link Information .......................................................................................................... 52
6.1.9 Download Firmware ................................................................................................... 55
6.2 Firmware Detection Tool ..................................................................................................... 55
6.3 Firmware Upgrade Tool ....................................................................................................... 56
6.3.1 Notes on Upgrading Firmware ................................................................................... 56
6.3.2 Procedure to Upgrade Firmware ................................................................................ 57
Chapter 7
Powerline Coaxial Network Setup Tutorial........................................................................... 61
7.0.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 61
7.0.2 Important Terms ......................................................................................................... 62
7.0.3 Accessing Your Coaxial Adapter ................................................................................ 62
7.0.4 Adding a Coaxial Adapter .......................................................................................... 63
7.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ......................................................... 65
7.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ....................................................................... 66
7.1 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 69
10
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Chapter 8
PLA Compatibility ...................................................................................................................71
8.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 71
8.2 Firmware and Utility Compatibility ....................................................................................... 71
Part III: Appendices and Index.............................................................. 75
Chapter 9
LEDs and Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 77
9.1 LEDs .................................................................................................................................... 77
9.2 Power and Light Problems .................................................................................................. 79
9.3 Configuration Utility Problems .............................................................................................81
9.4 Powerline Coaxial Problems ................................................................................................ 81
9.5 SETUP Button Problems ..................................................................................................... 82
Chapter 10
Product Specifications...........................................................................................................85
Appendix A Legal Information ................................................................................................89
Index.........................................................................................................................................93
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
11
Table of Contents
12
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
PART I
Introduction
Introducing the PLA-402 v3 (15)
Installing the Utility (21)
13
14
CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA-402 v3
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA-402 v3
HomePlug AV compliant coaxial adapter. In this User’s Guide the coaxial wiring
network is referred to as the “powerline coaxial network”. The HomePlug AV
standard specifies how network devices communicate using coaxial cables.
The PLA-402 v3 plugs into a coaxial cable outlet to easily extend a DSL broadband
connection or existing Ethernet (LAN) network to any other coaxial cable outlet in
any room of a house, all without the need for any new cabling as shown in the
following figure.
Figure 1 PLA-402 v3 Home Setup
LEGEND
Coaxial Cable/
Cable Network
Ethernet
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
15
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3
The PLA-402 v3 securely communicates with each other at high data transfer
rates. It uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe transfer
of information. See Chapter 10 on page 85 for speeds currently supported by the
PLA-402 v3 and detailed product specifications.
Additionally, the Quality of Service (QoS) feature of the PLA-402 v3 (refer to
Section 5.6 on page 41) prioritizes voice, video and data traffic (such web
browsing, file transfer and e-mail). The figure below illustrates the advantage of
implementing QoS.
Figure 2 QoS on PLA-402 v3
All sorts
of traffic
Voice
Video
Data
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 v3
Connect your PLA-402 v3 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it
into a coaxial cable outlet in your home (1). Plug a second PLA-402 v3 into
another coaxial cable outlet (2) and connect a computer to the PLA-402 v3 for
Internet access (3).
Figure 3 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 v3
3
1
16
2
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3
Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLA-402 v3s into
other coaxial cable outlets in your home and connecting other computers or
network devices (for example, a printer) to them.
Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.
If you are setting up a coaxial connection in a room with only one coaxial outlet
you can use a coaxial splitter to connect more than one device. For example, if
you want to connect a TV and a PLA-402 v3 to a single outlet you could use a
coaxial splitter.
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-402 v3
Use the SETUP button to add coaxial devices to your powerline coaxial network if
they have this button. See Chapter 4 on page 29 for instructions on using the
SETUP feature.
Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage
the PLA-402 v3. See Section 2.2 on page 21 for instructions on installing the
utility.
Use the firmware upgrade tool to upgrade to the latest firmware. Because the
latest PLA-402 v3s are only compatible with other coaxial devices with the latest
HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tool is available
to help you upgrade. You can download this tool from the ZyXEL website
(www.zyxel.com.tw). See Chapter 3 on page 27 for information in using these
tools.
This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible
with a PLA-402 v3 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 coaxial network may extend outside your premises, it is
important to set up security on your PLA-402 v3.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
17
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3
1.4.1 Passwords
You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline coaxial network.
The following table describes the differences between the passwords.
Table 1 Password Summary
PASSWORD DESCRIPTION
Network Name All coaxial adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard
are shipped with the same powerline coaxial network name
“HomePlugAV”. Change the network name via the PLA-4xx
Series Configuration Utility to create a private network.
See Section 5.3 on page 37.
DAK (Data
Access Key)
Password
In order to manage the coaxial adapters on your powerline
coaxial network you must enter the adapters’ DAK
password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility.
This password is printed on the coaxial adapter itself.
You don’t need to add the password for the coaxial adapter
directly connected to the computer running the
configuration utility (local coaxial adapter), you only have
to add the remote coaxial adapters’ passwords (those on
your circuit, but not directly connected to your computer).
1.4.2 Setting Up Security
The SETUP feature automatically sets up security on your powerline coaxial
network. Use this feature if your coaxial devices have the SETUP button.
If your devices do not have the SETUP button, use the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-402 v3. Although the PLA402 v3 is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons
for enabling security on the powerline coaxial 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-
402 v3 and other coaxial adapters, the coaxial wiring in your home becomes an
extension of your Ethernet network. Your network traffic flows freely within the
coaxial 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
coaxial adapter on the same coaxial 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 (Network Name) to make
sure that only permitted coaxial adapters can communicate in your network. See
Section 5.3 on page 37 for information on setting up a private network.
18
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
3 You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline coaxial
networks. See the next section for more information on how to set up a multiple
network.
1.5 Multiple Networks
Multiple powerline coaxial networks can coexist on a single coaxial circuit. You
might want to implement multiple powerline coaxial networks in a small office
environment where you have two separate Ethernet networks.
1 Connect one coaxial adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network
and assign a Network Name (for example “Password1”) to this coaxial adapter.
Add additional coaxial adapters to your network by plugging them into your
coaxial cable outlets and assigning them “Password1”. This completes the
configuration of your first powerline coaxial network.
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3
2 Connect another coaxial adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet
network and assign a different Network Name (for example “Password2”) to this
coaxial adapter. Again, add additional coaxial adapters and assign them
“Password2”.
You now have two private networks on your powerline coaxial circuit. Information
is not shared between the two networks as only coaxial adapters with the same
Network Name can communicate with each other.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
19
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3
20
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
CHAPTER 2
Installing the Utility
2.1 Overview
This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for
your PLA-402 v3.
The installation of the configuration utility does the following:
1 Checks for and installs Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 2.0 software on your
computer. This software is necessary for the installation of the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility. If you already have .NET Framework version 2.0 installed
on your computer this step will be skipped.
Note: At the time of writing the utility is only compatible with Microsoft Windows XP
and Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit version) operating systems. Users with
Windows XP (64-Bit version) operating systems can go to Microsoft’s website
to upgrade their systems to .NET Framework version 2.0 so it can work with the
utility. To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click on My
Computer > Properties. You should see this information in the General tab.
2 Installs ZyXEL’s PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to
manage the network name (See Section 5.3 on page 37 for more information) or
view the devices recognized on your powerline coaxial network.
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only
compatible with a PLA-402 v3 which has the latest firmware installed. If you
don’t already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the
ZyXEL website.
2.2 Installing the Utility
Follow the steps below to install .NET Framework version 2.0 and the PLA-4xx
Series Configuration Utility on your computer.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
21
Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
1 Insert the included CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup utility
runs automatically. Alternatively this can also be done manually by double clicking
the setup.exe file on the CD. A prompt appears asking you to install the .NET
Framework version 2.0. Review Microsoft’s License Agreement, select Accept
to proceed.
Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Prompt
2 The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.
Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process
22
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
3 The Setup utility runs automatically. Click Yes or Next to continue through the
initial screen. Click Cancel only if you want to abort the installation.
Figure 6 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen
4 If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select
Only for me(...). Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to use the
configuration utility. Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click
Browse to specify a different location on your computer.
Figure 7 Install Destination Folder
Note: You can also click Disk Cost to know how much available disk space you have
in the hard drives found in your computer.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
23
Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
5 When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm that the PLA-4xx
Series Configuration Utility has been successfully installed on your computer.
Click Close to exit the wizard.
Figure 8 Installation Complete
Note: You may be asked to restart your computer when the installation is complete.
Click “Yes” to restart your computer. If you select “No, I will restart my computer
later”, you will not be able to launch the utility until after a restart of your
computer.
2.3 Low Power Mode
Your PLA-402 v3 is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when
there is no Ethernet connection.
When you plug the PLA-402 v3 into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet
connection. When no connection is detected after 120 seconds, the Power LED
blinks indicating that it is going into Low Power mode.
The same process occurs when you disconnect the PLA-402 v3 from a previously
working Ethernet connection. 120 seconds after disconnecting the Ethernet cable,
the PLA-402 v3’s Power LED blinks signalling that it is going into Low Power
mode.
The Ethernet and HomePlug LEDs are turned off in Low Power mode.
While in Low Power mode, you cannot use the SETUP button. To enable the
SETUP button again, you have to connect the PLA-402 v3’s Ethernet cable to a
computer/notebook or modem/router first. The PLA-402 v3 wakes up from Low
Power mode and you can start using the SETUP button.
Low Power mode is enabled by default.
24
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
PART II
Managing the PLA-
402 v3
Firmware Tool (27)
The SETUP Button (29)
The Configuration Utility (35)
Powerline Coaxial Network Setup Tutorial
(61)
PLA Compatibility (71)
25
26
CHAPTER 3
Firmware Tool
3.1 Overview
Use the Firmware Upgrade Tool to ensure you have the latest firmwa re (version
3.3.4 or later) on your PLA-402 v3(s).
You need to upgrade all your PLA-402 v3s to the latest firmware to ensure they
can connect with each other and they are compatible with the latest version
Utility.
If your firmware is an early version (earlier than 3.3.4), then upgrade your
firmware using the Firmware Upgrade Tool.
3.2 Firmware Upgrade Tool
Use the firmware upgrade tool to upgrade your PLA-402 v3’s firmware to the
latest version.
You can use this tool to upgrade the firmware on the coaxial device directly
connected to your computer. This is necessary as devices with ZyXEL’s early
version firmware are not compatible with the latest Utility or with devices running
ZyXEL’s latest version firmware.
At the time of writing, firmware version 3.3.4 is only available to PLA-402 v3.
Note: The firmware is included in the Tool. You do not need to download the firmware
separately.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
27
Chapter 3 Firmware Tool
28
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
CHAPTER 4
The SETUP Button
Use the SETUP button to automatically set up a secure coaxial connection
between your PLA-402 v3s.
4.1 SETUP Button Overview
The SETUP button allows you to set up a secure coaxial connection with other
HomePlug AV compliant coaxial devices which also support the SETUP feature. No
other setting changes are required to connect.
You can use the SETUP button to:
• set up a new powerline coaxial network
• separate an existing powerline coaxial network into multiple networks
4.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with SETUP
You can connect a number of devices on a powerline coaxial network, but you can
use the SETUP button on only two devices at a time.
1 Place a coaxial device close to another coaxial device so you have time to set up
each one. After you set up the first coaxial device, you have 120 seconds to set up
the second coaxial device.
2 You can disconnect them from your computer or modem (or other networking
equipment) if you need to move them close to each other, but the coaxial devices
need to be plugged into power outlets.
Note: Because your PLA-402 v3 goes into Low Power mode, it must be connected to
a networking equipment for the SETUP button to work. Refer to Section 2.3 on
page 24 for more details.
3 Press the SETUP button at the rear of your coaxial device for more than 10
seconds until the power ( ) light flashes. This resets the network name to a
random value and removes your device from any network it may belong to.
PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide
29
Loading...