ZyXEL PLA4101, PLA4111, PLA4201, PLA4201 v2, PLA5205 User Manual

PLA Series

Powerline Ethernet Adapters

PLA4101, PLA4111, PLA4201, PLA4201 v2, PLA5205, PLA5215, PLA5206, PLA5405, PLA5256, PLA5456, PLA5206 v2

Utility Version 7.0.2

Edition 6, 05/2016

Default Network Name: HomePlugAV

Quick Start Guide

User’s Guide

www.zyxel.com

Copyright © 2016 ZyXEL Communications Corporation

IMPORTANT!

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.

KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Note: This guide is a reference for a series of products. Therefore some features or options in this guide may not be available in your product.

Screenshots and graphics in this book may differ slightly from your product due to differences in your product firmware or your computer operating system. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.

Related Documentation

•Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains information on making your hardware connections.

•More Information

Go to su ppor t .zyx e l.com to find other information on the PLA.

PLA Series User’s Guide

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................

3

Part I: User’s Guide ...........................................................................................		5
Chapter	1
Introducing the PLA .............................................................................................................................		6
1.1	Overview .............................................................................................................................................	6
1.2	LEDs ...................................................................................................................................................	7
1.3	Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode) ..................................................................................................	9
1.4	Ways to Manage the PLA ...................................................................................................................	9
1.5	Expand Your Network with the PLA ....................................................................................................	9
1.6	Security .............................................................................................................................................	10
	1.6.1 Passwords ...............................................................................................................................	10
	1.6.2 Setting Up Security ..................................................................................................................	11
1.7	Multiple Networks ..............................................................................................................................	11
Chapter	2
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button............................................................................................................		12
2.1	RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview .................................................................................................	12
2.2	Adding Devices to a Powerline Network ...........................................................................................	12
2.3	Removing a Device from a Powerline Network ................................................................................	14
2.4	Multiple Separate Powerline Networks .............................................................................................	15
2.5	PLAs With One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button ..................................................................	15
2.6	PLAs with Separate RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons .......................................................................	16
	2.6.1 ENCRYPT Button Behavior .....................................................................................................	16
	2.6.2 RESET Button Behavior ..........................................................................................................	17

Part II: Technical Reference............................................................................		18
Chapter	3
Installing the Utility.............................................................................................................................		19
3.1	Windows ............................................................................................................................................	19
	3.1.1 System Requirements .............................................................................................................	19
	3.1.2 Installing the Utility ...................................................................................................................	19
3.2	Macintosh (Mac) ................................................................................................................................	25
	3.2.1 Supported OSs ........................................................................................................................	25

PLA Series User’s Guide

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	Table of Contents
	3.2.2 Installing the Utility ...................................................................................................................	25
Chapter	4
The Configuration Utility....................................................................................................................		28
4.1	Overview ...........................................................................................................................................	28
	4.1.1 Powerline Network Security .....................................................................................................	28
	4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) .......................................................................................................	29
4.2	Starting the Configuration Utility ........................................................................................................	29
4.3	Network Info Screen .........................................................................................................................	29
	4.3.1 Icon View .................................................................................................................................	30
	4.3.2 List View ..................................................................................................................................	31
4.4	Configuration Screen .......................................................................................................................	32
4.5	Advanced Screen ..........................................................................................................................	34
4.6	About Screen ....................................................................................................................................	36
Chapter	5
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial.....................................................................................................		38
5.1	Overview ...........................................................................................................................................	38
5.2	Important Terms ................................................................................................................................	38
5.3	Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ...................................................................................................	39
5.4	Adding a Powerline Adapter ..............................................................................................................	39
5.5	Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ................................................................................	41
5.6	Splitting a Network into Two Networks ..............................................................................................	43
5.7	Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................	45
Chapter	6
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................		46
6.1	Power and Light Problems ................................................................................................................	46
6.2	Configuration Utility Problems ...........................................................................................................	47
6.3	Powerline Problems ..........................................................................................................................	48
6.4	RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems ................................................................................................	48
Appendix	A Customer Support ..........................................................................................................	50
Appendix	B Legal Information............................................................................................................	57
Index ....................................................................................................................................................		65

PLA Series User’s Guide

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PART I

User’s Guide

5

1

Introducing the PLA

1.1 Overview

This chapter introduces the main applications and features of your ZyXEL HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter, which is called “PLA” in this guide. The following generic icon is used to represent all PLA models.

In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the “powerline network”. The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate using standard electrical wiring.

This User’s Guide covers the following models:

Table 1 PLA Comparison Table 1

PORT/FEATURE	PLA4101	PLA4111	PLA4201	PLA4201 v2	PLA5205	PLA5215
10/100 Base-T
Ethernet port(s)
Gigabit Ethernet					1	1
port(s)
AC Pass-Through
Reset/Encrypt Button
Reset Button
Encrypt Button
Maximum PHY Rate	200 Mbps	200 Mbps	500 Mbps	600 Mbps	600 Mbps	600 Mbps
over Powerline
Table 2 PLA Comparison Table 2
PORT/FEATURE	PLA5206	PLA5405	PLA5256	PLA5456	PLA5206 v2
10/100 Base-T
Ethernet port(s)
Gigabit Ethernet	1	1	2	2	2
port(s)
AC Pass-Through
Reset/Encrypt Button
Reset Button
Encrypt Button
Maximum PHY Rate	1000 Mbps	1200 Mbps	1000 Mbps	1800 Mbps	1000 Mbps
over Powerline

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

Note: In this guide RESET/ EN CRYPT refers to the EN CRYPT button in PLAs that have separate RESET and EN CRYPT buttons.

You can directly plug an electrical device (such as a router or computer) into PLAs with an AC power pass-through socket to supply power to the device.

There are two types of hardware for each of the PLA4101 and PLA4201 v2 models:

•One has an Ethernet port on the top and a power plug at the bottom of the rear panel.

•One has an Ethernet port on the bottom and a power plug at the top of the rear panel.

The power plug varies depending on your region.

1.2 LEDs

The following sections describes the lights on the PLA.

The following figure is the front panel of the PLA. Use the lights to determine if the PLA is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network.

Figure 1 PLA Lights

The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA.

Table 3 LEDs: 200 Mbps Models

LIGHTS	ICON		COLOR	STATUS	DESCRIPTION
POWER			Green	On	The PLA is on and receiving power.
					It also indicates a successful connection using the RESET/
					EN CRYPT button.
				Blinking	It indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device
					using the ENCRYPT function.
					The Pow e r LED blinks when it is in standby mode. Refer to
					Section 1.3 on page 9 for details on this feature.
				Off	The PLA is not receiving power.

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

Table 3 LEDs: 200 Mbps Models (continued)

LIGHTS	ICON		COLOR	STATUS	DESCRIPTION
HomePlug			Green	On	The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is greater than 40 Mbps.
			Amber		The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is between 12~40 Mbps.
			Red		The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is between 0~12 Mbps.
			Green/	Blinking	The PLA is communicating with another powerline adapter.
			Amber/		Data is being transmitted and/or received.
			Red
				Off	The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline
					adapter.
ETHERNET			Green	On	The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA detects a
					device connected to it.
				Blinking	The PLA is communicating with a networking device
					connected to it.
				Off	The PLA does not detect any devices connected to its
					ETHERNET port.
Table 4 LEDs: 500 / 600 / 1000 / 1200 / 1800 Mbps Models
LIGHTS	ICON		COLOR	STATUS	DESCRIPTION
POWER			Green	On	The PLA is on and receiving power.
					It also indicates a successful connection using the RESET/
					EN CRYPT button.
				Blinking	It indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device
					using the ENCRYPT function.
					The Pow e r LED blinks when it is in standby mode. Refer to
					Section 1.3 on page 9 for details on this feature.
				Off	The PLA is not receiving power.
HomePlug			Green	On	The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is greater than 80 Mbps.
			Amber		The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is between 20~80 Mbps.
			Red		The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
					rate is between 0~20 Mbps.
			Green/	Blinking	The PLA is communicating with another powerline adapter.
			Amber/		Data is being transmitted and/or received.
			Red
				Off	The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline
					adapter.
ETHERNET			Green	On	The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA detects a
					device connected to it.
				Blinking	The PLA is communicating with a networking device
					connected to it.
				Off	The PLA does not detect any devices connected to its
					ETHERNET port.

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

1.3 Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode)

Your PLA is a certified green product. It goes into standby mode when there is no Ethernet connection.

When you plug the PLA into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet connection. When no connection is detected after three minutes, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is going into standby mode.

The same process occurs when you disconnect the PLA from a previously working Ethernet connection. Three minutes after disconnecting the Ethernet cable, the PLA’s power LED blinks signalling that it is going into standby mode.

The Ethernet and HomePlug LEDs are turned off in standby mode.

While in standby mode, you cannot use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button. To enable the RESET/

EN CRYPT button again, you have to connect the PLA’s Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook or modem/router first. The PLA wakes up from standby mode and you can start using the RESET/ EN CRYPT button.

1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA

Use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this button. See Chapter 2 on page 12 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.

Use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configura t ion utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA. See Chapter 3 on page 19 for instructions on installing the utility.

1.5 Expand Your Network with the PLA

The PLA plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend a cable or DSL broadband connection or existing Ethernet (LAN) network to any other electrical outlet in any room of a house, all without the need for any new cabling. Devices can securely communicate with each other at high data transfer rates. The PLA uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe transfer of information.

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA

PLA

PLA

Connect your PLA to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLAs into other 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.

1.6 Security

Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your PLA.

1.6.1 Passwords

You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords.

Table 5 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 the network name via the
		ZyXEL PLA Series Configura t ion utility or RESET/ EN CRYPT button to create a
		private network. See Section 4.4 on page 32.
	DAK (Data Access Key)	In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must
	Password	enter the adapters’ DAK password in the ZyXEL PLA Ser ie s Configura t ion 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).
		PLA Series User’s Guide

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

1.6.2 Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your powerline devices have the RESET/ EN CRYPT button.

Alternatively, use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configura t ion utility 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.

1It’s easy and only requires you to change a network name.

2It’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 (N et w ork N am e) to make sure that only permitted powerline adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 4.4 on page 32 for information on setting up a private network.

3You may need to change the N et w ork N a m e to create multiple powerline networks. See the next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

1.7Multiple Networks

Multiple powerline networks can coexist on a single powerline circuit. You might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet networks.

1Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a N et w ork N am e (for example “Password1”) to this powerline adapter. Add additional powerline adapters to your network by plugging them into your powerline outlets and assigning them “Password1”. This completes the configuration of your first powerline network.

2Connect another powerline adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and assign a different N et w ork N am e (for example “Password2”) to this powerline adapter. Again, add additional powerline adapters and assign them “Password2”.

You now have two private networks on your powerline circuit. Information is not shared between the two networks as only powerline adapters with the same N et w ork N am e can communicate with each other.

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2

The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

Use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between your powerline devices.

Note: In this guide RESET/ EN CRYPT refers to the EN CRYPT button in PLAs that have separate RESET and EN CRYPT buttons.

2.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview

The RESET/ EN CRYPT button allows you to set up a secure powerline connection with other HomePlug AV compliant powerline devices which also support the ENCRYPT feature. No other powerline setting changes are required to connect.

You can use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button to:

•set up a new powerline network.

•separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks.

•reset the PLA to the factory defaults.

2.2Adding Devices to a Powerline Network

You can connect a number of PLAs on a powerline network, but you can use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.

Place a powerline device close to another powerline device so you have time to set up each one. After you set up the first powerline device, you have 120 seconds to set up the second powerline device.

Note: Your PLA must be connected to a networking equipment for the RESET/ EN CRYPT button to work. Refer to Section 1.3 on page 9 for more details.

Follow the steps below to set up your HomePlug AV Network:

1Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 0.5 to 3 seconds. The power ( ) light will blink as the powerline device tries to set up a connection with a new random network name.

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Chapter 2 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

Figure 3 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure

PLA

PLA

press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds

press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds

within 2 minutes

Note: The RESET/ EN CRYPT button’s location varies for each Powerline model.

Note: Check the lights on the two powerline devices. The power ( ) and HomePlug ( ) lights should be on while the devices are connecting. Wait for about two minutes while your powerline devices connect.

If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ EN CRYPT, you have probably pressed the RESET/ EN CRYPT button for too long. Try again, pressing the RESET/

EN CRYPT button for 0.5 to 3 seconds.

If the HomePlug () lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. Repeat step 1 in this section. If that doesn’t work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 6.4 on page 48 for suggestions.

2To add more powerline devices to your network, use any powerline device (A or B) you have connected to set up a connection with the powerline devices you want to connect (C and D ).

3Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on both powerline devices (A and C, or B and C) for 0.5 to 3 seconds to add powerline device C. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on the PLA.

4Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on both powerline devices (A and D, B and D or C and D ) for 0.5 to 3 seconds to add powerline device D. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on the PLA.

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Chapter 2 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

Figure 4 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network

B A

A OR B	A OR B OR C

C

D

This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices.

2.3 Removing a Device from a Powerline Network

Suppose you want to remove PLAs (C) and (D ) from the following powerline network.

Figure 5 Removing Devices From an Existing Powerline Network

B A

C

D

1Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on powerline device C for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This disconnects C from the current network.

2Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on powerline device D for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This disconnects D from the current network.

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Chapter 2 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

2.4 Multiple Separate Powerline Networks

You can use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button to create multiple separate powerline networks. Use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.

1Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on powerline devices E and F for 0.5 to 3 seconds. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on the first PLA.

2Wait for about one minute while powerline devices E and F connect.

3Now pair two different PLAs. Press the RESET/ EN CRYPT button on powerline devices G and H for 0.5 to 3 seconds and within two minutes of each other.

4Wait for about one minute while powerline devices G and H connect.

5When the power () and HomePlug () lights shine steadily, the devices are connected.

Figure 6 Two Separate Powerline Networks

E F

G

H

If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. Repeat the connection process, making certain you press the RESET/ EN CRYPT buttons for the correct time and within two minutes of each other. If that does not work see Section 6.4 on page 48 for suggestions.

2.5 PLAs With One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button

Refer to Table 1 on page 6 to see which models have a combination RESET / EN CRYPT button.

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Chapter 2 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the RESET/ EN CRYPT button is pressed for specific lengths of time.

Table 6 RESET/ EN CRYPT

TIME	ACTION	POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR			HOMEPLUG LIGHT
					BEHAVIOR
0.5 to 3	Create a powerline network	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (		) light turns
seconds	with a new random network	until the device is connected.			on if your device		connected
						is
	name.	This may take a minute.			to another powerline device or
	Join an existing powerline				a powerline network.
	network by sharing the same
	network name as other
	devices on the network.
5 to 8	Remove the device from any	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (		) light turns
seconds	network it is associated with	and then shines steadily.					from the
					off when it disconnects
	and its network name				powerline network.
	assumes a random value.
10 to 15	Clear all user-entered	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (		) light turns
seconds	configuration information and	and then shines steadily.					from the
					off when it disconnects
	return the device to its				powerline network.
	factory defaults.

Note: The network name is unknown when you use the RESET/ EN CRYPT button.

2.6 PLAs with Separate RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons

Refer to Table 1 on page 6 to see which models have separate RESET and EN CRYPT buttons.

2.6.1 ENCRYPT Button Behavior

The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the EN CRYPT button is pressed for specific lengths of time.

Table 7 EN CRYPT

TIME	ACTION	POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR			HOMEPLUG LIGHT
					BEHAVIOR
less than 3	Create a powerline network	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (			) light turns
seconds	with a new random network	until the device is connected.			on if your device			connected
							is
	name.	This may take a minute.			to another powerline device or
	Join an existing powerline				a powerline network.
	network by sharing the same
	network name as other
	devices on the network.
more than	Remove the device from any	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (				) light
10 seconds	network it is associated with	and then shines steadily.							and then
					blinks red one time
	and its network name				turns off when it disconnects
	assumes a random value.				from the powerline network.

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Chapter 2 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

2.6.2 RESET Button Behavior

Use a pointed device such as a pin to reset the N et w ork N a m e back to default H om ePlugAV.

Table 8 RESET Button

	TIME	ACTION	POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR			HOMEPLUG LIGHT
						BEHAVIOR
	1 to 3	Clear all user-entered	The power (		) light blinks	The HomePlug (		) light
	seconds	configuration information and	and then shines steadily.					disconnects
						turns off when it
		return the device to its				from the powerline network.
		factory defaults.

See Troubleshooting in Chapter 6 on page 48 for suggestions on problems with the RESET/ EN CRYPT button and the lights.

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PART II

Technical Reference

18

3

Installing the Utility

This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA.

3.1 Windows

This section uses the Windows XP screens as an example to show you how to install the Windows vesion of the ZyXEL PLA Series Configurat ion utility.

3.1.1 System Requirements

At the time of writing, the ZyXEL PLA Series Configurat ion utility is compatible with:

•Windows XP (32-bit version)

•Windows XP (64-bit version)

•Windows Vista (32-bit version)

•Windows Vista (64-bit version)

•Windows 7 (32-bit version)

•Windows 7 (64-bit version)

•Windows 8 (32-bit version)

•Windows 8 (64-bit version)

Note: To check for your Windows operating system version, > Propert ies. You should see this information in the

right-click on M y Com put er Genera l tab.

Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 4 and WinPcap 4.1.3 software are necessary for the installation of the ZyXEL PLA Series Configurat ion utility. The utility automatically installs WinPcap 4.1.3 and .NET Framework version 4 on all supported operating systems (if it’s not already installed on your computer).

3.1.2 Installing the Utility

Follow the steps below to install WinPcap 4.1.3, .NET Framework version 4 and the ZyXEL PLA Series Configurat ion utility on your computer.

1 Go to the ZyXEL Download Library and download the utility to your computer. Double click the utility set up.ex e file.

If WinPcap 4.1.3 is already installed on your computer, the following screen appears. Click Ca ncel and go to step 5.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Utility

Otherwise, the WinPcap setup wizard runs automatically. Click N e x t to continue.

2Review the license agreem ent , and click I Agree to proceed.

3Select Aut om at ically st art t he W inPcap driver at boot t im e if you want to start WinPcap automatically when the computer boots. Click I nst all to install WinPcap.

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Chapter 3 Installing the Utility

4Select I w ant t o m anually reboot lat er, and click Finish to exit the wizard.

5A prompt appears asking you to install the .NET Framework version 4. Review Microsoft’s License Agreem ent , select I have rea d a nd a ccept t he license t erm s. and click I nt a ll to proceed.

Note: If you already have .NET Framework version 4 installed on your computer this step can be skipped.

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