ZyXEL PLA4231 Owner's Manual
Quick Start Guide
PLA4231
500 Mbps Powerline Wireless N Extender
Version 1.00
Edition 1, 12/2012
User’s Guide
Default Login Details
LAN IP Address http://192.168.1.2
Password 1234
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2012 ZyXEL Communications Corporation
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
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 shows how to connect the PLA4231 and access the Web Configurator.
PLA4231 User’s Guide2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................3
Part I: Introduction ............................................................................................7
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA4231 .....................................................................................................................9
1.1 Overview ....................................................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ................................................9
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4231 ............................................................................................9
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4231 ........................................... ... .... .......................................................10
1.4 Good Habits for Managing the PLA4231 ..........................................................................................10
1.5 Powerline Security .............................................................................................. .... ... .......................10
1.5.1 Powerline Passwords ..............................................................................................................11
1.5.2 Setting Up Powerline Security ...................................... ...........................................................11
1.6 Multiple Networks ... ....................................................... ... ... ... ...........................................................12
1.7 Resetting the PLA4231 ................................ .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..............................................................12
1.7.1 Procedure to Use the Reset Button .........................................................................................12
Chapter 2
The WPS Button..................................................................................................................................13
2.1 WPS Overview ................ .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ....................................................... ... ... .... ..........................13
2.2 How to Use the WPS Button .............................................................................................................13
Chapter 3
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button............................................................................................................ 15
3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview .................................................................................................15
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT .............................................................................15
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks .................... ... .... ... ... ....................................................... ... .................17
3.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Behavior .................................................................................................19
Part II: Configuration Utility............................................................................21
Chapter 4
Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility..................................................................................23
4.1 Overview of the Installation Process .................................................................................................23
4.2 Installing the Utility ............................................................................................................................23
PLA4231 User’s Guide
3
Table of Contents
Chapter 5
Using the Powerline Configuration Utility........................................................................................27
5.1 Overview ................................ ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................................... .... ..........................27
5.1.1 Powerline Network Security ................ .......................... .......................... .................................27
5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) .......................................................................................................28
5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility .......................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ...........................................................28
5.3 Configuration Screen ......... ....................................................... ... ... ... ..............................................29
5.4 Firmware Screen ..............................................................................................................................30
5.5 Network Info Screen .........................................................................................................................31
5.6 Advanced Screen ..........................................................................................................................32
5.7 About Screen ..... .... ... ... ... .... ... ....................................................... ... ... ..............................................35
Chapter 6
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial.....................................................................................................37
6.1 Overview ................................ ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................................... .... ..........................37
6.2 Important Terms ........... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ....................................................... ... ... ... ..............................37
6.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ...................................................................................................38
6.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter ..............................................................................................................39
6.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ................................................................................40
6.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ............................. ... ... .... ... ....................................................42
6.7 Troubleshooting ..................................... ... ... ....................................................... .... ... .......................44
Part III: Web Configurator...............................................................................47
Chapter 7
Introducing the Web Configurator ....................................................................................................49
7.1 Overview ................................ ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................................... .... ..........................49
7.2 Accessing the Web Configurator .......................................................................................................49
7.2.1 Login Screen ...................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ....................................................... ... ... ....................49
7.2.2 Password Screen ................... ... ... ... ....................................................... ... .... ... .......................51
7.3 Navigating the Web Configurator ........................ ... ... .... ... .................................................................52
7.3.1 Title Bar ........... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ...................................................... .... ... ... .................................53
7.3.2 Navigation Panel .....................................................................................................................53
7.3.3 Main Window ...... ... .... ....................................................... ... ... .................................................54
Chapter 8
Dashboard...........................................................................................................................................55
8.1 The Dashboard Screen .....................................................................................................................55
Chapter 9
Monitor.................................................................................................................................................59
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PLA4231 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
9.1 Overview ................................ ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................................... .... ..........................59
9.2 What You Can Do ..... ... ....................................................... ... .... ... ....................................................59
9.3 Log ......................................... ....................................................... ... ... ..............................................59
9.4 Packet Statistics .............................................................................................................................60
9.5 WLAN Station Status .....................................................................................................................61
Chapter 10
Wireless LAN.......................................................................................................................................63
10.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................63
10.2 What You Can Do ...........................................................................................................................63
10.3 What You Should Know ..................................................................................................................64
10.3.1 Wireless Security Overview ........................ ....................................................... ....................64
10.4 General Wireless LAN Screen .......................................................................................................66
10.5 Wireless Security ............................................................................................................................67
10.5.1 No Security ............................................................................................................................67
10.5.2 WEP Encryption ....................................................................................................................68
10.5.3 WPA-PSK/WP A2-PSK ...........................................................................................................70
10.6 MAC Filter .......................................................................................................................................71
10.7 Wireless LAN Advanced Screen .....................................................................................................73
10.8 Quality of Service (QoS) Screen .....................................................................................................73
10.9 WPS Screen ....................................................................................................................................74
10.10 WPS Station Screen ......................................................................................................................76
10.11 Scheduling Screen ................................ ... .... ... ... ....................................................... ....................76
Chapter 11
LAN ......................................................................................................................................................79
11.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................79
11.2 What You Can Do ............................................................................................................................79
11.3 What You Need To Know .................................................................................................................79
11.3.1 LAN TCP/IP ...........................................................................................................................80
11.3.2 IP Alias ...................................................................................................................................80
11.4 LAN IP Screen .................................................................................................................................80
11.5 IP Alias Screen ................................................................................................................................81
Chapter 12
HomePlug............................................................................................................................................83
12.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................83
12.2 What You Can Do ...........................................................................................................................83
12.3 HomePlug Screen ...........................................................................................................................83
Chapter 13
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................87
13.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................87
PLA4231 User’s Guide
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Table of Contents
13.2 What You Can Do ...........................................................................................................................87
13.3 General Screen ..............................................................................................................................87
13.4 Password Screen ............................................................................................................................88
13.5 Time Setting Screen ........................................................................................................................88
13.6 Firmware Upgrade Screen ......................... .... ... ... ... .... ...................................................... ..............90
13.7 Configuration Backup/Restore Screen ............................................................................................92
13.8 Restart Screen ................................................................................................................................93
13.9 Language Screen ............................................................................................................................93
Chapter 14
LEDs and Troubleshooting................................................................................................................95
14.1 LEDs ...............................................................................................................................................95
14.2 Power and Light Problems ..............................................................................................................96
14.3 Configuration Utility Problems .........................................................................................................98
14.4 Powerline Problems ........................................................................................................................98
14.5 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems ..............................................................................................99
14.6 Wireless Connection Problems .....................................................................................................100
14.7 PLA4231 Access and Login Problems ..........................................................................................101
Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions...................................................105
Appendix B Legal Information..........................................................................................................115
Index ..................................................................................................................................................121
6
PLA4231 User’s Guide
PART I
Introduction
7
8
CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA4231
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA4231 HomePlug AV compliant
powerline adapter.
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.
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4231
The PLA4231 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 PLA4231 uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe
transfer of information.
Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA4231
Connect your PLA4231 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power
outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA4231 into another power outlet and connect a computer to
the PLA4231 for Internet access. You can also connect a computer to your existing wireless network
through the PLA4231 which acts as an AP or wireless extender. Your network can be further
PLA4231 User’s Guide 9
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231
expanded by plugging additional PLA4231s 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.
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4231
•Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they
have this button. See Chapter 3 on page 15 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
•Use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA4231.
See Chapter 4 on page 23 for instructions on installing the utility.
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible
with a PLA4231 which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have
them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.
• Use the Web Configurator for everyday management of the PLA4231 using a (supported) web
browser. See Section 7.2 on page 49 for instructions on accessing the Web Configurator.
• WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button. You can use the WPS button or the WPS section of the Web
Configurator to set up a wireless network with your PLA4231. See Section on page 13 for
instructions on using the WPS button.
1.4 Good Habits for Managing the PLA4231
Do the following things regularly to make the PLA4231 more secure and to manage the PLA4231
more effectively.
• Change the password. Use a password that’s not easy to guess and that consists of different
types of characters, such as numbers and letters.
• Write down the password and put it in a safe place.
• Back up the configuration (and make sure you know how to restore it). Restoring an earlier
working configuration may be useful if the device becomes unstable or even crashes. If you
forget your password, you will have to reset the PLA4231 to its factory default settings. If you
backed up an earlier configuration file, you would not have to totally re-configure the PLA4231.
You could simply restore your last configuration.
1.5 Powerline Security
Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security
on your PLA4231.
10
PLA4231 User’s Guide
1.5.1 Powerline Passwords
You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table
describes the differences between the passwords.
Table 1 Powerline 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
PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private network. See Section
5.3 on page 29.
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 PLA42xx 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).
1.5.2 Setting Up Powerline Security
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231
The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if
your powerline devices have the RESET/ENCRYPT button.
If your devices do not have the RESET/ENCRYPT button, use the PLA42xx Series
Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA4231. Although the PLA4231 is a “plug-andplay” 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 PLA4231 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 (Network Name) to make sure that only permitted powerline
adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 5.3 on page 29 for information on setting
up a private network.
3 You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline networks. See the next
section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.
PLA4231 User’s Guide
11
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231
1.6 Multiple 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.
1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a
Network Name (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.
2 Connect another powerline adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and
assign a different Network Name (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 Network Name can communicate with
each other.
1.7 Resetting the PLA4231
If you forget your password or IP address, or you cannot access the Web Configurator, you will need
to use the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of the PLA4231 to reload the factory-default
configuration file. This means that you will lose all configurations that you had previously saved, the
password will be reset to “1234” and the IP address will be reset to “192.168.1.2”.
1.7.1 Procedure to Use the Reset Button
1 Make sure the power LED is on.
2 Press the RESET button for 10 to 15 seconds (until the power LED begins to blink) and release it to
set the PLA4231 back to its factory-default configurations.
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PLA4231 User’s Guide
2.1 WPS Overview
Your PLA4231 supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure
wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
WPS allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to
configure security settings manually. Each WPS connection works between two devices. Both
devices must support WPS (check each device’s documentation to make sure).
Depending on the devices you have, you can either press a button (on the device itself, or in its
configuration utility) or enter a PIN (a unique Personal Identification Number that allows one device
to authenticate the other) in each of the two devices. When WPS is activated on a device, it has two
minutes to find another device that also has WPS activated. Then, the two devices connect and set
up a secure network by themselves.
CHAPTER 2
The WPS Button
2.2 How to Use the WPS Button
You can use the WPS button on the side panel of the PLA4231 to activate WPS.
1 Make sure the power LED and the WLAN LED are on (not blinking).
2 To copy wireless settings (SSID and wireless security key for example) from an access point (AP) or
wireless router, press the WPS button for longer than five seconds and release it. The WLAN LED
begins to blink.
To connect a WPS-enabled wireless client (such as your computer with a WPS-enabled wireless
adapter) to the PLA4231 via Wi-Fi or to the existing wireless network through the PLA4231, press
the WPS button for two or three seconds and release it. The WLAN LED begins to blink.
3 Press the WPS button on another WPS-enabled device within range of the PLA4231.
4 The WLAN LED turns steady on when WPS was successful. The WLAN LED will be off for about ten
seconds if WPS has failed, and comes on again.
Note: You must activate WPS in the PLA4231 and in another wireless device within two
minutes of each other.
PLA4231 User’s Guide 13
Chapter 2 The WPS Button
14
PLA4231 User’s Guide
CHAPTER 3
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between
your powerline devices.
3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview
The RESET/ENCRYPT 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/ENCRYPT button to:
• set up a new powerline network.
• separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks.
• reset the PLA4231 to the factory defaults.
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT
You can connect a number of devices on a powerline network, but you can use the RESET/
ENCRYPT button on only two devices 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.
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 powerline devices need to be plugged into power
outlets.
Follow the steps below to set up your HomePlug AV Network:
1 Press and hold the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 5 to 8 seconds
and then release it. This resets the network name to a random value and removes your device from
any network it may belong to.
PLA4231 User’s Guide 15
Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
within 2
minutes
2 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT 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.
Figure 2 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location varies for each Powerline model.
3 Repeat step 2 in this section for the other powerline device you wish to connect. This must be done
within 120 seconds of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA4231.
Note: Check the lights on the two powerline devices. The power ( ) and HomePlug ( )
lights should be blinking while the devices are connecting. Several times all lights
blink simultaneously and the HomePlug ( ) light also shows red. Wait for about
one minute while your powerline devices connect.
If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ENCRYPT, you have probably
pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for too long. Try again, pressing the RESET/
ENCRYPT 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 steps 2 and 3 in this section. If that doesn’t work, see
the Troubleshooting in Section 14.5 on page 99 for suggestions.
4 To add more powerline devices to your network, press and hold the RESET/ENCRYPT button on
device C (shown below) for for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it.
16
PLA4231 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
A
B
OR
C
AB
5 Then repeat steps 2 and 3 in this section using any powerline device (A or B) you have connected
using ENCRYPT and the powerline device you want to connect (C). You must use the RESET/
ENCRYPT button on both devices.
Figure 3 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network
6 If you disconnected your computer or modem (or any other networking product connected to your
powerline device) in step of this section, you can now reconnect them.
This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices.
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks
You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to set up multiple powerline networks using your
existing powerline network.
PLA4231 User’s Guide
17
Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
A
C
B
A
C
B
For example, you have already set up a powerline network in your home (A) which accesses a
printer (B). Now you want a separate powerline network connection from your laptop to your
printer (C).
Figure 4 One Existing Powerline Network
1 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on (A) for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This disconnects
(A) from (B).
2 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on (A) and (C) for 0.5 to 3 seconds and within two minutes of
each other.
3 Wait for about one minute while (A) and (C) connect.
4 Check the LEDs on both (A) and (C). When the power ( ) and HomePlug ( ) lights stop blinking
and the power ( ) light shines steadily, the devices are connected.
Figure 5 Two Separate Powerline Networks
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PLA4231 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
Congratulations. You now have two separate powerline networks as shown above.
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/ENCRYPT buttons for the correct time and within two minutes of each other. If that
does not work see Section 14.5 on page 99 for suggestions.
3.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Behavior
The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the RESET/ENCRYPT button is
pressed for specific lengths of time.
Table 2 Time RESET/ENCRYPT Button is Pressed and Action
TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR
0.5 to 3
seconds
5 to 8
seconds
10 to 15
seconds
The device joins a network. It
shares the same network
name as other devices on the
network.
The device leaves any
network it is associated with
and its network name
assumes a random value.
Clear all user-entered
configuration information and
return the device to its
factory defaults.
The power ( ) light blinks
until the device is connected.
This may take a minute.
The power ( ) light blinks
several times and then shines
steadily.
The power ( ) light blinks
several times and then shines
steadily.
HOMEPLUG LIGHT
BEHAVIOR
The HomePlug ( ) light turns
on if your device is connected
to another powerline device or
a powerline network.
The HomePlug ( ) light blinks
red one time and then turns off
when it disconnects from the
powerline network.
The HomePlug ( ) light blinks
red one time and then turns off
when it disconnects from the
powerline network.
See Troubleshooting in Chapter 14 on page 99 for suggestions on problems with the RESET/
ENCRYPT button and the lights.
PLA4231 User’s Guide
19
Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
20
PLA4231 User’s Guide
PART II
Configuration Utility
21
22
CHAPTER 4
Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility
This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA4231.
4.1 Overview of the Installation Process
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 PLA42xx 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,
Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit version), Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft
Windows 8 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 PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to manage the
network name (See Section 5.3 on page 29 for more information) or view the devices recognized
on your powerline network.
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible
with a PLA4231 which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have
them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.
4.2 Installing the Utility
Follow the steps below to install .NET Framework version 2.0 and the PLA42xx Series
Configuration Utility on your computer.
PLA4231 User’s Guide 23
Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration 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 6 .NET Framework Installation Prompt
2 The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.
Figure 7 .NET Framework Installation Process
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 8 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen
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PLA4231 User’s Guide
Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility
4 If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Just 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 9 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.
5 When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm the InstallShield Wizard has
successfully installed the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to your computer. Click Close to
exit the wizard.
Figure 10 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.
PLA4231 User’s Guide
25
Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility
26
PLA4231 User’s Guide
Using the Powerline Configuration Utility
A
5.1 Overview
This chapter shows you how to use the Configuration Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set
up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network.
The PLA4231 is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you
complete your hardware connections, the PLA4231s in your network (without additional
configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over
your home’s electrical wiring (A).
Figure 11 Example Network Setup
CHAPTER 5
All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range
varies depending on the quality of your home’s wiring.
Note: See Section 5.1.1 on page 27 for more information on enhancing your powerline
network security.
5.1.1 Powerline Network Security
When the PLA4231s communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information
that is sent in the powerline network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret
code, you cannot understand the message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data between powerline adapters.
For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network
name. This network name allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted information
sent in the powerline network.
PLA4231 User’s Guide 27
Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility
By default the PLA4231s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV, this allows you to
simply plug the devices in and not worry about setting up security. If you want to enhance the
security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters
you want to allow to communicate in your powerline network.
5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)
In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the adapters’
password in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the DAK (Device
Access Key) password. This password is printed on the powerline adapter itself.
You don’t need to enter the DAK password for the powerline adapter directly connected to the
computer running the utility (local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote powerline
adapters’ passwords (those in your powerline network, but not directly connected to your
computer).
5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility
To launch the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the configuration icon
on your desktop.
Figure 12 PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility Icon
Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs >
ZyXEL PLA42xx Series Configuration > PLA42xx Series Configuration.
28
PLA4231 User’s Guide
5.3 Configuration Screen
Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline network, to
configure your PLA4231 and to set up a secure powerline network by changing the powerline
network name. This screen opens up when you launch the utility.
Figure 13 Configuration Screen
Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 3 Configuration Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Network
Topology
The fields described below are used to identify the powerline adapters recognized on the powerline network.
The configuration utility automatically updates this information every 10 seconds. Click Scan to refresh the
information in these fields (immediately).
Use this to select which powerline network information is displayed. Different powerline
networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) on your computer which is
connected directly to a powerline adapter. Typically there is only one connection. However,
if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a powerline adapter,
then you have two powerline networks.
Note: Only devices which share the same network name are displayed in this table.
Site This field displays
• Local, if it is identifying the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer
running the configuration utility.
• Remote, if it is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly
connected to the computer running the configuration utility.
MAC Address This is a read-only field which shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter you are
configuring. You can find the MAC address of your PLA4231 displayed on a sticker on the
bottom of your device.
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Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility
Table 3 Configuration Screen (continued)
LABEL DESCRIPTION
DAK Password DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform
changes on a remote device. You can find the DAK password printed on a sticker on the
bottom of your PLA4231.
Select the remote powerline adapter you want to manage by clicking the MAC address
which corresponds to it in the MAC Address column. Enter the DAK Password value and
click Save.
Note: You must enter the DAK Password value exactly as it is printed on the label (all caps
and with dashes “-”).
Network Name
(NMK)
Set NMK to this
device
Set NMK to all
devices
Save Click this to apply your changes. The new Network Name is applied to the selected
The default network name (sometimes called a network password or network membership
key (NMK)) of the PLA4231 is “HomePlugAV”. HomePlug compatible devices use the same
network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network.
If you change the network name of one device on the network, it will no longer be
recognized as part of that network.
If you change the network name, make sure you change the network name for all of the
powerline adapters that you want to be part of your powerline network.
The network name can be from 8 to 64 characters in length, using “A”~”Z”, “a”~”z”,
“0”~”9”; spaces are not allowed.
Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for the
powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.
Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for all
powerline adapter detected by the utility.
powerline adapter.
Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the selected powerline adapter before
you can make changes to it.
5.4 Firmware Screen
Use the Firmware screen to update the firmware on the PLA4231 directly connected to the
computer running the configuration utility.
Firmware is the software which is embedded in the PLA4231. This software contains processing
instructions for how the PLA4231 sends and receives information in a secure way.
Parameter Information Block (PIB) is similar to firmware. It contains the most basic operating
instructions for the PLA4231 such as how to power up and how to load the firmware.
You can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for your PLA4231.
Note: If you have upgraded the firmware, make sure you also upgrade the PLA42xx
Series Configuration Utility. Older version utilities are not compatible with
PLA4231s using the latest firmware.
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PLA4231 User’s Guide
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