ZyXEL Communications PLA450 User Manual
PLA450 Series
Homeplug AV to WLAN AP/Bridge
User’s Guide
Version 3.60
11/2 007
Edition 2
DEFAULT LOGIN
IP Address http://192.168.1.2
Password 1234
www.zyxel.com
About This User's Guide
About This User's Guide
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for people who want to configure the PLA450 using the web
configurator.
Related Documentation
• Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains
information on setting up your network and configuring for Internet access.
• Web Configurator Online Help
Embedded web help for descriptions of individual screens and supplementary
information.
" It is recommended you use the web configurator to configure the PLA450.
• Supporting Disk
Refer to the included CD for support documents.
• ZyXEL Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com
certifications.
User Guide Feedback
Help us help you. Send all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for
improvement to the following address, or use e-mail instead. Thank you!
The Technical Writing Team,
ZyXEL Communications Corp.,
6 Innovation Road II,
Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
E-mail: techwriters@zyxel.com.tw
for additional support documentation and product
PLA450 User’s Guide
3
Document Conventions
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User’s Guide.
1 Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device.
" Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may
need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Syntax Conventions
• The PLA-450 and PLA-450 v2 may be referred to as the “PLA450”, the “device”, the
“product” or the “system” 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”.
4
PLA450 User’s Guide
Document Conventions
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA450 icon is not an
exact representation of your device.
PLA450 Computer Notebook computer
Server Switch Router
Modem HomePlug AV powerline
adaptor
PLA450 User’s Guide
5
Safety Warnings
Safety Warnings
1 For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions.
• 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 adaptor or cord for your device.
• Connect the power adaptor 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 adaptor or cord and do NOT place the
product where anyone can walk on the power adaptor or cord.
• Do NOT use the device if the power adaptor or cord is damaged as it might cause
electrocution.
• If the power adaptor or cord is damaged, remove it from the power outlet.
• Do NOT attempt to repair the power adaptor 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.
• Antenna Warning! This device meets ETSI and FCC certification requirements when
using the included antenna(s). Only use the included antenna(s).
• If you wall mount your device, make sure that no electrical lines, gas or water pipes will
be damaged.
6
This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.
PLA450 User’s Guide
Safety Warnings
PLA450 User’s Guide
7
Safety Warnings
8
PLA450 User’s Guide
Contents Overview
Contents Overview
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 21
Getting to Know Your PLA-450 .................................................................................................. 23
The WPS Button ........................................................................................................................ 27
................................................................................................................................................... 27
The ENCRYPT Button ............................................................................................................... 29
Introducing the Web Configurator .............................................................................................. 35
Wireless Tutorial ........................................................................................................................ 47
Network ................................................................................................................................... 55
Wireless LAN ............................................................................................................................. 57
LAN ............................................................................................................................................ 81
HomePlug AV ............................................................................................................................ 85
Maintenance and Troubleshooting .......................................................................................95
System ....................................................................................................................................... 97
Logs ......................................................................................................................................... 101
Tools ........................................................................................................................................ 105
Configuration Mode ..................................................................................................................111
Language ..................................................................................................................................113
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................115
Product Specifications and Wall-Mounting Instructions ........................................................... 123
Appendices and Index ......................................................................................................... 127
PLA450 User’s Guide
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Contents Overview
10
PLA450 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About This User's Guide ..........................................................................................................3
Document Conventions............................................................................................................4
Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................6
Contents Overview ...................................................................................................................9
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................... 11
List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... 15
List of Tables...........................................................................................................................19
Part I: Introduction................................................................................. 21
Chapter 1
Getting to Know Your PLA-450 .............................................................................................. 23
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 23
1.1.1 Wireless LAN Application ........................................................................................... 23
1.1.2 HomePlug AV ............................................................................................................. 23
1.2 Ways to Manage the PLA-450 ............................................................................................. 24
1.3 Good Habits for Managing the PLA-450 .............................................................................. 24
1.4 LEDs .................................................................................................................................... 25
Chapter 2
The WPS Button......................................................................................................................27
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 27
2.2 Push Button Configuration ................................................................................................... 27
.................................................................................................................................................. 27
Chapter 3
The ENCRYPT Button.............................................................................................................29
3.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview ................................................................................................ 29
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT ................................................................ 29
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks .............................................................................................. 31
3.4 ENCRYPT Button Behavior ................................................................................................. 32
PLA450 User’s Guide
11
Table of Contents
Chapter 4
Introducing the Web Configurator ........................................................................................35
4.1 Web Configurator Overview ................................................................................................. 35
4.2 Accessing the Web Configurator ......................................................................................... 35
4.3 Resetting the PLA-450 ........................................................................................................ 37
4.3.1 Procedure to Use the Reset Button ........................................................................... 37
4.4 Navigating the Web Configurator ...................................................................................... 37
4.4.1 The Status Screen ..................................................................................................... 37
4.4.2 Navigation Panel ........................................................................................................ 40
4.4.3 Summary: Packet Statistics ..................................................................................... 41
4.4.4 Summary: Wireless Station Status ......................................................................... 42
4.4.5 Summary: My HomePlug Network Status .................................................................. 42
Chapter 5
Wireless Tutorial .....................................................................................................................47
5.1 Example Parameters ........................................................................................................... 47
5.2 Configuring the PLA-450 ..................................................................................................... 47
5.3 Configuring the Wireless Client ........................................................................................... 49
5.3.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ................................................................................... 49
5.3.2 Creating and Using a Profile ...................................................................................... 52
Part II: Network....................................................................................... 55
Chapter 6
Wireless LAN...........................................................................................................................57
6.1 Wireless Network Overview ................................................................................................. 57
6.2 Wireless Security Overview .................................................................................................59
6.2.1 SSID ........................................................................................................................... 59
6.2.2 MAC Address Filter .................................................................................................... 59
6.2.3 User Authentication .................................................................................................... 59
6.2.4 Encryption .................................................................................................................. 60
6.3 Roaming .............................................................................................................................. 61
6.3.1 Requirements for Roaming ........................................................................................ 62
6.4 Quality of Service ................................................................................................................ 62
6.4.1 WMM QoS ..................................................................................................................63
6.5 WPS Overview .................................................................................................................... 63
6.5.1 WPS Setup Using a PIN ............................................................................................ 64
6.5.2 How WPS Works ........................................................................................................ 65
6.5.3 Limitations of WPS ..................................................................................................... 67
6.6 General Wireless LAN Screen ............................................................................................ 68
6.6.1 No Security ................................................................................................................. 69
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PLA450 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
6.6.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................................................................ 70
6.7 MAC Filter ............................................................................................................................ 72
6.8 Wireless LAN Advanced Screen ......................................................................................... 73
6.9 Quality of Service (QoS) Screen ......................................................................................... 75
6.9.1 Application Priority Configuration ............................................................................... 77
6.10 WPS Screen ...................................................................................................................... 78
6.11 WPS Station Screen .......................................................................................................... 79
Chapter 7
LAN........................................................................................................................................... 81
7.1 LAN Overview ...................................................................................................................... 81
7.1.1 Factory LAN Defaults ................................................................................................. 81
7.1.2 IP Address .................................................................................................................. 81
7.1.3 IP Address and Subnet Mask ..................................................................................... 82
7.2 LAN IP Screen ..................................................................................................................... 82
Chapter 8
HomePlug AV ..........................................................................................................................85
8.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 85
8.2 Privacy and Powerline Adapters .......................................................................................... 86
8.2.1 Setting Up a Private Powerline Network .................................................................... 86
8.2.2 Setting Up Multiple Powerline Networks. ................................................................... 87
8.3 Configuring Your HomePlug AV Devices ............................................................................. 88
8.4 HomePlug AV QoS .............................................................................................................. 91
8.4.1 QoS Based on IP or MAC Address ............................................................................ 91
8.4.2 Mapping other QoS Priority Settings to HomePlug AV QoS ...................................... 91
8.4.3 QoS Based on Traffic Type ........................................................................................ 92
Part III: Maintenance and Troubleshooting ......................................... 95
Chapter 9
System .....................................................................................................................................97
9.1 System General Screen .....................................................................................................97
9.2 Time Setting Screen ............................................................................................................ 98
Chapter 10
Logs ....................................................................................................................................... 101
10.1 View Log ......................................................................................................................... 101
10.2 Log Settings ..................................................................................................................... 102
Chapter 11
Tools....................................................................................................................................... 105
PLA450 User’s Guide
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Table of Contents
11.1 Firmware Upload Screen ................................................................................................. 105
11.2 Configuration Screen ....................................................................................................... 107
11.2.1 Backup Configuration ............................................................................................. 107
11.2.2 Restore Configuration ............................................................................................ 107
11.2.3 Back to Factory Defaults ........................................................................................ 108
11.3 Restart Screen ................................................................................................................. 109
Chapter 12
Configuration Mode..............................................................................................................111
Chapter 13
Language............................................................................................................................... 113
13.1 Selecting Language ..........................................................................................................113
Chapter 14
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................... 115
14.1 Power, Hardware Connections, and LEDs .......................................................................115
14.2 PLA-450 Access and Login ..............................................................................................116
14.3 Internet Access .................................................................................................................117
14.4 Resetting the PLA-450 to Its Factory Defaults ..................................................................118
14.5 Wireless Troubleshooting .................................................................................................11 9
14.6 HomePlug AV Troubleshooting .........................................................................................119
14.7 ENCRYPT Button Problems ............................................................................................ 120
14.8 Advanced Features .........................................................................................................121
Chapter 15
Product Specifications and Wall-Mounting Instructions .................................................. 123
Part IV: Appendices and Index ........................................................... 127
Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScripts and Java Permissions ......................................129
Appendix B IP Addresses and Subnetting ...........................................................................135
Appendix C Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address ........................................................... 143
15.0.1 Verifying Settings ................................................................................................... 158
Appendix D Wireless LANs ..................................................................................................159
Appendix E Common Services............................................................................................. 173
Appendix F Legal Information ..............................................................................................177
Appendix G Customer Support ............................................................................................181
Index....................................................................................................................................... 187
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PLA450 User’s Guide
List of Figures
List of Figures
Figure 1 WLAN Application Example ..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 2 HomePlug AV Internet Connection Example .......................................................................... 24
Figure 3 Front Panel LEDs ..................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 4 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure ........................................................................................... 30
Figure 5 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network ................................................................. 31
Figure 6 One Existing Powerline Network ............................................................................................. 31
Figure 7 Two Separate Powerline Networks ......................................................................................... 32
Figure 8 Change Password Screen ........................................................................................................ 36
Figure 9 Choose Basic or Advanced Screen ......................................................................................... 36
Figure 10 Web Configurator Status Screen ........................................................................................... 38
Figure 11 Summary: Packet Statistics ................................................................................................... 41
Figure 12 Summary: Wireless Association List ...................................................................................... 42
Figure 13 Summary: My Homeplug Network. ......................................................................................... 43
Figure 14 Network > Wireless LAN > General ....................................................................................... 48
Figure 15 Status: Wireless Settings Example ......................................................................................... 49
Figure 16 AP: Status: WLAN Station Status ........................................................................................... 49
Figure 17 Connecting to a Wireless LAN .............................................................................................. 50
Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings ............................................................................................. 51
Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save ................................................................................................... 51
Figure 20 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info .......................................................................................................... 51
Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility: Profile ............................................................................................................... 52
Figure 22 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile ............................................................................................... 52
Figure 23 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security ................................................................................................. 53
Figure 24 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption ............................................................................................. 53
Figure 25 Profile: Wireless Protocol Settings. ........................................................................................ 53
Figure 26 Profile: Confirm Save ............................................................................................................. 54
Figure 27 Profile: Activate ...................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 28 Example of a Wireless Network ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 29 Roaming Example .................................................................................................................. 62
Figure 30 How WPS works ..................................................................................................................... 65
Figure 31 WPS: Example Network Step 1 .............................................................................................. 66
Figure 32 WPS: Example Network Step 2 .............................................................................................. 67
Figure 33 WPS: Example Network Step 3 .............................................................................................. 67
Figure 34 Network > Wireless LAN > General ...................................................................................... 69
Figure 35 Network > Wireless LAN > General: No Security ................................................................... 70
Figure 36 Network > Wireless LAN > General: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .................................................. 71
Figure 37 Network > Wireless LAN > MAC Filter ................................................................................... 73
Figure 38 Network > Wireless LAN > Advanced ....................................................................................74
PLA450 User’s Guide
15
List of Figures
Figure 39 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS ............................................................................................ 76
Figure 40 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS: Application Priority Configuration ....................................... 77
Figure 41 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS ............................................................................................ 78
Figure 42 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS Station ................................................................................ 79
Figure 43 Network > LAN > IP ............................................................................................................... 82
Figure 44 Expand Your Network ............................................................................................................. 85
Figure 45 Powerline Network Scenario .................................................................................................. 87
Figure 46 Two Private Powerline Networks on One Circuit .................................................................... 88
Figure 47 Network > HomePlug > Network Settings .............................................................................. 89
Figure 48 Network > HomePlug > Edit .................................................................................................. 90
Figure 49 Prioritized Traffic Between Your Home Powerline Network and the Internet ......................... 92
Figure 50 Network > HomePlug > QoS. ................................................................................................. 93
Figure 51 Maintenance > System > General ......................................................................................... 97
Figure 52 Maintenance > System > Time Setting .................................................................................. 98
Figure 53 Maintenance > Logs > View Log ......................................................................................... 101
Figure 54 Maintenance > Logs > Log Settings .................................................................................... 103
Figure 55 Maintenance > Tools > Firmware ........................................................................................ 105
Figure 56 Upload Warning .................................................................................................................... 106
Figure 57 Network Temporarily Disconnected ...................................................................................... 106
Figure 58 Upload Error Message ......................................................................................................... 106
Figure 59 Maintenance > Tools > Configuration .................................................................................. 107
Figure 60 Configuration Restore Successful ........................................................................................ 108
Figure 61 Temporarily Disconnected .................................................................................................... 108
Figure 62 Configuration Restore Error ................................................................................................. 108
Figure 63 Maintenance > Tools > Restart ............................................................................................ 109
Figure 64 Maintenance > Config Mode > General ...............................................................................111
Figure 65 Maintenance > Language ......................................................................................................113
Figure 66 Wall-mounting Example ........................................................................................................ 126
Figure 67 Pop-up Blocker ..................................................................................................................... 129
Figure 68 Internet Options: Privacy ...................................................................................................... 130
Figure 69 Internet Options: Privacy ...................................................................................................... 131
Figure 70 Pop-up Blocker Settings ....................................................................................................... 131
Figure 71 Internet Options: Security ..................................................................................................... 132
Figure 72 Security Settings - Java Scripting ......................................................................................... 133
Figure 73 Security Settings - Java ........................................................................................................ 133
Figure 74 Java (Sun) ............................................................................................................................ 134
Figure 75 Network Number and Host ID .............................................................................................. 136
Figure 76 Subnetting Example: Before Subnetting .............................................................................. 138
Figure 77 Subnetting Example: After Subnetting .................................................................................139
Figure 78 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration ........................................................................ 144
Figure 79 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address ............................................................ 145
Figure 80 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ................................................ 146
Figure 81 Windows XP: Start Menu ...................................................................................................... 147
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PLA450 User’s Guide
List of Figures
Figure 82 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................................................. 147
Figure 83 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ........................................... 148
Figure 84 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................................................. 148
Figure 85 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties ............................................................ 149
Figure 86 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Properties ......................................................................... 150
Figure 87 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties ............................................................ 151
Figure 88 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu ............................................................................................ 152
Figure 89 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ................................................................................................... 152
Figure 90 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu .............................................................................................. 153
Figure 91 Macintosh OS X: Network .................................................................................................... 154
Figure 92 Red Hat 9.0: KDE: Network Configuration: Devices ........................................................... 155
Figure 93 Red Hat 9.0: KDE: Ethernet Device: General ..................................................................... 156
Figure 94 Red Hat 9.0: KDE: Network Configuration: DNS ................................................................. 156
Figure 95 Red Hat 9.0: KDE: Network Configuration: Activate ........................................................... 157
Figure 96 Red Hat 9.0: Dynamic IP Address Setting in ifconfig-eth0 .................................................. 157
Figure 97 Red Hat 9.0: Static IP Address Setting in ifconfig-eth0 ..................................................... 157
Figure 98 Red Hat 9.0: DNS Settings in resolv.conf ..........................................................................158
Figure 99 Red Hat 9.0: Restart Ethernet Card .................................................................................... 158
Figure 100 Red Hat 9.0: Checking TCP/IP Properties ........................................................................ 158
Figure 101 Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Ad-hoc Network ......................................................... 159
Figure 102 Basic Service Set ............................................................................................................... 160
Figure 103 Infrastructure WLAN ........................................................................................................... 161
Figure 104 RTS/CTS ........................................................................................................................... 162
Figure 105 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ....................................................................... 169
Figure 106 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication ............................................................................................... 170
PLA450 User’s Guide
17
List of Figures
18
PLA450 User’s Guide
List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1 Front Panel LEDs ...................................................................................................................... 25
Table 2 Time ENCRYPT Button is Pressed and Action ......................................................................... 32
Table 3 Status Screen Icon Key ............................................................................................................. 38
Table 4 Web Configurator Status Screen ........................................................................................... 38
Table 5 Screens Summary .................................................................................................................... 40
Table 6 Summary: Packet Statistics ...................................................................................................... 41
Table 7 Summary: Wireless Association List ......................................................................................... 42
Table 8 Summary: My Homeplug Network ............................................................................................ 43
Table 9 Summary: My Homeplug Network ............................................................................................ 44
Table 10 Types of Encryption for Each Type of Authentication ............................................................. 60
Table 11 WMM QoS Priorities ................................................................................................................ 63
Table 12 Network > Wireless LAN > General ........................................................................................ 69
Table 13 Wireless No Security ............................................................................................................... 70
Table 14 Network > Wireless LAN > General: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .................................................. 71
Table 15 Network > Wireless LAN > MAC Filter .................................................................................... 73
Table 16 Network > Wireless LAN > Advanced ..................................................................................... 74
Table 17 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS .............................................................................................. 76
Table 18 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS: Application Priority Configuration ....................................... 77
Table 19 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS ............................................................................................. 78
Table 20 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS ............................................................................................. 80
Table 21 Private IP Address Ranges ..................................................................................................... 81
Table 22 Network > LAN > IP ................................................................................................................ 82
Table 23 Network > HomePlug > Network Settings ............................................................................... 89
Table 24 Network > HomePlug > Edit .................................................................................................... 90
Table 25 Priority Settings ....................................................................................................................... 91
Table 26 Suggested Mappings .............................................................................................................. 92
Table 27 Network > HomePlug > Edit .................................................................................................... 94
Table 28 Maintenance > System > General .......................................................................................... 97
Table 29 Maintenance > System > Time Setting ................................................................................... 99
Table 30 Maintenance > Logs > View Log ........................................................................................... 102
Table 31 Maintenance > Logs > Log Settings ..................................................................................... 103
Table 32 Maintenance > Tools > Firmware .......................................................................................... 105
Table 33 Maintenance Restore Configuration ..................................................................................... 107
Table 34 Maintenance > Config Mode > General ................................................................................. 111
Table 35 Advanced Configuration Options ...........................................................................................111
Table 36 Hardware Features ............................................................................................................... 123
Table 37 Firmware Features ................................................................................................................ 123
Table 38 Standards Supported ............................................................................................................ 124
PLA450 User’s Guide
19
List of Tables
Table 39 Subnet Mask - Identifying Network Number ......................................................................... 136
Table 40 Subnet Masks ....................................................................................................................... 137
Table 41 Maximum Host Numbers ...................................................................................................... 137
Table 42 Alternative Subnet Mask Notation ......................................................................................... 137
Table 43 Subnet 1 ................................................................................................................................ 139
Table 44 Subnet 2 ................................................................................................................................ 140
Table 45 Subnet 3 ................................................................................................................................ 140
Table 46 Subnet 4 ................................................................................................................................ 140
Table 47 Eight Subnets ........................................................................................................................ 140
Table 48 24-bit Network Number Subnet Planning .............................................................................. 141
Table 49 16-bit Network Number Subnet Planning .............................................................................. 141
Table 50 IEEE 802.11g ........................................................................................................................ 163
Table 51 Wireless Security Levels ....................................................................................................... 164
Table 52 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types ............................................................................ 167
Table 53 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ...................................................................................... 170
Table 54 Commonly Used Services ..................................................................................................... 173
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PLA450 User’s Guide
PART I
Introduction
Getting to Know Your PLA-450 (23)
The WPS Button (35)
The ENCRYPT Button (37)
Wireless Tutorial (47)
Introducing the Web Configurator (35)
21
22
CHAPTER 1
Getting to Know Your PLA450
This chapter introduces the main features and applications of the PLA450.
1.1 Overview
The PLA450 is the ideal device for connecting a HomePlug AV powerline network (which
uses your electrical wiring) to your wireless and wired (Ethernet) LAN.
1.1.1 Wireless LAN Application
The PLA450 Wireless LAN feature allows IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g compatible
wireless clients to access the Internet or the local network as well as to communicate with each
other. Wireless stations can move freely anywhere in the coverage area and use resources on
the wired network. The Super G function allows compatible clients to connect to the PLA450
at up to 108 Mbps. In the following figure, wireless clients A and B connect to PLA450 C
wirelessly to access the Internet through broadband modem D.
Figure 1 WLAN Application Example
A
C
1.1.2 HomePlug AV
Connect to other HomePlug AV compatible devices through your home electrical wiring. A
HomePlug AV network is capable of up to 200Mbps data transfer without the need for
network cables. In the following figure, computers A and B use HomePlug AV powerline
adapters and the building’s electrical wiring to connect to the PLA450 C and access the
Internet through broadband modem D.
B
D
PLA450 User’s Guide
23
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your PLA450
Figure 2 HomePlug AV Internet Connection Example
C
D
B
A
1.2 Ways to Manage the PLA450
Use any of the following methods to manage the PLA450.
• WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): You can use the WPS button or the WPS section of the
web configurator to set up a wireless network with your PLA450.
• ENCRYPT: You can use the ENCRYPT button to set up a powerline network with your
PLA450.
• Web Configurator. This is recommended for everyday management of the PLA450 using
a (supported) web browser.
• FTP. Use File Transfer Protocol for firmware upgrades and configuration backup/restore.
" Upgrade to the latest firmware to enable the ENCRYPT feature on your
PLA450.
1.3 Good Habits for Managing the PLA450
Do the following things regularly to make the PLA450 more secure and to manage the
PLA450 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.
24
PLA450 User’s Guide
• 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
1.4 LEDs
Figure 3 Front Panel LEDs
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your PLA450
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 PLA450 to its factory
default settings. If you backed up an earlier configuration file, you would not have to
totally re-configure the PLA450. You could simply restore your last configuration.
The following table describes the LEDs.
Table 1 Front Panel LEDs
LED ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
POWER Green On The PLA450 is receiving power and functioning
properly.
Off The PLA450 is not receiving power.
HomePlug Green On The PLA450 has a successful HomePlug AV
connection.
The PLA450 v2 has a successful HomePlug AV
connection at 40 Mbps.
Blinking The PLA450 is sending/receiving data.
The PLA450 v2 is sending/receiving data at over 40
Mbps.
Amber On The PLA450 v2 has a successful HomePlug AV
Blinking The PLA450 v2 is sending/receiving data at 10~40
Red On The PLA450 v2 has a successful HomePlug AV
Blinking The PLA450 v2 is sending/receiving data at 0~10
Off The HomePlug AV connection is not ready, or failed.
LAN Green On The PLA450 has a successful Ethernet connection.
Blinking The PLA450 is sending/receiving data.
Off The LAN is not connected.
connection at 10~40 Mbps.
Mbps.
connection at 0~10 Mbps.
Mbps.
PLA450 User’s Guide
25
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your PLA450
Table 1 Front Panel LEDs (continued)
LED ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
WLAN Green On The PLA450 is ready, but is not sending/receiving data
through the wireless LAN.
Blinking The PLA450 is sending/receiving data through the
wireless LAN.
Off The wireless LAN is not ready or has failed.
WPS Green On WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is configured on your
Blinking The PLA450 is setting up a WPS connection with
Off WPS is disabled on your device.
device.
another WPS-enabled device.
26
PLA450 User’s Guide
CHAPTER 2
The WPS Button
2.1 Overview
Your PLA450 supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure
wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the WiFi 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.
2.2 Push Button Configuration
WPS Push Button Configuration (PBC) is initiated by pressing a button on each WPS-enabled
device, and allowing them to connect automatically. You do not need to enter any information.
Not every WPS-enabled device has a physical WPS button. Some may have a WPS PBC
button in their configuration utilities instead of or in addition to the physical button.
Take the following steps to set up WPS using the button.
1 Ensure that the two devices you want to set up are within wireless range of one another.
2 Look for a WPS button on each device. If the device does not have one, log into its
configuration utility and locate the button (see the device’s User’s Guide for how to do
this - for the PLA450, see Section 6.10 on page 78).
3 Press the button on one of the devices (it doesn’t matter which).
4 Within two minutes, press the button on the other device. The registrar sends the
network name (SSID) and security key through an secure connection to the enrollee.
If you need to make sure that WPS worked, check the list of associated wireless clients in the
AP’s configuration utility. If you see the wireless client in the list, WPS was successful.
For information on using the WPS PIN method, see Section 6.5.1 on page 64.
PLA450 User’s Guide
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Chapter 2
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PLA450 User’s Guide
CHAPTER 3
The ENCRYPT Button
Use the ENCRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between
your powerline devices.
3.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview
The 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 ENCRYPT button to:
• set up a new powerline network
• separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks
" You need to have version 3.0.5 firmware or later installed to enable the
ENCRYPT feature.
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 ENCRYPT
button on only two devices at a time. The PLA450 and PLA-400 v2 are shown below as
examples.
1 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.
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 powerline devices
need to be plugged into power outlets.
3 Press the ENCRYPT button at the rear of your powerline device for more than 10
seconds until the HomePlug ( ) light is off. This resets the network name to a random
value and removes your device from any network it may belong to.
4 Press the ENCRYPT button at the rear of your powerline device for 1~2 seconds.
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Chapter 3 The ENCRYPT Button
Figure 4 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
5 Repeat step 4 in this section for the other powerline device you wish to connect. This
must be done within 120 seconds of pressing the ENCRYPT button on the PLA450.
6 Check the lights on the two powerline devices. Wait for about one minute while your
powerline devices connect. The HomePlug ( ) lights on both devices turn on when the
connection is made.
press 2 seconds
press 2 seconds
within 2
minutes
V If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the
powerline devices are not connected. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 in this
section. If that doesn’t work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 14.7 on page
120 for suggestions.
7 To add more powerline devices to your network, press the ENCRYPT button on device
C (shown below) for more than 10 seconds until the HomePlug ( ) light flashes.
8 Then repeat steps 4 and 5 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 ENCRYPT button on both devices.
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PLA450 User’s Guide
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