ZyXEL Communications PLA-4xx User Manual

PLA-4xx Series

Powerline Ethernet Adapter Series (PLA-400/400 v2/401/402/470)

User’s Guide

Version 3.00
10/2007
Edition 1

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 PLA-400, PLA-400 v2, PLA­401, PLA-402 and PLA-470 using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version

3.0.0(AG). You should have your basic Internet access or home network already set up.

Related Documentation

• Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains

information on making your hardware connections.

• Supporting Disk
Refer to the included CD for support documents.

• ZyXEL Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com

certifications.

for additional support documentation and product

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: [e-mail]

PLA-4xx Series 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-400, PLA-400 v2, PLA-401, PLA-402 and PLA-470 may be referred to as the
“PLA-4xx”, the “ZyXEL device”, the “device” or the “powerline adapter” in this User’s
Guide.

• The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.0(AG) may be referred to as the
“configuration utility” or the “utility” in this User’s Guide.

• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.

• A key stroke is denoted by square brackets and uppercase text, for example, [ENTER]
means the “enter” or “return” key on your keyboard.

• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters and then press the [ENTER] key.
“Select” or “choose” means for you to use one of the predefined choices.

• A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For example,
Maintenance > Log > Log Setting means you first click Maintenance in the navigation
panel, then the Log sub menu and finally the Log Setting tab to get to that screen.

• Units of measurement may denote the “metric” value or the “scientific” value. For
example, “k” for kilo may denote “1000” or “1024”, “M” for mega may denote “1000000”
or “1048576” and so on.

• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.

Icons Used in Figures

Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA-4xx icons used
may not be an exact representation of your device.

4

PLA-4xx Computer Notebook computer

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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.For
devices that use any external cables or cords [e.g., not for wireless cards]

• Make sure to connect the cables to the correct ports.

• Place connecting cables carefully so that no one will step on them or stumble over them.

• Always disconnect all cables from this device before servicing or disassembling.

• Use ONLY an appropriate power adapter or cord for your device.

• Connect the power adapter or cord to the right supply voltage (for example, 110V AC in
North America or 230V AC in Europe).

• Do NOT allow anything to rest on the power adapter or cord and do NOT place the
product where anyone can walk on the power adapter or cord.

• Do NOT use the device if the power adapter or cord is damaged as it might cause
electrocution.

• If the power adapter or cord is damaged, remove it from the power outlet.

• Do NOT attempt to repair the power adapter or cord. Contact your local vendor to order a
new one.

• Do not use the device outside, and make sure all the connections are indoors. There is a
remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

• Do NOT obstruct the device ventilation slots, as insufficient airflow may harm your
device.

• If you wall mount your device, make sure that no electrical lines, gas or water pipes will
be damaged.

PLA-402 models only:

• Make sure that the cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against
voltage surges.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

5

Safety Warnings

This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.

6

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

About This User's Guide ..........................................................................................................3

Document Conventions............................................................................................................4

Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................5

Table of Contents...................................................................................................................... 7

List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... 9

List of Tables...........................................................................................................................11

Part I: Introduction................................................................................. 13

Chapter 1

Introducing the PLA-4xx ........................................................................................................15

1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 15

1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx .............................................................................. 15

1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx ............................................................................................. 16

1.4 Security ................................................................................................................................ 16

1.4.1 Passwords .................................................................................................................. 16

1.4.2 Setting Up Security .................................................................................................... 16

1.5 Multiple Networks ................................................................................................................ 17

Chapter 2

Installing the Utility.................................................................................................................19

2.1 Overview of the Installation Process .................................................................................... 19

2.2 Installing the Utility ............................................................................................................... 19

Part II: Using the PLA-4xx ..................................................................... 25

Chapter 3

Managing Your PLA-4xx.........................................................................................................27

3.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 27

3.1.1 Powerline Network Security ....................................................................................... 28

3.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) .......................................................................................... 28

3.2 Starting the Configuration Utility .......................................................................................... 28

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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Table of Contents

3.3 Configuration Screen ........................................................................................................... 28

3.4 Firmware Screen ................................................................................................................. 30

3.5 Network Info Screen ............................................................................................................ 31

3.6 Advanced Screen ................................................................................................................ 32

3.7 About Screen ....................................................................................................................... 35

Chapter 4

Powerline Network Setup Tutorial.........................................................................................37

4.0.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 37

4.0.2 Important Terms ......................................................................................................... 38

4.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ............................................................................ 38

4.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter ....................................................................................... 39

4.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ......................................................... 41

4.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ....................................................................... 42

4.1 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 44

Chapter 5

LEDs and Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................47

5.1 LEDs .................................................................................................................................... 47

5.1.1 PLA-401 ..................................................................................................................... 47

5.1.2 PLA-400/400 v2/402 .................................................................................................. 48

5.1.3 PLA-470 ..................................................................................................................... 49

5.2 Power and Light Problems .................................................................................................. 50

5.3 Configuration Utility Problems .............................................................................................51

5.4 Powerline Problems ............................................................................................................. 52

Part III: Appendices and Index.............................................................. 53

Appendix A Product Specifications .................................................................................... 55

Appendix B Customer Support .......................................................................................... 59

Appendix C Legal Information............................................................................................65

Index......................................................................................................................................... 69

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

List of Figures

List of Figures

Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx ................................................................................... 15

Figure 2 .NET Framework Installation Prompt ....................................................................................... 20

Figure 3 Microsoft’s Agreement .............................................................................................................. 20

Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Process ...................................................................................... 21

Figure 5 Microsoft’s Agreement .............................................................................................................. 21

Figure 6 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen ............................................................................................. 21

Figure 7 Customer Information Input ...................................................................................................... 22

Figure 8 Install Destination Folder .......................................................................................................... 22

Figure 9 Restart Screen ......................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 10 Example Network Setup ......................................................................................................... 27

Figure 11 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon ............................................................................... 28

Figure 12 Configuration Screen .............................................................................................................. 29

Figure 13 Firmware Screen .................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 14 Network Info Screen ............................................................................................................... 31

Figure 15 Priority Settings ...................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 16 Advanced Screen ................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 17 About Screen .......................................................................................................................... 35

Figure 18 Plug Your Powerline Adapter into a Power Socket ................................................................. 38

Figure 19 Connect Your Powerline Adapter to a Computer .................................................................... 38

Figure 20 Click on the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon ........................................................... 39

Figure 21 Add a Printer to Your Powerline Network ............................................................................... 39

Figure 22 Adding a New Adapter ........................................................................................................... 40

Figure 23 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network .............................................................................40

Figure 24 Network Name Pop-up ........................................................................................................... 40

Figure 25 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network ..................................................................... 41

Figure 26 Making a New Network with the New Adapter ....................................................................... 42

Figure 27 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network ................................................................... 42

Figure 28 Adding an Adapter to Your New Network ............................................................................... 43

Figure 29 Incorrect DAK or No DAK ....................................................................................................... 43

Figure 30 Correct DAK ........................................................................................................................... 43

Figure 31 An Adapter on Your New Network .......................................................................................... 44

Figure 32 Adapters on a New Powerline Network ..................................................................................44

Figure 33 PLA-401 Lights ....................................................................................................................... 47

Figure 34 PLA-400/402 Lights ................................................................................................................ 48

Figure 35 PLA-470 Lights ....................................................................................................................... 49

Figure 36 Wall-mounting Example .......................................................................................................... 58

Figure 37 RJ-45 Connector Pins ............................................................................................................ 58

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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List of Figures

10

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

List of Tables

List of Tables

Table 1 Password Summary ................................................................................................................... 16

Table 2 Configuration Screen ................................................................................................................. 29

Table 3 Network Info Screen .................................................................................................................. 32

Table 4 Priority Settings .......................................................................................................................... 33

Table 5 Advanced Screen ....................................................................................................................... 35

Table 6 About Screen ............................................................................................................................. 35

Table 7 PLA-401 Lights .......................................................................................................................... 47

Table 8 PLA-400/402 Lights ................................................................................................................... 48

Table 9 PLA-400 v2 Lights ...................................................................................................................... 49

Table 10 PLA-470 Lights ........................................................................................................................ 50

Table 11 Hardware Specifications ........................................................................................................... 55

Table 12 Firmware Specifications ........................................................................................................... 56

Table 13 Performance ............................................................................................................................ 57

Table 14 Standards Supported ............................................................................................................... 57

Table 15 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments .......................................................................................... 58

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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List of Tables

12

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

PART I

Introduction

Introducing the PLA-4xx (15)

Installing the Utility (19)

13

14

CHAPTER 1

Introducing the PLA-4xx

1.1 Overview

This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA-4xx HomePlug AV
compliant powerline adapter. See Appendix A on page 55 for detailed product specifications.

In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring network and coaxial cable network are both 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 PLA-4xx

The PLA-4xx 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. (See Appendix A on page 55 for speeds currently supported
by the PLA-4xx.) The PLA-4xx uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure
safe transfer of information.

Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx

Connect your PLA-4xx to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary
power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA-4xx into another power outlet and connect a
computer to the PLA-4xx for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by
plugging additional PLA-4xxs 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. Refer to Appendix A on

page 55 for wall mounting instructions.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-4xx

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx.
See Section 2.2 on page 19 for instructions on installing the utility.

" This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only

compatible with a PLA-4xx which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t
already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL
website.

1.4 Security

Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up
security on your PLA-4xx.

1.4.1 Passwords

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

Table 1 Password Summary

PASSWORD DESCRIPTION

Network Name All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are

shipped with the same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”.
Change this password via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration
Utility to create a private network. See Section 3.3 on page 28.

DAK (Data Access
Key) Password

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline
network you must enter the adapters’ DAK password in the PLA-4xx
Series Configuration Utility. This password is printed on the
powerline adapter itself.

You don’t need to add the password for the powerline adapter
directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility
(local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote powerline
adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but not directly
connected to your computer).

1.4.2 Setting Up Security

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-4xx. Although
the PLA-4xx is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for
enabling security on the powerline network in your home.

1 It’s easy and only requires you to change a password.
2 It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA-4xx

and other powerline adapters, the electrical wiring in your home becomes an extension
of your Ethernet network. Your network traffic flows freely within the electrical circuit
of your home and is bounded in most cases by a power meter.

Without security (encryption) your information is accessible to anyone using a
powerline adapter on the same electrical circuit. In some cases, a circuit can be shared by
more than one household.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

To prevent compromising your network security, you can create a private network. A
private network uses a secret password to make sure that only permitted powerline
adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 3.3 on page 28 for information
on setting up a private network.

" Buildings and even streets may share a coaxial cable connection. If your

powerline network uses a coaxial cable, the network will probably extend
outside your premises. In this case make your network more secure with a
private network name.

3 You may need to change the password to create multiple powerline networks. See the

next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

1.5 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 password (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 password (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 password can
communicate with each other.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

17

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

18

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

CHAPTER 2

Installing the Utility

This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA-4xx.

2.1 Overview of the Installation Process

The installation of the configuration utility does the following:

1 Checks for and installs Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 1.1 software on your

computer. This software is necessary for the installation of the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility. If you already have .NET Framework version 1.1 installed on
your computer this step will be skipped.

2 Installs ZyXEL’s PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to

manage the network name (See Section 3.3 on page 28 for more information) or view the
devices recognized on your powerline network.

" At the time of writing the utility is only compatible on Microsoft Windows XP

and Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit version) operating systems.

" This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only

compatible with a PLA-4xx which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t
already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL
website.

2.2 Installing the Utility

Follow the steps below to install .NET Framework version 1.1 and the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility on your computer.

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 1.1. Click Ye s to continue with the installation.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

19

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

Figure 2 .NET Framework Installation Prompt

2 Review Microsoft’s License Agreement, select I agree and click Install to proceed.

Figure 3 Microsoft’s Agreement

20

3 The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Process

4 Click OK to complete the installation process.

Figure 5 Microsoft’s Agreement

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

5 The Setup utility runs automatically. Click Yes or Next to continue through the initial

screen. Click Cancel only if you want to abort the installation.

Figure 6 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

21

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

6 Fill in the User Name and Company Name fields (optional). If you want the utility to

be only available to the currently logged in user, select Only for me(...). Otherwise,
click Next to continue and allow all users to use the configuration utility.

Figure 7 Customer Information Input

7 Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Change to specify a

different location on your computer.

Figure 8 Install Destination Folder

8 When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm the InstallShield Wizard

has successfully installed the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to your computer.
Click Finish to exit the wizard.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

Figure 9 Restart Screen

9 The following pop-up appears. Click Yes to restart your computer, or click No to restart

your computer later.

" 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.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

23

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

24

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

PART II

Using the PLA-4xx

Managing Your PLA-4xx (27)

Powerline Network Setup Tutorial (37)

LEDs and Troubleshooting (47)

25

26

CHAPTER 3

Managing Your PLA-4xx

This chapter shows you how to use the utility to manage security and update software on the
PLA-4xxs in your powerline network.

3.1 Overview

The PLA-4xx is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that
once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-4xxs 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). For the PLA-402 models you have the
option to use coaxial cables (B) to expand your network.

Figure 10 Example Network Setup

B

A

All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The
range varies depending on the quality of your home’s wiring. In the case of coaxial cable this
can extend beyond the boundary of your home (for example your neighbor’s house or
apartment).

" See Section 3.1.1 on page 28 for more information on enhancing your powerline

network security.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

27

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

3.1.1 Powerline Network Security

When the PLA-4xxs 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 password allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted
information sent in the powerline network.

By default the PLA-4xxs are all configured with the password 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.

3.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the
adapters’ password in the PLA-4xx 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).

3.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

To launch the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the
configuration icon on your desktop.

Figure 11 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon

Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs >
ZyXEL Communication Corporation > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility.

3.3 Configuration Screen

Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline
network, gain access to managing remote devices (those not directly connected to the
computer running the utility) and change the powerline network name. This screen opens up
when you launch the utility.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

" Use the icon to view online help information in each screen of the utility.

Figure 12 Configuration Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 2 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) connected
directly to the PLA-4xx. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your
computer has two network cards and both are connected to a powerline device 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 PLA-4xx displayed on a sticker
on the bottom of your device.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

Table 2 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 PLA-4xx.

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

Network Name The default network name (sometimes called a network password) of the PLA-4xx 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 1 to 64 alphanumeric characters in length; spaces are
not allowed.

Save Click this to apply your changes. The new Network Name is applied to the selected

powerline adapter.

printed on the label (all caps and with dashes “-”).

Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the selected

powerline adapter before you can make changes to it.

3.4 Firmware Screen

" To upgrade to the latest firmware, use the firmware upgrade tool available from

the ZyXEL website (www.zyxel.com). Make sure you also upgrade the PLA-4xx
Series Configuration Utility if you do so, as older version utilities are not
compatible with PLA-4xxs using the latest firmware.

" Be sure to upload the correct model firmware as uploading the wrong model

firmware may damage your device.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Figure 13 Firmware Screen

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

3.5 Network Info Screen

Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA-4xx is communicating
with other powerline adapters on your powerline network.

Figure 14 Network Info Screen

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3 Network Info Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different

Central
Coordinator
MAC

The information provided in the following table reflects transmission rate information about the
powerline adapters which communicate in your powerline network.

The powerline adapters listed in this table are all the powerline adapters in your powerline network
except the powerline adapter selected in the Configuration page of the configuration utility. In other
words, if the Local powerline adapter is selected in the Configuration screen, then this table will
display the rates of transmission from the powerline adapter connected to the computer running the
configuration utility to all the Remote powerline adapters.

Site This field displays:

MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of your powerline adapter. The MAC address of

Transmit Rate
(Mbps)

Receive Rate
(Mbps)

powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected
directly to the PLA-4xx. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your
computer has two network cards and both are connected to a PLA-4xx, then you have
two powerline networks.

The Central Coordinator of the powerline network is the powerline adapter which
keeps track of which devices are part of the network as well as synchronizes
communication within the powerline network. If the Central Coordinator is removed
from the powerline network then another powerline adapter takes its place. This field
displays the MAC address of the PLA-4xx which is the Central Coordinator of the
powerline network. This powerline adapters in your powerline network automatically
select the Central Coordinator.

• Local, if it is the PLA-4xx directly connected to the computer running the
configuration utility.

• Remote, if it is a PLA-4xx in your powerline network but not directly connected to
the computer running the configuration utility.

your powerline adapter can be found by looking at the label on your device. It consists
of six pairs of hexadecimal characters (hexadecimal characters are “0-9” and “a-f”). In
the case of the PLA-4xx, this label is on the bottom of the device.

This field displays how fast information is sent from the powerline adapter selected in
the Configuration screen to this powerline adapter. The rate is given in the following
format: “application data transmission rate / raw data transmission rate”. Application
data reflects more accurately how fast devices are transmitting application relevant
traffic (for example Internet Protocol (IP) traffic). Raw data refers to the whole payload
of the packets transmitted across the powerline network.

This field displays how fast information is received from the powerline adapter
selected in the Configuration screen to this powerline adapter. The rate is given in
the following format: “application data transmission rate / raw data transmission rate”.
Application data reflects more accurately how fast devices are transmitting application
relevant traffic (for example Internet Protocol (IP) traffic). Raw data refers to the whole
payload of the packets transmitted across the powerline network.

3.6 Advanced Screen

" This feature is only available with the latest version utility. Go to the ZyXEL

website to download the latest utility and firmware for your ZyXEL HomePlug
AV adapter.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

You can configure the powerline adapters on your network to give priority to network traffic
depending on its importance. When you set the priority of a powerline adapter, you set how
quickly messages FROM your powerline adapter are sent in your powerline network.
Transmissions TO your powerline adapter do not receive any priority.

For example, if you have a file server on your home network to deliver music and movie files
to computers in your home, you should set the priority of the powerline adapter connected to
this server to Medium. If video traffic is delivered too slowly, quality problems may occur.

On the other hand, a powerline adapter attached to a printer should have a low priority setting
since the slow delivery of messages will not affect the print job.

Similarly, if you want to prioritize any downloads from the Internet, set the priority on the
powerline adapter attached to your Internet gateway to High.

Allocate priority settings based on application type as follows.

Table 4 Priority Settings

PRIORITY LEVEL APPLICATION

High Voice Application

Medium Video and Audio

Applications

Normal Data Applications

Low Data Applications

The figure below shows an example powerline home network connected to the Internet.

• Device A is a printer and does not handle traffic with high importance, so the powerline
adapter connected to it can be set to low priority.

• Device B is a file server, delivering audio or movie files to other users on the network. The
powerline adapter attached to it should have a medium setting.

• Device C, a home computer which connects to the Internet, can receive a normal priority
setting as it usually sends simple requests for data. For example, when you surf the
Internet, your computer sends requests to open web pages.

• Device D is a modem attached to the Internet. It should receive a high priority setting if
you want faster downloading through your network.

• Although device E receives audio or movie files, it does not send a lot of traffic, so the
powerline adaptor attached to it can be set to a low priority.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

33

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

Figure 15 Priority Settings

Internet

C

D

B

E

A

Use this screen to configure priority settings for traffic from the powerline adapters on your
network.

Figure 16 Advanced Screen

34

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Advanced Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different

Site This field displays:

MAC Address This is a read-only field which shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter you

Priority Select a priority setting from the drop-down box for traffic FROM your selected device.

Save Click this to apply your changes. The new Priority setting is applied to the selected

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.

• Local, if it is the PLA-4xx 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.

are configuring. You can find the MAC address of your PLA-4xx displayed on a sticker
on the bottom of your device.

The options, in order of importance, are High, Medium, Normal and Low.

powerline adapter.

3.7 About Screen

Use the About screen to view information regarding the configuration utility and firmware
version of the PLA-4xx you are connected to. Click the icon in the top right corner of the
utility to view the About screen.

Figure 17 About Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6 About Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Utility version: This field displays the software version of the configuration utility.

Firmware
version

Released This field displays the date when the firmware was released.

Close Click the button in upper right corner to close the About window.

This field displays the firmware version of the device you selected in the Device
Selection field of the Configuration screen.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

35

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx

36

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

CHAPTER 4

Powerline Network Setup

Tutorial

Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network.

4.0.1 Overview

After setting up your first home powerline network (instructions for that are in the Quick Start
Guide for your ZyXEL powerline adapter) you may want to extend the network or create a
new one by adding additional powerline adapters. This tutorial shows you the following.

• How to start up your new powerline adapter. You need to do this before you can begin the
next sections.

• How to make your existing powerline network bigger by adding new powerline adapters.

• How to make a new network separate from your existing network with new powerline
adapters.

• How to make a new, separate powerline network with the powerline adapters you have.

The tutorial uses the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up your powerline adapter.

If you haven’t already installed the utility, see Chapter 4 on page 37 for instructions. If you do
not have the CD with the utility, the utility software is also available for download at
www.zyxel.com. Navigate to the powerline products section of the ZyXEL website to find this
software. Follow the instructions provided by the software to install it on your computer.

See the product specifications in the User’s Guide for a list of hardware and software
compatible with the utility.

" The PLA-4xx in this tutorial is an example only. Your powerline adapter may be

different.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

37

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

4.0.2 Important Terms

Network Name
(NMK)

DAK Password DAK = Device Access Key.

NMK = Network Membership Key.
The network name allows a powerline adapter to connect with other

powerline adapters that have the same network name. It provides
security for your powerline network. The network name uses English
letters or numbers, from 1 to 64 characters long, with no spaces
allowed.

The DAK Password lets you access the powerline adapter. You can
find the DAK Password on a label on your powerline device.

4.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter

1 Attach the power cord that came in the package to your powerline adapter.
2 Plug the power cord of the powerline adapter you want to add to your network into a

power socket and, if needed, switch the power socket on.

Figure 18 Plug Your Powerline Adapter into a Power Socket

1

2

3 Connect the powerline adapter to your computer.
4 Use a LAN or Ethernet cable (shown below) to connect the LAN or Ethernet port on

your adapter to the same kind of port on your computer.

Figure 19 Connect Your Powerline Adapter to a Computer

3

4

5 Open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility on your computer. Go to Start > (All)

Programs > ZyXEL Communication Corporation > PLA-4xx Series Configuration
Utility, or click on the icon on your desktop shown below.

38

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Figure 20 Click on the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon

6 You are now ready to extend your powerline network or set up a second network.

• See Section 4.0.4 on page 39 to add a new powerline adapter to your network.

• See Section 4.0.5 on page 41 to set up a second network with your new adapters.

• See Section 4.0.6 on page 42 to set up a second network with your existing adapters.

4.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter

This section shows you how to add a new powerline adapter to expand your existing network.

The figure below shows the family computer with Internet access on a powerline network.
Expand the network by adding a new powerline adapter connected to a printer.

Figure 21 Add a Printer to Your Powerline Network

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Internet

" You do not need to know the network name of the new adapter to add it to your

network.

1 Connect your computer to the powerline adapter you want to add to your network and

open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 4.0.3 on page 38).

2 The utility should open to the configuration tab. On this screen in the Site column your

new powerline adapter should appear as Local (A). Check the Local adapter’s MAC
address (B). It should match the MAC address listed on the label on the back of your
powerline adapter.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

39

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Figure 22 Adding a New Adapter

A

3 Select your adapter by selecting Local and type the network name for your existing

network in the Network Name field (C).

Figure 23 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network

B

C

40

4 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up.

Figure 24 Network Name Pop-up

5 Your new adapter will now have the same Network Name as your existing network and

so has now joined your existing network.

6 Connect the adapter to the device you want to add to the network, for example, your

Internet refrigerator in the kitchen.

7 Plug the adapter’s power cord into a power outlet and, if required, switch the power

outlet on.

8 Repeat this procedure for all additional powerline adapters that you want to add to your

existing or new powerline network.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

4.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter

This section shows you how to use your new powerline adapters to set up a new powerline
network separate to your existing network.

The figure below shows two powerline networks in a house. The first network (1) shows the
home computer connected to a printer and access to the Internet. The second network (2) has
no Internet access but with a media adapter such as the ZyXEL DMA-1100P you can use your
TV to watch movies and play games which are stored on a computer.

Figure 25 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network

1

Internet

2

1 Connect your new powerline adapter and open the configuration utility as shown in

Section 4.0.5 on page 41. The screen shown below appears.

2 Type a Network Name that is different from the Network Name for your existing

network. Make sure you use the same new Network Name for all new adapters you
want to add to your new network.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

41

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Figure 26 Making a New Network with the New Adapter

3 After you have set up a new network, you are ready to connect each powerline adapter

on your new network to devices, for example, a computer or a games console.

4.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks

This section shows you how to split your existing network into two networks. This is useful if
you want to set up a second powerline network in your home, for example, in your study
connecting a laptop and printer. See Figure 25 on page 41 for an example.

To set up your existing powerline network you had to set each powerline adapter with the
same network name. To move some of these adapters to a new network, you need to give them
a new network name.

1 Connect a powerline adapter to your computer and open the PLA-4xx Series

Configuration Utility (see Section 4.0.3 on page 38).

2 The utility should open to the configuration tab as shown below. A list of powerline

adapters on your network displays. These adapters all have the same network name as
the adapter you are connected to. The adapter you are connected to will appear as Local
in this table. All others are listed as Remote.

Figure 27 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network

42

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

3 To set up a new powerline network, type the DAK Password and change the Network

Name on all powerline adapters you wish to add to your network.

• Look for the DAK Password on a label on your powerline adapter. The DAK
Password lets you access the adapter.

• Select the Remote adapter you want to add (A) and type the DAK Password in
the DAK Password field (B).

• Then type the new network name in the Network Name field.

Figure 28 Adding an Adapter to Your New Network

A

B

4 Click Save.

• If you do not type the DAK password or type it incorrectly either of the following pop­ups appears. Click OK and type the DAK Password correctly in the DAK Password
field.

Figure 29 Incorrect DAK or No DAK

• If you have correctly entered the DAK Password, click OK on the pop-up.

Figure 30 Correct DAK

5 The settings for the adapter will now grey out and the adapter will disappear from the

table after a few minutes.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

43

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Figure 31 An Adapter on Your New Network

6 Go back to step 3 in this section to set the same, new Network Name for all remote

adapters you want to add to your new network.

7 Check you have added the adapters correctly by changing the password for the local

adapter. All adapters with the new Network Name now appear in the list of adapters on
your network. These adapters are now part of your new network.

Figure 32 Adapters on a New Powerline Network

• If you want to access any of your new powerline networks using the PLA-4xx Series
Configuration Utility, change the Network Name on your local adapter to the network

name for the network you want to access. The adapters on that network will then display
in the adapter table, allowing you to select and configure each one.

4.1 Troubleshooting

44

The LINK ( ) LED (light) should light up on your adapter when it successfully connects to
other adapters on your network. If it does not, try the following measures.

• Make sure the adapter is plugged in to a power socket and the power socket is turned on.

• Check you have entered the correct network name for your network.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

• Check your powerline adapter is connected to the same electrical circuit as other
powerline adapters on your network.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

45

Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

46

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

CHAPTER 5

LEDs and Troubleshooting

This chapter describes the behavior of the LEDs (lights) and offers some suggestions to solve
problems you might encounter.

5.1 LEDs

The following sections describes the lights on the PLA-400, PLA-400 v2 and PLA-402, the
PLA-401, and the PLA-470.

5.1.1 PLA-401

The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-401. Use the lights to determine if the PLA­4xx is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network.

Figure 33 PLA-401 Lights

The following table describes the lights’ behavior.

Table 7 PLA-401 Lights

LIGHT ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER On The PLA-401 is on and receiving power.

Off The PLA-401 is not receiving power.

LINK On The POWER port detects another powerline adapter.

Blinking The PLA-401 is communicating with another powerline adapter.

Off The POWER port is not detecting another powerline adapter.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

47

Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting

LIGHT ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION

ETHERNET On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-401 detects

5.1.2 PLA-400/400 v2/402

The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-400, PLA-400 v2 and PLA-402. Use the
lights to determine if your PLA-4xx is behaving normally or if there are some problems on
your powerline network.

Figure 34 PLA-400/402 Lights

a device connected to it.

Blinking The PLA-401 is communicating with a router, modem, switch or

a computer connected to it.

Off The PLA-401 does not detect any devices connected to its

ETHERNET port.

The following tables describes the lights’ behavior.

Table 8 PLA-400/402 Lights

LIGHTS ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER On The PLA-400/402 is on and receiving power.

Off The PLA-400/402 is not receiving power.

LINK On The POWER port detects another powerline adapter.

Blinking The PLA-400/402 is communicating with another powerline

Off The POWER port is not detecting another powerline adapter.

ETHERNET On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-400 detects a

Blinking The PLA-400/402 is communicating with a router, modem,

Off The PLA-400/402 does not detect any devices connected to its

adapter.

device connected to it.

switch or a computer connected to it.

ETHERNET port.

48

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting

.

Table 9 PLA-400 v2 Lights

LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER Green On The PLA-400 v2 is on and receiving power.

It also indicates a successful connection using the
ENCRYPT button.

Blinking The PLA-400 v2 is trying to connect with another device

using the ENCRYPT function.
Blinking at the same time as the LINK light indicates an

unsuccessful connection if you have used the
ENCRYPT button.

Off The PLA-400 v2 is not receiving power.

LINK Green On The PLA-400 v2 detects another powerline adapter.

Amber The PLA-400 v2 detects another powerline adapter.

Red The PLA-400 v2 detects another powerline adapter.

Green/
Amber/
Red

ETHERNET Green On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-400

Blinking The PLA-400 v2 is communicating with another

Off The LINK port does not detect another powerline

Blinking The PLA-400 v2 is communicating with a networking

Off The PLA-400 v2 does not detect any devices

The data transfer rate is greater than 40 Mbps.

The data transfer rate is between 10~40 Mbps.

The data transfer rate is between 0~10 Mbps.

powerline adapter. Data is being transmitted and/or
received.

Blinking at the same time as the POWER light indicates
an unsuccessful connection if you have used the
ENCRYPT button.

adapter.

v2 detects a device connected to it.

device connected to it.

connected to its ETHERNET port.

5.1.3 PLA-470

The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-470. Use the lights to determine if the PLA­470 is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network.

Figure 35 PLA-470 Lights

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

49

Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting

The following table describes the lights’ behavior.

Table 10 PLA-470 Lights

LIGHTS ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER On The PLA-470 is on and receiving power.

Off The PLA-470 is not receiving power.

LINK On The POWER port detects another powerline adapter.

Blinking The PLA-470 is communicating with another powerline

Off The POWER port is not detecting another powerline

ETHERNET On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-470

Blinking The PLA-470 is communicating with a router, modem,

Off The PLA-470 does not detect any devices connected to its

5.2 Power and Light Problems

adapter.

adapter.

detects a device connected to it.

switch or a computer connected to it.

ETHERNET port.

V The PLA-4xx does not turn on. None of the lights turn on.

1 Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA-4xx.
2 Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA-4xx and plugged in to an appropriate

power source. Make sure the power source is turned on.

3 Disconnect and re-connect the power cord to the PLA-4xx.
4 Remove the powerline adapter from the outlet. Then connect an electrical device that

you know works into the same power outlet. This checks the status of the power outlet.

5 If the problem continues, contact the vendor.

V The ETHERNET light does not turn on.

1 Check the hardware connections. See the Quick Start Guide.
2 Inspect your cables for damage. Contact the vendor to replace any damaged cables.
3 Check the Ethernet adapter on your computer and make sure it’s enabled and working

properly.

4 If the PLA-4xx is connected to an Ethernet switch or router, make sure the device is

working correctly, and that the LAN network is working and configured correctly as
well.

50

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

V The LINK light does not turn on.

1 Check all PLA-4xxs on your network have the latest firmware installed. PLA-4xxs with

the latest firmware cannot communicate with PLA-4xxs using earlier versions of the
firmware. Go to Section 3.4 on page 30 for instructions on installing the latest firmware.

2 Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to detect all other HomePlug devices on

your powerline network. Make sure that the network name (sometimes called the
network password) is the same on all of your powerline adapters. See Section 3.3 on

page 28 for instructions on checking the network name.

3 Check the DAK password and MAC address for all powerline adapters are typed

correctly in the utility. See Section 3.3 on page 28 for instructions on checking the DAK
and MAC address.

4 Make sure that all your powerline adapters are HomePlug AV compliant. Check the

package it came in or ask your vendor. This PLA-4xx can not detect earlier versions of
HomePlug powerline adapters such as HomePlug 1.0 or 1.0.1. (Although they can
coexist on the same electrical wiring without interfering with each other.)

5 Make sure that the powerline adapters on your network are all on the same electrical

wiring. Connect another powerline adapter into an outlet close to your PLA-4xx’s power
outlet. They are probably now on the same electrical wiring. Check the LINK light.
If it now lights up your powerline adapter was probably previously on separate electrical
wiring. Ask an electrician for more information on the electrical wiring in your building.

6 If your powerline network is using coaxial cable, check all powerline adapters are on the

same coaxial cable.

7 If your powerline network is using electrical wiring (not coaxial cable), check you do not

have a power meter between powerline adapters. Powerline signals cannot pass this.

Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting

V The POWER and LINK light blink at the same time.

• You have pressed the ENCRYPT button for more than three seconds. Try setting up a
connection again, this time pressing the ENCRYPT buttons on both devices for less than
three seconds.

5.3 Configuration Utility Problems

V The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility displays an error during installation.

• Make sure your computer is using Windows XP or Windows Vista (32-bit) operating
system. At the time of writing, this is the only compatible operating system for the
configuration utility.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

51

Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting

V The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility does not display all or any of my

devices.

• Inspect the LEDs on your PLA-4xx and make sure that the ETHERNET and LINK LEDs
are on or blinking. See Section 5.2 on page 50 for troubleshooting LED related problems.

• Check all ZyxEL HomePlug AV devices on your network have the latest firmware
installed. The latest utility cannot communicate with PLA-4xxs using earlier versions of
the firmware. Go to Section 3.4 on page 30 for instructions on installing the latest
firmware.

• Check you are using the latest version utility. Earlier version utilities cannot communicate
with PLA-4xxs using the latest firmware. If you do not have the latest utility, download it
from the ZyXEL website.

5.4 Powerline Problems

V The signal on my powerline network is weak.

1 Your powerline adapters may be connected to electrical surge protectors. Connect them

to standard power outlets.

2 Your powerline adapters may be located close to large appliances such as refrigerators or

air-conditioners that cause interference with the powerline signal. Move the adapters
further away from such appliances to reduce interference.

3 Your powerline adapters may be placed close to electrical devices such as electrical

insect-killers which produce radio waves. These may interfere with the powerline
signals. Move the adapters further away from such electrical devices.

4 Your wiring may be old and/or low quality or with a long wiring path.

52

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

PART III

Appendices and

Index

Product Specifications (55)

Customer Support (59)

Legal Information (65)

Index (69)

53

54

APPENDIX A

Product Specifications

The following tables summarize the PLA-4xx’s hardware and firmware features.

Tabl e 11 Hardware Specifications

Dimensions (W x D x H) PLA-400/400 v2/402

112 (L) mm x 106 (D) mm x 28.5 (H) mm

PLA-470

162 (L) mm x 118 (D) mm x 40 (H) mm

Power Input 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.12 A

Ethernet Port Auto-negotiating: 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps in either half-duplex or full-duplex

RESET Pressing this button in for less than 3 seconds resets the device to factory

ENCRYPT Pressing this button in for less than 3 seconds begins the connection setup

Operation Environment Temperature: 0º C ~ 45º C

Storage Environment Temperature: -10º C ~ 70º C

Cabling Type PLA-400/400 v2/402/470

Network Interface PLA-400/400 v2/401/402/470

mode.
Auto-crossover: Use either crossover or straight-through Ethernet cables.

default settings. Network Name becomes HomePlugAV.
Pressing this button in for more than 10 seconds resets the firmware to the

previous version.

process.
Pressing this button in for more than 10 seconds resets the network name

to a random value.

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% Noncondensing

Humidity: 10% ~ 85% Noncondensing

1 x Power Cord

PLA-400/400 v2/402

1 x LAN UTP Category 5 or Better

PLA-402

1 x Coaxial Cable

PLA-470

4 x LAN UTP Category 5 or Better

1 x 200 Mbps Powerline port compliant with HomePlug AV standard

PLA-400/400 v2/401/402

1 x 10/100M BASE-T Ethernet port with Auto MDI/MDIX

PLA-470

4 x 10/100 M Base-T Ethernet Ports with Auto MDI/MDIX

PLA-402

1 x Coaxial Cable Port

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

55

Appendix A Product Specifications

Tabl e 11 Hardware Specifications

Distance between the
centers of the holes on
the device’s back.

Recommended type of
screws for wall-mounting

Table 12 Firmware Specifications

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Powerline Functionality The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices

Encryption 128-bit AES Encryption

Frequency Band 1.8 MHz ~ 30 MHz

Certifications FCC, CE, CUL, UL, HomePlug AV, RoHS

Device Management Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.0(AG) to easily

PLA-400/400 v2/402

74 mm

PLA-470

115 0 mm

PLA-400/400 v2/402/470

M3 Tap Screw

communicate using standard electrical wiring.
It supports a data transfer rate of up to 200Mbps.
Data is encrypted using 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
HomePlug AV compatible devices co-exist with HomePlug 1.0 devices

but do not detect each other.
The range of a HomePlug AV network is 300 meters/984 feet in optimal

conditions.
HomePlug AV is compatible with all OSs.
The maximum number of powerline devices on a single network is 16.
Support for 64 devices communicating on a single network is planned for

future firmware release.
HomePlug AV devices using the latest version firmware cannot

communicate with earlier version firmware.

configure the PLA-4xx.

56

Note: The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version

3.0.0(AG) is only compatible with PLA-4xxs with
the latest firmware installed.

Network Name Change the powerline network name to only allow the powerline

adapters you specify to join your network.

Firmware Upgrade Download new firmware (when available) from the ZyXEL website and

use the configuration utility to install it.

Note: You do not need the configuration utility to

install the latest firmware. Follow the
instructions in Section 3.4 on page 30 for
installing the latest firmware.

Note: Only install firmware for your specific model!

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Appendix A Product Specifications

Table 13 Performance

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Throughput over PHYsical Transport
Medium (PHY)

Throughput over UDP Supports up to 150 Mbps over in-house power/coaxial

Number of devices in one powerline
network

The following list, which is not exhaustive, illustrates the standards supported in the PLA-4xx.

Table 14 Standards Supported

STANDARD DESCRIPTION

HomePlug AV Designed for transmitting audio/video on a home powerline network.

RFC 868 Time Protocol.

RFC 1112 IGMP v1

RFC 1157 SNMPv1: Simple Network Management Protocol version 1

RFC 1901 SNMP v2c Simple Network Management Protocol version 2c

RFC 2236 Internet Group Management Protocol, Version 2.

Supports up to 200 Mbps in half duplex mode

lines (LAN port limits to 100 Mbps)

Supports up to 64 devices in 4 network groups

Wall-mounting Instructions

Complete the following steps to hang your PLA-4xx on a wall.

" See Table 11 on page 55 for the size of screws to use and how far apart to place

them.

1 Select a high position on a sturdy wall that is free of obstructions.
2 Drill two holes for the screws. The distance between the centers of the holes is listed in

the product specifications appendix.

1 Be careful to avoid damaging pipes or cables located inside the wall when

drilling holes for the screws.

3 Do not insert the screws all the way into the wall. Leave a small gap of about 0.5 cm

between the heads of the screws and the wall.

4 Make sure the screws are snugly fastened to the wall. They need to hold the weight of

the PLA-4xx with the connection cables.

5 Align the holes on the back of the PLA-4xx with the screws on the wall. Hang the PLA-

4xx on the screws.

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

57

Appendix A Product Specifications

Figure 36 Wall-mounting Example

Cable Pin Assignments

RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments

Figure 37 RJ-45 Connector Pins

Table 15 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments

PIN NO RJ-45 SIGNAL ASSIGNMENT

1 RxD +
2 RxD ­3 TxD +
4 Not connected
5 Not connected
6 TxD ­7 Not connected
8 Not connected

58

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

APPENDIX B

Customer Support

Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support.

Required Information

• Product model and serial number.

• Warranty Information.

• Date that you received your device.

• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.

“+” is the (prefix) number you dial to make an international telephone call.

Corporate Headquarters (Worldwide)

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.com, www.europe.zyxel.com

• FTP: ftp.zyxel.com, ftp.europe.zyxel.com

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science Park,
Hsinchu 300, Taiwan

Costa Rica

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.co.cr

• FTP: ftp.zyxel.co.cr

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Costa Rica, Plaza Roble Escazú, Etapa El Patio, Tercer Piso, San
José, Costa Rica

Czech Republic

• E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.cz

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Appendix B Customer Support

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, Czech s.r.o., Modranská 621, 143 01 Praha 4 ­Modrany, Ceská Republika

Denmark

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.dk

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Columbusvej, 2860 Soeborg, Denmark

Finland

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.fi

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Oy, Malminkaari 10, 00700 Helsinki, Finland

France

• E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.fr

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL France, 1 rue des Vergers, Bat. 1 / C, 69760 Limonest, France

Germany

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.de

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH., Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146, Wuerselen,
Germany

Hungary

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.hu

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Hungary, 48, Zoldlomb Str., H-1025, Budapest, Hungary

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Appendix B Customer Support

India

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone] to [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: http://www.zyxel.in

• Regular Mail: India - ZyXEL Technology India Pvt Ltd., II-Floor, F2/9 Okhla Phase -1,
New Delhi 110020, India

Japan

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.co.jp

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Japan, 3F, Office T&U, 1-10-10 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 141-0022, Japan

Kazakhstan

• Support: http://zyxel.kz/support

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.kz

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Kazakhstan, 43 Dostyk Ave., Office 414, Dostyk Business Centre,
050010 Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

Malaysia

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: http://www.zyxel.com.my

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Malaysia Sdn Bhd., 1-02 & 1-03, Jalan Kenari 17F, Bandar
Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

North America

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Support Telephone: [phone]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.com

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Appendix B Customer Support

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Inc., 1130 N. Miller St., Anaheim, CA 92806­2001, U.S.A.

Norway

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.no

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Nils Hansens vei 13, 0667 Oslo, Norway

Poland

• E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.pl.zyxel.com

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, ul. Okrzei 1A, 03-715 Warszawa, Poland

Russia

• Support: http://zyxel.ru/support

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.ru

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Russia, Ostrovityanova 37a Str., Moscow 117279, Russia

Singapore

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: http://www.zyxel.com.sg

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Singapore Pte Ltd., No. 2 International Business Park, The Strategy
#03-28, Singapore 609930

Spain

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.es

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, Arte, 21 5ª planta, 28033 Madrid, Spain

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Appendix B Customer Support

Sweden

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.se

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg, Sweden

Thailand

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: http://www.zyxel.co.th

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Thailand Co., Ltd., 1/1 Moo 2, Ratchaphruk Road, Bangrak-Noi,
Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

Ukraine

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone]

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.ua.zyxel.com

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Ukraine, 13, Pimonenko Str., Kiev 04050, Ukraine

United Kingdom

• Support E-mail: [e-mail]

• Sales E-mail: [e-mail]

• Telephone: [phone] (UK only)

• Fax: [phone]

• Web: www.zyxel.co.uk

• FTP: ftp.zyxel.co.uk

• Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications UK Ltd., 11 The Courtyard, Eastern Road,
Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2XB, United Kingdom (UK)

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Appendix B Customer Support

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

APPENDIX C

Legal Information

Copyright

Copyright © 2007 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed,
stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, manual, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

ZyXEL does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or
software described herein. Neither does it convey any license under its patent rights nor the
patent rights of others. ZyXEL further reserves the right to make changes in any products
described herein without notice. This publication is subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

ZyNOS (ZyXEL Network Operating System) is a registered trademark of ZyXEL
Communications, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for
identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners.

Certifications

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement

The device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operations.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

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65

Appendix C Legal Information

If this device does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be
determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

4 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CE-Konformität

Das Produkt entspricht den grundlegenden Anforderungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
(R&TTE) sowie den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen des FTEG und ist zum Betrieb in
der EU und Schweiz vorgesehen. Das Produkt ist eine Einrichtung der Klasse A. Diese
Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich Funkstörungen verursachen; in diesem Fall kann vom
Betreiber verlangt werden, angemessene Massnahmen durchzuführen.

Conformité CE

Le produit satisfait aux exigences techniques de la directive 1999/5/CE (R&TTE) et est conçu
pour être utilisé au sein de la Communauté européenne et en Suisse. Le produit fait partie de la
classe A, ce qui signifie que son exploitation peut entraîner des bruits parasites dans les zones
d'habitation; le cas échéant, l'exploitant peut être tenu de prendre des mesures appropriées
pour remédier au dérangement.

Conformità CE

Questo prodotto soddisfa le richieste tecniche della direttiva 1999/5/EG (R&TTE) ed è
previsto per il funzionamento nella UE e in Svizzera.Il prodotto è dispositivo della classe A.
Questo dispositivo può causare nel settore abitativo dei radiodisturbi.

In questo caso può essere richiesto al gestore di prendere opportune misure.

Notices

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Viewing Certifications

1 Go to http://www.zyxel.com
2 Select your product on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.
3 Select the certification you wish to view from this page.

.

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PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects
in materials or workmanship for a period of up to two years from the date of purchase. During
the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure
due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the
defective products or components without charge for either parts or labor, and to whatever
extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper operating
condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally equivalent
product of equal or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This warranty
shall not apply if the product has been modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an act
of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.

Note

Repair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the
purchaser. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in
no event be held liable for indirect or consequential damages of any kind to the purchaser.

To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return
Material Authorization number (RMA). Products must be returned Postage Prepaid. It is
recommended that the unit be insured when shipped. Any returned products without proof of
purchase or those with an out-dated warranty will be repaired or replaced (at the discretion of
ZyXEL) and the customer will be billed for parts and labor. All repaired or replaced products
will be shipped by ZyXEL to the corresponding return address, Postage Paid. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from country to
country.

Appendix C Legal Information

Registration

Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information
at www.zyxel.com for global products, or at www.us.zyxel.com for North American products.

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Appendix C Legal Information

68

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Index

Index

Symbols

.NET Framework 19

A

about screen 35
Advanced Encryption Standard, see AES 15
AES 16, 27
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 15
applications 15

C

cabling type 55
CE 56
certifications 56, 65

notices 66

viewing 66
configuration screen 28
connections overview 15
contact information 59
copyright 65
customer support 59

encryption 15, 27, 56
ETHN LED 47

F

FCC 56
FCC interference statement 65
frequency band 56

H

HomePlug AV standard 15
humidity, operation and storage 55

I

installation

overview 19
procedure 19

requirements 19
InstallShield wizard 21
introduction 15

D

DAK 28, 29
DAK (Data Access Password) 16
Data Access Password, see DAK 16
dimensions 55
disclaimer 65

E

electrical and cable wiring 27
electrical circuit boundaries 27

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

L

LED 47

ETHN 47

LINK 47

PWR 47
LINK LED 47
local vs. remote adapter 29

M

MAC address 29
management

69

Index

multiple networks 17
overview 27

managing the device

using the web configurator. See web configurator.

multiple networks 17

N

network example 27
network information 31
network ports 55

P

passwords 28, 29, 30

types of 16
plug-and-play 27
power specification 55
priority settings 32

application type 33

priority levels 35
private network 16
problems and solutions 47
product registration 67
PWR LED 47

T

temperature, operation and storage 55
trademarks 65
transfer rates 15
transmit rate 31
troubleshooting 47

U

utility

launching 28

W

warranty 67

note 67

web configurator 16

R

receive rate 31
registration

customer information 22

product 67

user name 22
related documentation 3

S

safety warnings 5
screws 57
security 16, 17, 28

passwords 16
starting the utility 28
syntax conventions 4

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