ZyXEL Communications PLA5205, PLA4111, PLA4201, PLA4101, PLA5215 User Manual

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Quick Start Guide

PLA Series

Powerline Ethernet Adapter

Utility Version 6.0.1 Edition 2, 04/2013 Default Network Name: HomePlugAV

User’s Guide

www.zyxel.com

IMPORTANT! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE. KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Note: This guide is a reference for a series of products. Therefore some features or

options in this guide may not be available in your product.

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

User’s Guide

1.1 Overview

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

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

CHAPTER 1

Introducing the PLA

This User’s Guide covers the following models:

Table 1 PLA Comparison Table

PORT/FEATURE PLA4101 PLA4111 PLA4201 PLA4201 V2 PLA5205 PLA5215

One 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port

AC Pass-Through Reset/Encrypt Button Reset Button Encrypt Button Maximum PHY Rate

over Powerline

Note: In this guide RESET/ENCRYPT refers to the ENCRYPT button in PLAs that have

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

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

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

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

200 Mbps 200 Mbps 500 Mbps 500 Mbps 600 Mbps 600 Mbps

separate RESET and ENCRYPT buttons.

The power plug varies depending on your region.

PLA Series User’s Guide 7

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

1.2 LEDs

The following sections describes the lights on the PLA.

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

Figure 1 PLA Lights

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

Table 2 LEDs: 200 Mbps Models

LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER Green On The PLA is on and receiving power.

It also indicates a successful connection using the RESET/ ENCRYPT button.

Blinking The PLA is starting up.

It also indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device using the ENCRYPT function.

The Power LED blinks when it is in standby mode. Refer to

Section 2.3 on page 16 for details on this feature.

Off The PLA is not receiving power.

HomePlug Green On The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

rate is greater than 40 Mbps.

Amber The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

rate is between 12~40 Mbps.

Red The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

Green/ Amber/ Red

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

Blinking The PLA is communicating with another powerline adapter.

Off The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline

Blinking The PLA is communicating with a net w orking device

Off The PLA does not detect any devices connected to its

rate is between 0~12 Mbps.

Data is being transmitted and/or received.

adapter.

device connected to it.

connected to it.

ETHERNET port.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

Table 3 LEDs: 500 and 600 Mbps Models

LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION

POWER Green On The PLA is on and receiving power.

It also indicates a successful connection using the RESET/ ENCRYPT button.

Blinking The PLA is starting up.

It also indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device using the ENCRYPT function.

The Power LED blinks when it is in standby mode. Refer to

Section 2.3 on page 16 for details on this feature.

Off The PLA is not receiving power.

HomePlug Green On The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

rate is greater than 80 Mbps.

Amber The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

rate is between 20~80 Mbps.

Red The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer

Green/ Amber/ Red

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

Blinking The PLA is communicating with another powerline adapter.

Off The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline

Blinking The PLA is communicating with a net w orking device

Off The PLA does not detect any devices connected to its

rate is between 0~20 Mbps.

Data is being transmitted and/or received.

adapter.

device connected to it.

connected to it.

ETHERNET port.

1.3 Expand Your Network with the PLA

The PLA plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend a cable or DSL broadband connection or existing Ethernet (LAN) network to any other electrical outlet in any room of a house, all without the need for any new cabling. Devices can securely communicate with each other at high data

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

PLA

transfer rates. The PLA uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe transfer of information.

Figure 2 Expand Your Network wi t h the PLA

Connect your PLA to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLAs into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for example, a printer) to them.

Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.

1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA

Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this button. See Chapter 3 on page 19 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.

Use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA. See

Section 2.2 on page 13 for instructions on installing the utility.

1.5 Security

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

PLA Series User’s Guide

1.5.1 Passwords

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

Table 4 Password Summary

PASSWORD DESCRIPTION

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

DAK (Data Access Key) Password

1.5.2 Setting Up Security

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”. Change the network name via the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility or RESET/ENCRYPT button to create a private network. See Section 4.3 on page 27.

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the adapters’ DAK password in t he ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration util ity. 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).

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

Alternatively, use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility to set up security on the PLA. Although the PLA is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.

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

2 It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA and other

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

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

To prevent compromising your network security, you can create a private network. A private network uses a secret password (Network Name) to make sure that only permitted powerline adapters can communicate in your network. See Section 4.3 on page 27 for information on setting up a private network.

3 You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline networks. See the next

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

1.6 Multiple Networks

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

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a

Network Name (for example “Password1”) to this powerline adapter. Add additional powerline adapters to your network by plugging them into your powerline outlets and assigning them “Password1”. This completes the configuration of your first powerline network.

2 Connect another powerline adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and

assign a different Network Name (for example “Password2”) to this powerline adapter. Again, add additional powerline adapters and assign them “Password2”.

You now have two private networks on your powerline circuit. Information is not shared between the two networks as only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can communicate with each other.

PLA Series User’s Guide

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

2.1 System Requirements

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

• Windows XP (32-bit version)

• Windows XP (64-bit version) (you may need to download and install .NET Framework version

2.0)

• Windows Vista (32-bit version)

• Windows Vista (64-bit version)

• Windows 7 (32-bit version)

• Windows 7 (64-bit version)

• Windows 8 (32-bit version)

• Windows 8 (64-bit version)

CHAPTER 2

Installing the Utility

Note: To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click on My Compute r

> Properties. You should see this information in the General tab.

Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 2.0 software is necessary for the installation of the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility. The utility automatically installs .NET Framework version 2.0 on all

supported operating systems (if it’s not already installed on your computer) except Windows XP (64-bit version).

Note: Users with Windows XP (64-Bit version) operating systems can go to Microsoft’s

website to upgrade their systems to .NET Framework version 2.0 so it can work with the utility.

2.2 Installing the Utility

Follow the steps below to install .NET Framework version 2.0 and the ZyXEL PLA 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 v ersion 2. 0. R evi ew Microsoft’s License Agreement, select Accept to proceed.

PLA Series User’s Guide 13

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

Note: If you al r eady have .NET Framework version 2.0 inst alled on your computer this

step will be skipped.

Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Prompt

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

Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Process

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

Cancel only if you want to abort the installation.

Figure 5 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

4 If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Just me.

Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to use the configuration utility . Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Browse to specify a different location on your computer.

Figure 6 Install Destination Folder

Note: You can also click Disk Cost to know how much available disk space you have in

the hard drives found in your computer.

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

successfully installed the PLA Series Configuration Utility to your computer. Click Next. Figure 7 Confirm Installation

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

6 Click Close to exit the wizard.

Figure 8 Installation Complete

Note: Y ou may be ask ed to restart your comput er when the install ation is complete . Click

“Yes” to restart your computer. If you select “No, I will restart my computer later”, you will not be able to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer.

2.3 Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode)

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

When you plug the PLA into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet connection. When no connection is detected after sixty (60) seconds, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is going into standbymode.

The same process occurs when you disconnect the PLA from a previously working Ethernet connection. Sixty (60) seconds after disconnecting the Ethernet cable, the PLA’s power LED blinks signalling that it is going into standby mode.

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

While in standbymode, you cannot use the RESET/ENCRYPT button. To enable the RESET/ ENCRYPT button again, you have to connect the PLA’s Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook or modem/router first. The PLA wakes up from standby mode and you can start using the RESET/ ENCRYPT button.

PLA Series User’s Guide

PART II

Technical Reference

CHAPTER 3

The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

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

Note: In this guide RESET/ENCRYPT refers to the ENCRYPT button in PLAs that have

separate RESET and ENCRYPT buttons.

3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview

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

You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to:

• set up a new powerline network.

• separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks.

• reset the PLA to the factory defaults.

3.2 Adding Devices to a Powerline Network

You can connect a num ber of PLAs on a powerline n etwork, but you can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.

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

Note: Y our PLA must be connected to a networking equipment for the RESET/ENCRYPT

button to work. Refer to Section 2.3 on page 16 for more detail s.

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

PLA Series User’s Guide 19

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds

within 2

minutes

PLA PLA

1 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 0.5 to 3 seconds. The

power ( ) light will blink as the powerline device tries to set up a connection with a new random network name.

Figure 9 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure

Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location varies for each Powerline model. Note: Check the lights on the two powerline devices. The power ( ) and HomePlug ( )

lights should be on while the devices are connecting. Wait for about two minutes while your powerline devices connect.

If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ENCRYPT, you have probably pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for too long. Try again, pressing the RESET/ ENCRYPT button for 0.5 to 3 seconds.

If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devi ces do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. Repeat step 1 in this section. If that doesn’t work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 6.4 on page 47 for su gg es tions.

2 To add more powerline devices to your network, use any powerline device (A or B) you have

connected to set up a connection with the powerline devices you want to connect (C and D).

3 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both powerline devices (A and C, or B and C) for 0.5 to 3

seconds to add powerline device C. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

A OR B

A OR B OR C

4 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both powerline devices (A and D, B and D or C and D) for

0.5 to 3 seconds to add powerline device D. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of

pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA.

Figure 10 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network

This sets up your powerline network between your pow e rline devices.

3.3 Removing a Device from a Powerline Network

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

Figure 11 Removing Devices From an Existing Powerline Network

1 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline device C for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it.

This disconnects C from the current network.

2 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline device D for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it.

This disconnects D from the current network.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

3.4 Multiple Separate Powerline Networks

You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to create multiple separ ate powerline networks. Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.

1 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline devices E and F for 0.5 to 3 seconds. This must

be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the first PLA.

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

3 Now pair two different PLAs. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline devices G and H for

0.5 to 3 seconds and within two minutes of each other.

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

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

Figure 12 Two Separate Powerline Networks

If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devi ces do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. Repeat the connection process, making certain you press the RESET/ENCRYPT buttons for the correct time and within two minutes of each other. If that does not work see Section 6.4 on page 47 for suggestions.

3.5 PLAs With One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button

Refer to Table 1 on page 7 to see which models have a combination RESET /ENCRYPT button.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

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

Table 5 RESET/ENCRYPT

TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR

0.5 to 3 seconds

5 to 8 seconds

10 to 15 seconds

Create a powerline network with a new random network name.

Join an existing powerline network by sharing the same network name as other devices on the network.

Remove the device from any network it is associated with and its network name assumes a random value.

Clear all user-entered configuration information and return the device to its factory defaults.

The power ( ) light blinks until the device is connected. This may take a minute.

The power ( ) light blinks and then shines steadily.

HOMEPLUG LIGHT BEHAVIOR

The HomePlug ( ) light turns on if your device is connected to another powerline device or a powerline network.

The HomePlug ( ) light turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network.

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

3.6 PLAs with Separate RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons

Refer to Table 1 on page 7 to see which models have separate RESET and ENCRYPT buttons.

3.6.1 ENCRYPT Button Behavior

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

Table 6 ENCRYPT

TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR

less than 3 seconds

more than 10 seconds

Create a powerline network with a new random network name.

Join an existing powerline network by sharing the same network name as other devices on the network.

Remove the device from any network it is associated with and its network name assumes a random value.

The power ( ) light blinks until the device is connected. This may take a minute.

The power ( ) light blinks and then shines steadily.

HOMEPLUG LIGHT BEHAVIOR

The HomePlug ( ) light turns on if your device is connected to another powerline device or a powerline network.

The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and then turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

3.6.2 RESET Button Behavior

Use a pointed device such as a pin to reset the Network Name back to default HomePlugAV.

Table 7 RESET Button

TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR

1 to 3 seconds

See Troubleshooting in Chapter 6 on page 47 for suggestions on problems with the RESET/ ENCRYPT button and the lights.

Clear all user-entered configuration information and return the device to its factory defaults.

The power ( ) light blinks and then shines steadily.

HOMEPLUG LIGHT BEHAVIOR

The HomePlug ( ) light turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network.

PLA Series User’s Guide

4.1 Overview

PLA

This chapter shows you how to use the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility (or utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network.

The PLA is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLAs in your network (without additional configur ation ) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over your home’s electrical wiring (A).

Figure 13 Example Network Setup

CHAPTER 4

The Configuration Utility

All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the quality of your home’s wiring.

Note: See Section 4.1.1 on page 25 for more information on enhancing your powerline

network security.

4.1.1 Powerline Network Security

When the PLAs 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.

PLA Series User’s Guide 25

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network name. This network name allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted information sent in the powerline network.

By default the PLAs are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV, this allows you to simply plug the devices in and not worry about setting up security. If you want to enhance the security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters you want to allow to communicate in your powerline network.

4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

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

4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

To launch the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility simply double click on the configuration icon on your desktop.

Figure 14 ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration Utility Icon

Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs > ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration > PLA Series Configuration.

PLA Series User’s Guide

4.3 Configuration Screen

Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline network, to configure your PLA and to set up a secure powerline network by changing the powerline network name. This screen opens up when you launch the utility.

Figure 15 Configuration Screen

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 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. 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 displayed on a sticker on the bottom of your device.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

Table 8 Configuration Screen (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

DAK Password DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform

Network Name (NMK)

Set NMK to this device

Set NMK to all devices

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

changes on a remote device. You can find the DAK password printed on a sticker on the bottom of your PLA.

Select the remote powerline adapter you want to manage by clicking the MAC address which corresponds to it in the MAC Address column. Enter the DAK Password value and click Save.

Note: You must enter the DAK Password value exactly as it is printed on the label (all caps

and with dashes “-”).

The default network name (sometimes called a network password or network membership key (NMK)) of the PLA is “HomePlugAV”. HomePlug compatible de vices use the same network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network. If you change the network name of one device on the network, it will no longer be recognized as part of that network.

If you change the network name, make sure you change the network name for all of the powerline adapters that you want to be part of your powerline network.

The network name can be from 8 to 64 characters in length, using “A”~”Z”, “a”~”z”, “0”~”9”; spaces are not allowed.

Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for all powerline adapter detected by the utility.

powerline adapter.

Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the selected powerline adapter before

you can make changes to it.

4.4 Firmware Screen

Use the Firmware screen to update the firmware on the PLA directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

Firmware is the software which is embedded in the PLA. This software contains processing instructions for how the PLA sends and receives information in a secure way.

Parameter Information Block (PIB) is similar to firmware. It contains the most basic operating instructions for the PLA such as how to power up and how to load the firmware.

You can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for your PLA.

Note: If you update device firmware, it is recommended to check if there is a ZyXEL PLA

Series Configuration utility update.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

Note: Be sure to upload the correct model firmware as uploading the wrong model

firmware may damage your devic e.

Figure 16 Firmware Screen

4.5 Network Info Screen

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

Figure 17 Network Info Screen

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 9 Network Info Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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 your

Trans mit Rate (Mbps)

Receive Rate (Mbps)

networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a PLA, 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 fiel d displays the MAC address of the PLA which is the Central Coordinator of the powerline network. The powerline adapters in your powerline network automatically select the Central Coordinator.

• Local, if it is the PLA directly connecte d to the computer running the configuration utility.

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

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, 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) tr affic). R aw data refers to the whole payload of the packets transmitted across the powerline network.

4.6 Advanced Screen

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. T r ansmissions 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.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

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 10 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.

Figure 18 Priority Settings

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

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

Figure 19 Advanced Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 11 Advanced Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) on your computer which is connected directly to a powerline adapter . Typically there is only one connection. However, if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a powerline adapter, then you have two powerline networks.

Site This field displays:

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

• Remote, if it is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not dire ctly 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

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

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

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

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

powerline adapter.

PLA Series User’s Guide

4.7 About Screen

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

Figure 20 About Screen

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 12 About Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Utility version: This field displays the software version of the configuration utility. Firmware version This field displays the firmware version of the device you selected in the Device Selection

field of the Configuration screen. Released This field displays the date when the firmware was released. Close Click the button in upper right corner to close the About window.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

PLA Series User’s Guide

5.1 Overview

Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network.

After setting up your first home powerline network (instructions for that are in the Quick Start Guide for your ZyXEL powerline adapter) you may w ant 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.

CHAPTER 5

Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

The tutorial uses the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility to set up your powerline adapter.

If you haven’t already installed the utility, see Chapter 2 on page 13 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.

Note: The PLA in this tutorial is an example only. Your powerline adapter may be

different.

5.2 Important Terms

Network Name The network name allows a powerline adapter to connect with o ther powerline

DAK Password DAK = Device Access Key.

adapters that have the same network name. It provides security for your powerline network. The network name uses English letters or numbers, from 8 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.

PLA Series User’s Guide 35

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

PLA

5.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter

1 Plug the powerline adapter you want to add to your network into a power socket and, if needed,

switch the power socket on.

Figure 21 Plug Your Powerline Adapter into a Power Socket

2 Connect the powerline adapter to your computer.

3 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 22 Connect Your Powerline Adapter to a Computer

4 Open the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility on your computer. Go to Start > (All)

Programs > ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration > PLA Series Configuration Utility, or click on the icon on your desktop shown below.

Figure 23 Click on the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility Icon

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

•See Section 5.4 on page 37 to add a new powerline adapter to your network.

•See Section 5.5 on page 38 to set up a second network with your new adapters.

•See Section 5.6 on page 40 to set up a second network with your existing adapters.

PLA Series User’s Guide

5.4 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 24 Add a Printer to Your Powerline Network

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Note: 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

ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility (see Section 5.3 on page 36).

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.

Figure 25 Adding a New Adapter

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

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

Network Name field (C).

Figure 26 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network

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

Figure 27 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.

5.5 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

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

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 28 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network

1 Connect your new powerline adapter and open the configuration utility as shown in Section 5.5 on

page 38. 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.

Figure 29 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.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

5.6 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 28 on page 39 for an example.

To set up your existing powerline network you had to set each powerline adapter with the same network name. To create a second (separate) powerline network, configure the PLAs you want to add to the second network with a new network name.

1 Connect a powerline adapter to your computer and open the ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration

utility (see Section 5.3 on page 36).

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 30 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network

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.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

Figure 31 Adding an Adapter to Your New Network

4 Click Save.

• If you do not type the DAK password or type it incorrectly either of the following pop-ups appear. Click OK and type the DAK Password correctly in the DAK Password field.

Figure 32 Incorrect DAK or No DAK

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

Figure 33 Correct DAK

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

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

few minutes.

Figure 34 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 network name 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 35 Adapters on a New Powerline Network

• If you want to access any of your new powerline networks using the ZyXEL PLA 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.

5.7 Troubleshooting

The HomePlug ( ) 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.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

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

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

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

PLA Series User’s Guide

This chapter offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter.

6.1 Power and Light Problems

The PLA does not turn on. None of the lights turn on.

1 Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA.

2 Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA and plugged in to an appropriate power source.

Make sure the power source is turned on.

CHAPTER 6

Troubleshooting

3 Disconnect and re-connect the power cord to the PLA.

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.

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 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.

The HomePlug light does not turn on.

1 Check all PLAs on your network have the latest firmware installed. PLAs with the latest firmware

cannot communicate with PLAs using earlier versions of the firmware. Go to Section 4. 4 on page 28 for instructions on installing the latest firmware.

PLA Series User’s Guide 45

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

2 Use the ZyXEL PLA 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 4.3 on page 27 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 4.3 on page 27 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 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’s power outlet. They are probably now on the same electrical wiring. Check the HomePlug ( ) 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 Make sure that you do not have a power meter between powerline adapters. Powerline signals

cannot pass this.

The POWER and HomePlug light blink at the same time.

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

6.2 Configuration Utility Problems

The ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility displays an error during installation.

• Make sure your computer is using the supported operating system. See Section 2.1 on page 13 for more information.

The ZyXEL PLA Series Configuration utility does not display all or any of my devices.

• Inspect the LEDs on your PLA and make sure that the ETHERNET and HomePlug LEDs are on or blinking. See Section 1.2 on page 8 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 PLAs using earlier versions of the firmware. Go to Section

4.4 on page 28 for instructions on installing the latest firmware.

PLA Series User’s Guide

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

• If you are running another tool such as the Firmware Detection Tool , the utility will not detect your local device.

• If your computer has more than one network interface card (NIC), make sure you select the right NIC to which the PLA is connected in the utility’s Configuration screen.

6.3 Powerline Problems

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.

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

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.

6.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems

This section applies only to PLAs with the RESET/ENCRYPT button. In this guide RESET/

ENCRYPT refers to the ENCRYPT button in PLAs that have separate RESET and ENCRYPT buttons.

ENCRYPT buttons.

The HomePlug light is already on, but I haven ’t pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button yet.

Your device has already connected to another powerline device. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button for 5 to 8 seconds to release the connection.

Refer to Table 1 on page 7 to see which models have separate RESET and

The POWER light does not blink when I press the RESET/ENCRYPT button.

• Check the device is on.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

• Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button again, making certain you have pressed the button for 0.5 to 3 seconds.

• The POWER light on some powerline devices do not blink as part of the ENCRYPT process. Check your powerline device is a PLA.

• For PLA, you cannot use the RESET/ENCRYPT button when it is in standby mode. Connect the PLA to a computer/router then try again.

The POWER light blinks two times quickly then pauses, before repeating.

The ENCRYPT process has failed. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both devices for 5 to 8 seconds, then try to reconnect.

The POWER lights on both devices blink when I press the RESET/ENCRYPT buttons, but the HomePlug light does not turn on.

• Ensure you have pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both devices.

• Wait for about a minute while the devices set up a connection.

• If that does not work, try again with both devices connected to a power strip next to each other. If they now connect, then the devices were not on the same electrical circuit before.

The POWER lights on both devices blink, then many lights bl ink and the HomePlug light blinks red.

Do not worry, the connection process is proceeding normally.

The POWER lights on both devices finished blinking, but only one device’s HomePlug light is on.

One device may have connected to a third powerline device. To check device A is connected to device B and not another device, disconnect device B from its power source. Device A’s HomePlug ( ) light will turn off if the connection is with Device B. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both devices for 5 to 8 seconds, then try to reconnect, pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button for

0.5 to 3 seconds on both devices.

I pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for 5 to 8 seconds, but the HomePlug light is still on.

The HomePlug light is on, indicating it is still connected to another powerline device. Try again, pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button for 5 to 8 seconds.

PLA Series User’s Guide

APPENDIX A

Legal Information

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.

Disclaimers

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

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.

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:

PLA Series User’s Guide 49

Appendix A Legal Information

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

Go to http://www.zyxel.com to view this product’s documentation and certifications.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects in material or workmanship for a specific period (the Warr anty P eriod) from the date of purchase. The Warrant y Period varies by region. Check with your vendor and/or the authorized ZyXEL local

PLA Series User’s Guide

Appendix A Legal Information

distributor for details about the Warranty Period of this product. 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 warr anty 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 your vendor. You may also refer to the warranty policy for the region in which you bought the device at http://www.zyxel.com/web/ support_warranty_info.php.

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.

Safety Warnings

• Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.

• Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids .

• Do NOT store things on the device.

• Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

• Connect ONLY suitable accessories to the device.

• Do NOT open the device or unit. Opening or removing covers can expose you to dangerous high voltage points or other risks. ONLY qualified service personnel should service or disassemble this device. Please contact your vendor for further information.Make sure to connect the cables to the correct ports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Do no t 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 devi ce 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.

• This power unit is intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount position.

Your product is marked with this symbol, which is known as the WEEE mark. WEEE stands for Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment. It means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general waste. Used electrical and electronic equipment should be treated separately.

PLA Series User’s Guide

Appendix A Legal Information

PLA Series User’s Guide

Index

about screen 33 AC Pass-Through 7 Advanced Encryption Standard, see AES 9 AES 11, 25 AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 9 applications 7

certifications 49

notices 50

viewing 50 configuration screen 27 configuration utility 10 connections overview 10 copyright 49

DAK 11, 25, 27 DAK (Data Access Password) 11 Data Access Key 11 Data Access Password, see DAK 11 disclaimer 49 documentation

related 2

FCC interference statement 49 firmware 28

Guide

Quick Start 2

HomePlug AV standard 7

installation

procedure 13 InstallShield wizard 14 introduction 7

LED 45

ETHERNET 8, 9

HomePlug 8, 9

POWER 8, 9 local vs. remote adapter 27

electrical and cable wiring 25 electrical circuit boundaries 25 ENCRYPT Button 23 encryption 9, 25

PLA Series User’s Guide 53

MAC address 27 management

multiple networks 11

Index

overview 25

managing the device

using the utility maximum PHY rate 7 multiple networks 12

network example 25 network information 29 Network Name 11 network name 23

ZyXEL Communications PLA5205, PLA4111, PLA4201, PLA4101, PLA5215 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

PLA Series

Table of Contents

User’s Guide

1.1 Overview

Introducing the PLA

1.2 LEDs

1.3 Expand Your Network with the PLA

1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA

1.5 Security

1.5.1 Passwords

1.5.2 Setting Up Security

1.6 Multiple Networks

2.1 System Requirements

Installing the Utility

2.2 Installing the Utility

2.3 Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode)

Technical Reference

The RESET/ENCRYPT Button

3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview

3.2 Adding Devices to a Powerline Network

3.3 Removing a Device from a Powerline Network

3.4 Multiple Separate Powerline Networks

3.5 PLAs With One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button

3.6 PLAs with Separate RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons

3.6.1 ENCRYPT Button Behavior

3.6.2 RESET Button Behavior

4.1 Overview

The Configuration Utility

4.1.1 Powerline Network Security

4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

4.3 Configuration Screen

4.4 Firmware Screen

4.5 Network Info Screen

4.6 Advanced Screen

4.7 About Screen

5.1 Overview

Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

5.2 Important Terms

5.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter

5.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter

5.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter

5.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks

5.7 Troubleshooting

6.1 Power and Light Problems

Troubleshooting

6.2 Configuration Utility Problems

6.3 Powerline Problems

6.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems

Legal Information

Index