ZyXEL Communications PLA402 v2 User Manual

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Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
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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 
 for information on setting up a private network.
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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.
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. 
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.
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.