ZyXEL Communications PLA4101 User Manual

Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility

PLA Series User’s Guide

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.

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).

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

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.