ZyXEL Communications PLA5215 User Manual

 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

PLA Series User’s Guide

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

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.

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

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 

 for information on setting 

up a private network.

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.

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. 

Password Summary

Network Name

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

.

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 ZyXEL PLA 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).