ZyXEL Communications PLA-400 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have 
this button. See 

 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-4xx. 
See 

 for instructions on installing the utility.

Use the firmware detection and firmware upgrade tools to upgrade to the latest firmware. 
Because the latest PLA-4xxs are only compatible with other powerline devices with the latest 
HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tools are available to help 
you upgrade. You can download both of these tools from the ZyXEL website 
(www.zyxel.com.tw). See 

 for information in using these tools.

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

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 ENCRYPT button. 

Table 1   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 PLA-4xx Series Configuration 

Utility 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 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).