ZyXEL Communications PLA-4xx Series Manuel D’Utilisation

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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

 for instructions on installing the utility.

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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.

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-4xx. Although 
the PLA-4xx 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 password.
2 It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA-4xx 

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.

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 this password 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).