ZyXEL Communications Corporation PLA5236 Manuel D’Utilisation

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA

PLA5236 User’s Guide

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

You use two types of passwords in the Home Plug 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 

 button. 

Alternatively, use the Zyxel 

 screen (

) 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 (

) to make sure that only permitted powerline adapters can 

communicate in your network. 

You may need to change the 

 to create multiple powerline networks. See the next 

section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

Table 2   Password Summary

Network Name

All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the 
same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”.

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 Home Plug Screen (

). 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 web configurator (local powerline adapter), you only 
have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but 
not directly connected to your computer).