ZyXEL Communications Computer Accessories Powerline Ethernet Adapter Series Manuale Utente

 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx

PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide

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. 
If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, 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 network name.
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.
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.

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).