Introducing The Pla-4Xx; Overview; Chapter 1 Introducing The Pla-4Xx; Expand Your Network With The Pla-4Xx - ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL PLA-400 User Manual

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H A P T E R

1.1 Overview

This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA-
402 and PLA-470 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters. See
for detailed product specifications for each model.
In this User's Guide PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA-402 and PLA-470 powerline adapters are
referred to as PLA-4xx powerline adapters. The electrical wiring network and coaxial cable
network are both referred to as the "powerline network". The HomePlug AV standard
specifies how network devices communicate using standard electrical wiring.

1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx

The PLA-4xx plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend a cable or DSL broadband
connection or existing Ethernet (LAN) network to any other electrical outlet in any room of a
house, all without the need for any new cabling. Devices can securely communicate with each
other at high data transfer rates. (See
by the PLA-4xx.) The PLA-4xx uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure
safe transfer of information.

Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx

Connect your PLA-4xx to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary
power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA-4xx into another power outlet and connect a
computer to the PLA-4xx for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by
plugging additional PLA-4xxs into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers
or network devices (for example, a printer) to them.
Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information. Refer to
page 51 for wall mounting instructions.
PLA-4xx Series User's Guide

Introducing the PLA-4xx

Appendix A on page 51
1
Appendix A on page 51
for speeds currently supported
Appendix A on
15