Passwords; Setting Up Security; Table 1 Password Summary - ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL PLA-400 User Manual

1.4.1 Passwords

You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table
describes the differences between the passwords.

Table 1 Password Summary

PASSWORD
Private Network
Password
DAK (Data Access
Key) Password

1.4.2 Setting Up Security

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-4xx or other
HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters. 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.
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. See
information on setting up a private network.
Buildings and even streets may share a coaxial cable connection. If your
powerline network uses a coaxial cable, the network will probably extend
outside your premises. In this case make your network more secure with a
private network password.
3 You may need to change the password to create multiple powerline networks. See the
next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.
PLA-4xx Series User's Guide
DESCRIPTION
All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are
shipped with the same powerline network password "HomePlugAV".
Change this password via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration
Utility to create a private network. See
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).
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx
Section 3.3 on page 26.
Section 3.1.1 on page 26 for
17