Understanding Powerline Network Security - NETGEAR XAV2001 - Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter User Manual

Understanding Powerline Network Security

A Powerline network consists of two or more Powerline adapters using the same network
encryption key. Securing your network is crucial. By encrypting the information you send over the
Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter, you help to keep it secure from hackers. If you do not set up
security on your network, anyone nearby with a Powerline network can potentially use their
connection to gain access to your network and information you send over the internet. This is
especially relevant in settings such as apartment buildings, office buildings, dorm rooms, and other
more populated areas.
Powerline devices connected to the same network must use an identical encryption key. The
security used by Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters is similar to the SSID and encryption keys used
in wireless networks, but you do not need software to configure Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters.
There are two ways to secure your Powerline network.
• Use the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Security button located on the adapter to
automatically generate a random encryption key. See
page 1-8.
• Use the XAV2001 Powerline Utility to configure your Powerline network with an encryption
key that you specify. If you are already using Powerline or HomePlug devices then you will
need to use the Powerline Utility. If not already installed, the Powerline Utility is located on
your Resource CD, and should be installed on your computer. See
For information about using the XAV2001 Powerline Utility to configure Powerline security
or to prioritize Powerline network traffic using the Quality of Service (QoS) feature, see
Chapter 2, "Using the XAV2001 Powerline
Note: To return the XAV2001 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter to its factory default
settings, see
Installation and Basic Configuration
XAV2001 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter User Manual
Utility.
"Resetting to Factory Defaults" on page
v1.0, November 2009
"Changing the Default Encryption" on
"Security" on page
2-16.
2-9.
1-7