ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 Series User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 Series User Manual

Powerline ethernet adapter
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PLA-401 Series

Powerline Ethernet Adapter

Edition 1, 11/2010
www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2010
ZyXEL Communications Corporation

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  • Page 1: Powerline Ethernet Adapter

    PLA-401 Series Powerline Ethernet Adapter Edition 1, 11/2010 www.zyxel.com www.zyxel.com Copyright © 2010 ZyXEL Communications Corporation...

  • Page 3: About This User's Guide

    About This User's Guide Intended Audience This manual is intended for people who want to configure the PLA-401 Series using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.3.4. You should have your basic Internet access or home network already set up.
  • Page 4 Please have the following information ready when you contact an office. • Product model and serial number. • Warranty Information. • Date that you received your device. Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 5: Document Conventions

    Syntax Conventions • The PLA-401 Series may be referred to as the “PLA-401 Series”, the “ZyXEL device”, the “device” or the “powerline adapter” in this User’s Guide. • The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.3.4(AG) may be referred to as the “configuration utility”...
  • Page 6 Icons Used in Figures Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA-401 Series icons used may not be an exact representation of your device. PLA-401 Series Computer Internet Modem / Router Printer Notebook PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 7: Safety Warnings

    Your product is marked with this symbol, which is known as the WEEE mark. WEEE stands for Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment. It means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general waste. Used electrical and electronic equipment should be treated separately. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 Safety Warnings PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Part I: Introduction................. 13 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 Series..................... 15 1.1 Overview ..........................15 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 Series ..............15 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-401 Series .................. 16 1.4 Security ..........................17 1.4.1 Passwords ........................17 1.4.2 Setting Up Security ....................
  • Page 10 7.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ................62 7.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter ..................63 7.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ............65 7.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ............... 67 7.1 Troubleshooting ........................70 PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 8.3 Configuration Utility Problems ..................... 74 8.4 Powerline Problems ......................75 8.5 ENCRYPT Button Problems ....................76 Part III: Appendices and Index.............. 79 Appendix A Product Specifications..................81 Appendix B Legal Information ....................85 Index............................89 PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: Part I Introduction

    Introduction Introducing the PLA-401 Series (15) Installing the Utility (21)

  • Page 15: Introducing The Pla-401 Series

    1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 Series The PLA-401 Series 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.

  • Page 16: Ways To Manage The Pla-401 Series

    Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 Series Connect your PLA-401 Series to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA-401 Series into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA-401 Series for Internet access.

  • Page 17: Security

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 Series Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA-401 Series which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.

  • Page 18: Multiple Networks

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 Series It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA- 401 Series 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.

  • Page 19: Pla Compatibility

    Note: The PLA v2 models can be upgraded to firmware version 3.3.4. The firmware will be available for download in ZyXEL’s website (www.zyxel.com). At the time of writing, PLA-401 Series can only work with firmware version 3.3.4. Use Configuration Utility version 3.3.4 to manage PLA v2 and PLA v1 models with firmware versions 3.0.5.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 Series This diagram below shows a Powerline network where two PLAs have an earlier firmware that cannot be managed by the 3.3.4 Configuration Utility. You should upgrade the firmware of these PLAs. Figure 2 Wrong Firmware in a Powerline Network 3.0.5...

  • Page 21: Installing The Utility

    Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA-401 Series which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.
  • Page 22 CD. A prompt appears asking you to install the .NET Framework version 2.0. Review Microsoft’s License Agreement, select Accept to proceed. Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Prompt The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation. Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 23 Browse to specify a different location on your computer. Figure 7 Install Destination Folder Note: You can also click Disk Cost to know how much available disk space you have in the hard drives found in your computer. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Low Power Mode

    Your PLA-401 Series is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when there is no Ethernet connection. When you plug the PLA-401 Series into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet connection. When no connection is detected after sixty (60) seconds, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is going into Low Power mode.

  • Page 25: Part Ii: Managing The Pla-401 Series

    Managing the PLA- 401 Series Firmware Tool (27) The ENCRYPT Button (29) The Configuration Utility (35) Powerline Network Setup Tutorial (61) LEDs and Troubleshooting (71)

  • Page 27: Chapter 3 Firmware Tool

    Utility or with devices running ZyXEL’s latest version firmware. At the time of writing, firmware version 3.3.4 is only available to PLA-401 Series. Note: The firmware is included in the Tool. You do not need to download the firmware separately.
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 Firmware Tool PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Chapter 4 The Encrypt Button

    Note: Because your PLA-401 Series goes into Low Power mode, it must be connected to a networking equipment for the ENCRYPT button to work. Refer Section 2.3 on page 24...
  • Page 30 Troubleshooting in Section 8.5 on page 76 for suggestions. To add more powerline devices to your network, press the ENCRYPT button on device C (shown below) for more than 10 seconds until the power ( ) light flashes. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 31: Setting Up Multiple Networks

    This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices. 4.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks You can use the ENCRYPT button to set up multiple powerline networks using your existing powerline network. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 32 Click the ENCRYPT button on (A) for more than 10 seconds until the power ( light flashes. This disconnects (A) from (B). Click the ENCRYPT button on (A) and (C) for 1~2 seconds and within two minutes of each other. Wait for about one minute while (A) and (C) connect. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 33 Repeat the connection process, making certain you press the ENCRYPT buttons for the correct time and within two minutes of each other. If that does not work see Section 8.5 on page 76 for suggestions. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Encrypt Button Behavior

    See Troubleshooting in Chapter 8 on page 76 for suggestions on problems with the ENCRYPT button and the lights. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: The Configuration Utility

    This chapter shows you how to use the Configuration Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network. The PLA-401 Series is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-401...

  • Page 36: Device Access Key (Dak)

    Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs > ZyXEL PLA-4xx Series Configuration > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. Note: Close the Firmware Upgrade Tool and Firmware Detection Tool if either of them are open for the Utility to work properly. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 37: Configuration Screen

    5.3 Configuration Screen Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline network, to configure your PLA-401 Series and to set up a secure powerline network by changing the powerline network name. This screen opens up when you launch the utility.

  • Page 38: Firmware Screen

    Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the selected powerline adapter before you can make changes to it. 5.4 Firmware Screen Use the Firmware screen to update the firmware on the PLA-401 Series directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 39 Parameter Information Block (PIB) is similar to firmware. It contains the most basic operating instructions for the PLA-401 Series such as how to power up and how to load the firmware. You can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for your PLA-401 Series.

  • Page 40: Network Info Screen

    Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility 5.5 Network Info Screen Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA-401 Series is communicating with other powerline adapters on your powerline network. Figure 17 Network Info Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen.

  • Page 41: Advanced Screen

    • Remote, if it is a PLA-401 Series in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of your powerline adapter. The MAC address of your powerline adapter can be found by looking at the label on your device.
  • Page 42 Internet, your computer sends requests to open web pages. • Device D is a modem attached to the Internet. It should receive a high priority setting if you want faster downloading through your network. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 43 Figure 18 Priority Settings Use this screen to configure priority settings for traffic from the powerline adapters on your network. Figure 19 Advanced Screen PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: About Screen

    Site This field displays: • Local, if it is the PLA-401 Series directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. • Remote, if it is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.
  • Page 45 If your device’s firmware is earlier than 3.3.4, please use the Firmware Upgrade Tool to upgrade your firmware. Released This field displays the date when the firmware was released. Close Click the button in upper right corner to close the About window. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 46 Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 47: The Os X Configuration Utility

    These are the OS X utility system requirements at the time of writing. • Supported Models: PLA-401 Series • Supported Mac operating systems: Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5 • Supported Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Dutch PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Start The Configuration Utility

    The network name or Network Membership Key (NMK) is a password that identifies a powerline network. All powerline devices with the same NMK are in the same powerline network. The default network name of the PLA-401 Series is HomePlugAV. HomePlug compatible devices use the same network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network.

  • Page 49: Change Nickname

    64 letters, numerals and any printable character found on a typical English language keyboard. Type a nickname, for example, ‘bedroom’, and then click OK. Figure 23 Change Nickname) 6.1.6 QoS Settings You can configure the powerline adapters on your network to give priority to data they transmit. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 50 Click Add to save the rule to the list in this screen. If you want to delete an existing rule, select it in the text box and then click Delete. Rule Name This field displays the name of a previously created priority rule. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Set Homeplug Light Color

    If the HomePlug light displays red, indicating that the powerline speed is abnormally slow, try unplugging electrical devices such as lamps, phone chargers, hair dryers, drills and vacuum cleaners from the electrical circuit where your powerline adapters are connected. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 52: Link Information

    A high error rate may not necessarily result in a poor connection as PBs with errors are discarded and the powerline device adjusts the signal to a frequency level where fewer errors occur. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 53 Poor cable quality and installation can also cause noise. To identify causes of noise on your network, disconnect an appliance connected on this part of your powerline network and observe whether this reduces the Signal- to-Noise ratio. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 54: Download Firmware

    Figure 27 Download Firmware 6.2 Firmware Detection Tool Use the Firmware Detection Tool to detect the firmware version of the powerline devices on your network. All powerline devices of the same type should PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 55 You cannot run the Firmware Detection Tool, the Firmware Upgrade Tool or the Configuration Utility at the same time, as only one of these applications can access the PLA-401 Series connected to your computer at any time Figure 28 Firmware Detection Tool...

  • Page 56: Firmware Upgrade Tool

    To upgrade to the latest firmware, use the firmware upgrade tool on the CD included with your PLA-401 Series. Make sure you also use the latest PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility; older utilities may not be compatible with PLA-401 Seriess using the latest firmware.
  • Page 57 Figure 29 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Start If you already have the latest version firmware, you’ll see a warning screen. Click No unless you want to re-upload the firmware. Figure 30 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Start PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 58 Figure 31 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Start The firmware upgrade may take several minutes. Do not click anything or reboot the device while firmware upgrade is in progress. Figure 32 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Upgrading PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 59 Figure 33 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Finish To check if your firmware is successfully upgraded, run the Firmware Detection Utility again and check your firmware version. Repeat this upgrade process for each powerline device you need to upgrade. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 60 Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

    See the product specifications in the User’s Guide for a list of hardware and software compatible with the utility. Note: The PLA-401 Series in this tutorial is an example only. Your powerline adapter may be different. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 62: Important Terms

    Use a LAN or Ethernet cable (shown below) to connect the LAN or Ethernet port on your adapter to the same kind of port on your computer. Figure 35 Connect Your Powerline Adapter to a Computer PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 63: Adding A Powerline Adapter

    Expand the network by adding a new powerline adapter connected to a printer. Figure 37 Add a Printer to Your Powerline Network Note: You do not need to know the network name of the new adapter to add it to your network. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 64 Figure 38 Adding a New Adapter Select your adapter by selecting Local and type the network name for your existing network in the Network Name field (C). Figure 39 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 65: Setting Up A New Network With A New Adapter

    The figure below shows two powerline networks in a house. The first network (1) shows the home computer connected to a printer and access to the Internet. The second network (2) has no Internet access but with a media adapter such as the PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 66 Figure 41 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network Connect your new powerline adapter and open the configuration utility as shown Section 7.0.5 on page 65. The screen shown below appears. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 67: Splitting A Network Into Two Networks

    To move some of these adapters to a new network, you need to give them a new network name. Connect a powerline adapter to your computer and open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 7.0.3 on page 62). PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 68 • Select the Remote adapter you want to add (A) and type the DAK Password in the DAK Password field (B). • Then type the new network name in the Network Name field. Figure 44 Adding an Adapter to Your New Network PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 69 Figure 47 An Adapter on Your New Network Go back to step in this section to set the same, new Network Name for all remote adapters you want to add to your new network. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting

    • Make sure the adapter is plugged in to a power socket and the power socket is turned on. • Check you have entered the correct network name for your network. • Check your powerline adapter is connected to the same electrical circuit as other powerline adapters on your network. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Leds And Troubleshooting

    8.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA-401 Series. The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-401 Series. Use the lights to determine if the PLA-401 Series is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network.
  • Page 72 Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA-401 Series. Table 14 PLA-401 Series STATU LIGHTS ICON COLOR DESCRIPTION PLA-401 Series POWER Green is on and receiving power. It also indicates a successful connection using the ENCRYPT button.

  • Page 73: Power And Light Problems

    Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA-401 Series. Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA-401 Series and plugged in to an appropriate power source. Make sure the power source is turned on.

  • Page 74: Configuration Utility Problems

    DAK and MAC address. Make sure that all your powerline adapters are HomePlug AV compliant. Check the package it came in or ask your vendor. This PLA-401 Series can not detect earlier versions of HomePlug powerline adapters such as HomePlug 1.0 or 1.0.1.

  • Page 75: Powerline Problems

    The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility does not display all or any of my devices. • Inspect the LEDs on your PLA-401 Series and make sure that the ETHERNET and HomePlug LEDs are on or blinking. See Section 8.1 on page 71...

  • Page 76: Encrypt Button Problems

    • The POWER light on some powerline devices do not blink as part of the ENCRYPT process. Check your powerline device is a PLA-401 Series. • For PLA-401 Series, you cannot use the ENCRYPT button when it is in Low Power mode. Connect the PLA-401 Series to a computer/router then try again.
  • Page 77 I pressed the ENCRYPT button for more than 10 seconds, but the HomePlug light is still on. The HomePlug light is on, indicating it is still connected to another powerline device. Try again, pressing the ENCRYPT button for more than 10 seconds. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 78 Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 79: Part Iii: Appendices And Index

    Appendices and Index Product Specifications (81) Legal Information (85) Index (89)

  • Page 81: Appendix A Product Specifications

    P P E N D I X Product Specifications The following tables summarize the PLA-401 Series’s hardware and firmware features. Table 15 Hardware Specifications Dimensions (W x D x 95 mm (L) x 65 (H) mm x 80 (W) mm Power Input 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.12 A...
  • Page 82 FCC, CE, CUL, UL, HomePlug AV, RoHS Device Management Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.5(AG) to easily configure the PLA-401 Series. Note: The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.5(AG) is only compatible with PLA-401 Seriess with the latest firmware installed.
  • Page 83 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Figure 50 RJ-45 Connector Pins Table 19 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments PIN NO RJ-45 SIGNAL ASSIGNMENT RxD + RxD - TxD + Not connected Not connected TxD - Not connected Not connected PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 84 Appendix A Product Specifications PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 85: Appendix B Legal Information

    This publication is subject to change without notice. Your use of the PLA-401 Series is subject to the terms and conditions of any related service providers. Do not use the PLA-401 Series for illegal purposes. Illegal downloading or sharing of files can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
  • Page 86 Das Produkt entspricht den grundlegenden Anforderungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/ EG (R&TTE) sowie den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen des FTEG und ist zum Betrieb in der EU und Schweiz vorgesehen. Das Produkt ist eine Einrichtung der Klasse A. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich Funkstörungen PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 87: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective products or PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 88 To obtain the services of this warranty, contact your vendor. You may also refer to the warranty policy for the region in which you bought the device at http:// www.zyxel.com/web/support_warranty_info.php. Registration Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com. PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Index

    InstallShield wizard introduction 35, 37 DAK (Data Access Password) Data Access Password, see DAK dimensions ETHN disclaimer LINK LINK LED local vs. remote adapter electrical and cable wiring PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 90 PIB (Parameter Information Block) plug-and-play power specification warranty priority settings note application type 42, 50 web configurator priority levels private network problems and solutions product registration PWR LED receive rate registration product related documentation PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 91 Index PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 92 Index PLA-401 Series User’s Guide...

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