Using The Powerline Configuration Utility; Overview; Powerline Network Security - ZyXEL Communications PLA4231 User Manual

Using the Powerline Configuration Utility

5.1 Overview

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 PLA4231 is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you
complete your hardware connections, the PLA4231s in your network (without additional
configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over
your home's electrical wiring (A).
Figure 11 Example Network Setup
All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range
varies depending on the quality of your home's wiring.
Note: See Section 5.1.1 on page 27
network security.

5.1.1 Powerline Network Security

When the PLA4231s communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information
that is sent in the powerline network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret
code, you cannot understand the message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data between powerline adapters.
For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network
name. This network name allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted information
sent in the powerline network.
PLA4231 User's Guide
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