ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL PLA-400 User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL PLA-400 User Manual

Pla-4 powerline ethernet adapter series
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PLA-4xx Series
Powerline Ethernet Adapter Series (PLA-400/401/402/470)
User's Guide
Version 1.30
07/2007
Edition 1
www.zyxel.com

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Summary of Contents for ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL PLA-400

  • Page 1 PLA-4xx Series Powerline Ethernet Adapter Series (PLA-400/401/402/470) User’s Guide Version 1.30 07/2007 Edition 1 www.zyxel.com...

  • Page 3: About This User's Guide

    Help us help you. Send all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for improvement to the following address, or use e-mail instead. Thank you! The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.

  • Page 4: Document Conventions

    Document Conventions Document Conventions Warnings and Notes These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User’s Guide. Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device. Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.

  • Page 5: Safety Warnings

    For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions. • Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool. • Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids. •...
  • Page 6 Safety Warnings This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly. PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    About This User's Guide ... 3 Document Conventions... 4 Safety Warnings... 5 Table of Contents... 7 List of Figures ... 9 List of Tables... 11 Part I: The PLA-4xx ... 13 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx ...15 1.1 Overview ... 15 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx ...
  • Page 8 Table of Contents 3.6 About Screen ... 31 Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial... 33 4.0.1 Overview ... 33 4.0.2 Important Terms ... 34 4.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ... 34 4.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter ... 35 4.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ... 37 4.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ...

  • Page 9: List Of Figures

    List of Figures List of Figures Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx ... 15 Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 over Coaxial Cable Wiring ... 16 Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Prompt ... 20 Figure 4 Microsoft’s Agreement ... 20 Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process ...
  • Page 10 List of Figures PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 11: List Of Tables

    List of Tables List of Tables Table 1 Password Summary ... 17 Table 2 Configuration Screen ... 27 Table 3 Firmware Screen ... 29 Table 4 Network Info Screen ... 30 Table 5 About Screen ... 31 Table 6 PLA-400/402 LEDs ... 43 Table 7 PLA-401 LEDs ...
  • Page 12 List of Tables PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: Part I The Pla-4Xx

    The PLA-4xx Introducing the PLA-4xx (15) Installing the Configuration Utility (19) Managing Your PLA-4xx (25) Powerline Network Setup Tutorial (33) LEDs and Troubleshooting (43)

  • Page 15: Introducing The Pla-4Xx

    H A P T E R Introducing the PLA-4xx 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.

  • Page 16: Coaxial Cable Networks With The Pla-402

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 1.2.1 Coaxial Cable Networks with the PLA-402 The PLA-402 allows you to be more flexible in expanding your network by adding the coaxial cable capability. Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 over Coaxial Cable Wiring As well as being able to connect your PLA-402 to a power outlet, you also have the option of connecting to a coaxial cable outlet.

  • Page 17: Passwords

    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 DESCRIPTION Private Network All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are Password shipped with the same powerline network password “HomePlugAV”.

  • Page 18: Multiple Networks

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 1.5 Multiple Networks Multiple powerline networks can coexist on a single powerline circuit. You might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet networks. 1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a password (for example “Password1”) to this powerline adapter.

  • Page 19: Installing The Configuration Utility

    H A P T E R Installing the Configuration This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA-4xx. 2.1 Overview of the Installation Process The installation of the configuration utility does the following: 1 Checks for and installs Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 1.1 software on your computer.

  • Page 20: Figure 3 .Net Framework Installation Prompt

    Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Prompt 2 Review Microsoft’s License Agreement, select I agree and click Install to proceed. Figure 4 Microsoft’s Agreement 3 The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation. PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 21: Figure 5 .Net Framework Installation Process

    Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process 4 Click OK to complete the installation process. Figure 6 Microsoft’s Agreement 5 The Setup utility runs automatically. Click Yes or Next to continue through the initial screen. Click Cancel only if you want to abort the installation. Figure 7 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility...

  • Page 22: Figure 8 Customer Information Input

    Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility 6 Fill in the User Name and Company Name fields (optional). If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Only for me(...). Otherwise, click Next to continue and allow all users to use the configuration utility. Figure 8 Customer Information Input 7 Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Change to specify a different location on your computer.

  • Page 23: Figure 10 Install Begin Screen

    Figure 10 Install Begin Screen 9 When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm the InstallShield Wizard has successfully installed the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to your computer. Click Finish to exit the wizard and restart your computer. Figure 11 Restart Screen If you select “No, I will restart my computer later”, you will not be able to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer.
  • Page 24 Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Managing Your Pla-4Xx

    H A P T E R Managing Your PLA-4xx This chapter shows you how to use the configuration utility to manage security and update software on the PLA-4xxs in your powerline network. 3.1 Overview The PLA-4xx is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-4xxs 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).

  • Page 26: Powerline Network Security

    Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx 3.1.1 Powerline Network Security When the PLA-4xxs 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.

  • Page 27: Figure 14 Configuration Screen

    Use the icon to view online help information in each screen of the utility. Figure 14 Configuration Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 2 Configuration Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Use this to select which powerline network information is displayed. Different Topology powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-4xx.

  • Page 28: Firmware Screen

    Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Table 2 Configuration Screen (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION DAK Password DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform changes on a remote device. You can find the DAK password printed on a sticker on the bottom of your PLA-4xx.

  • Page 29: Network Info Screen

    Figure 15 Firmware Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 3 Firmware Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter This field identifies which PLA-4xx is displayed. The powerline adapter is identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-4xx. The displayed information is the model name of the network card.

  • Page 30: Figure 16 Network Info Screen

    Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Figure 16 Network Info Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 4 Network Info Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-4xx.

  • Page 31: About Screen

    Table 4 Network Info Screen (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Transmit Rate This field displays how fast information is sent from the powerline adapter selected in the Configuration screen to this powerline adapter. The rate is given in the following format: “application data transmission rate / raw data transmission rate”. Application data reflects more accurately how fast devices are transmitting application relevant traffic (for example Internet Protocol (IP) traffic).
  • Page 32 Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

    H A P T E R Powerline Network Setup Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network. 4.0.1 Overview After setting up your first home powerline network (instructions for that are in the Quick Start Guide for your ZyXEL powerline adapter) you may want to extend the network or create a new one by adding additional powerline adapters.

  • Page 34: Important Terms

    Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 4.0.2 Important Terms Network Password (NMK) DAK Password 4.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter 1 Attach the power cord that came in the package to your powerline adapter. 2 Plug the power cord of the powerline adapter you want to add to your network into a power socket and, if needed, switch the power socket on.

  • Page 35: Adding A Powerline Adapter

    Figure 20 Click on the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon 6 You are now ready to extend your powerline network or set up a second network. • See Section 4.0.4 on page 35 • See Section 4.0.5 on page 37 •...

  • Page 36: Figure 22 Adding A New Adapter

    Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 22 Adding a New Adapter 3 Select your adapter by selecting Local and type the network password for your existing network in the Network Password (NMK) field (C). Figure 23 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network 4 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up.

  • Page 37: Setting Up A New Network With A New Adapter

    4.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter This section shows you how to use your new powerline adapters to set up a new powerline network separate to your existing network. 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.

  • Page 38: Splitting A Network Into Two Networks

    Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 26 Making a New Network with the New Adapter 3 After you have set up a new network, you are ready to connect each powerline adapter on your new network to devices, for example, a computer or a games console. 4.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks This section shows you how to split your existing network into two networks.

  • Page 39: Figure 27 Local/Remote Adapters On A Powerline Network

    Figure 27 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network 3 To set up a new powerline network, type the DAK Password and change the Network Password (NMK) on all powerline adapters you wish to add to your network. • Look for the DAK Password on a label on your powerline adapter. The DAK Password lets you access the adapter.

  • Page 40: Figure 29 Incorrect Dak Or No Dak

    Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 29 Incorrect DAK or No DAK • If you have correctly entered the DAK Password, click OK on the pop-up. Figure 30 Correct DAK 5 The settings for the adapter will now grey out and the adapter will disappear from the table next time you start up the configurator.

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    Figure 32 Adapters on a New Powerline Network • If you want to access any of your new powerline networks using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility, change the Network Password (NMK) on your local adapter to the network password for the network you want to access. The adapters on that network will then display in the adapter table, allowing you to select and configure each one.
  • Page 42 Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 43: Leds And Troubleshooting

    H A P T E R LEDs and Troubleshooting This chapter describes the LED behavior and offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter. 5.1 LEDs The following sections describes the LEDs (lights) of the PLA-400 and PLA-402, the PLA- 401, and the PLA-470.

  • Page 44: Pla-401

    Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting Table 6 PLA-400/402 LEDs (continued) ICON ETHERNET 5.1.2 PLA-401 The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-401. Use the LEDs to determine if the PLA- 4xx is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network. Figure 34 PLA-401 LEDs The following table describes the LED behavior.

  • Page 45: Power And Led Problems

    Figure 35 PLA-470 LEDs The following table describes the LED behavior. Table 8 PLA-470 LEDs ICON POWER LINK ETHERNET 5.2 Power and LED Problems The PLA-4xx does not turn on. None of the LEDs turn on. 1 Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA-4xx. 2 Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA-4xx and plugged in to an appropriate power source.

  • Page 46: Configuration Utility Problems

    Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting 1 Check the hardware connections. See the Quick Start Guide. 2 Inspect your cables for damage. Contact the vendor to replace any damaged cables. 3 Check the Ethernet adapter on your computer and make sure it’s enabled and working properly.

  • Page 47: Powerline Problems

    • Inspect the LEDs on your PLA-4xx and make sure that the ETHN and LINK LEDs are on or blinking. See Section 5.2 on page 45 5.4 Powerline Problems The signal on my powerline network is weak. 1 Your powerline adapters may be connected to electrical surge protectors. Connect them to standard power outlets.
  • Page 48 Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Part Ii: Appendices And Index

    Appendices and Index Product Specifications (51) Legal Information (55) Customer Support (59) Index (65)

  • Page 51: Appendix A Product Specifications

    P P E N D I X Product Specifications The following tables summarize the PLA-4xx’s hardware and firmware features. Table 9 Hardware Specifications Dimensions (W x D x H) Power Input Ethernet Port Operation Environment Storage Environment Cabling Type Network Interface Distance between the centers of the holes on the device’s back.

  • Page 52: Table 10 Firmware Specifications

    Appendix A Product Specifications Table 10 Firmware Specifications FEATURE Powerline Functionality Encryption Frequency Band Certifications Device Management Network Password Firmware Upgrade Table 11 Performance FEATURE Throughput over PHYsical Transport Medium (PHY) Throughput over UDP Number of devices in one powerline network The following list, which is not exhaustive, illustrates the standards supported in the PLA-4xx.

  • Page 53: Figure 36 Wall-Mounting Example

    Wall-mounting Instructions Complete the following steps to hang your PLA-400/402/470 on a wall. Table 9 on page 51 them. 1 Select a high position on a sturdy wall that is free of obstructions. 2 Drill two holes for the screws. The distance between the centers of the holes is listed in the product specifications appendix.

  • Page 54: Figure 37 Rj-45 Connector Pins

    Appendix A Product Specifications Cable Pin Assignments RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Figure 37 RJ-45 Connector Pins Table 13 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments PIN NO RJ-45 SIGNAL ASSIGNMENT RxD + RxD - TxD + Not connected Not connected TxD - Not connected Not connected PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Appendix B Legal Information

    ZyXEL Communications Corporation. Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.
  • Page 56 Appendix B Legal Information If this device does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

  • Page 57: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    ZyXEL Limited Warranty ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of up to two years from the date of purchase. 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 components without charge for either parts or labor, and to whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper operating...
  • Page 58 Appendix B Legal Information PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: Appendix C Customer Support

    • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.com.tw • Telephone: +886-3-578-3942 • Fax: +886-3-578-2439 • Web: www.zyxel.com, www.europe.zyxel.com • FTP: ftp.zyxel.com, ftp.europe.zyxel.com • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan Costa Rica • Support E-mail: soporte@zyxel.co.cr • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.co.cr •...
  • Page 60 Appendix C Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, Czech s.r.o., Modranská 621, 143 01 Praha 4 - Modrany, Ceská Republika Denmark • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.dk • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.dk • Telephone: +45-39-55-07-00 • Fax: +45-39-55-07-07 • Web: www.zyxel.dk • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Columbusvej, 2860 Soeborg, Denmark Finland •...
  • Page 61 India • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.in • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.in • Telephone: +91-11-30888144 to +91-11-30888153 • Fax: +91-11-30888149, +91-11-26810715 • Web: http://www.zyxel.in • Regular Mail: India - ZyXEL Technology India Pvt Ltd., II-Floor, F2/9 Okhla Phase -1, New Delhi 110020, India Japan •...
  • Page 62 Appendix C Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Inc., 1130 N. Miller St., Anaheim, CA 92806- 2001, U.S.A. Norway • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.no • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.no • Telephone: +47-22-80-61-80 • Fax: +47-22-80-61-81 • Web: www.zyxel.no • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Nils Hansens vei 13, 0667 Oslo, Norway Poland •...
  • Page 63 • Telephone: +44-1344-303044, 08707-555779 (UK only) • Fax: +44-1344-303034 • Web: www.zyxel.co.uk • FTP: ftp.zyxel.co.uk • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications UK Ltd., 11 The Courtyard, Eastern Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2XB, United Kingdom (UK) PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide Appendix C Customer Support...
  • Page 64 Appendix C Customer Support PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 65: Index

    Symbols .NET Framework about screen Advanced Encryption Standard, see AES 17, 25 AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) applications 15, 16 cable coaxial cabling type certifications 52, 55 notices viewing coaxial cable configuration screen connections overview 15, 16 contact information copyright customer support 26, 27 DAK (Data Access Password) Data Access Password, see DAK...
  • Page 66 Index MAC address management multiple networks overview managing the device using the web configurator. See web configurator. multiple networks network example network information network ports Parameter Information Block, see PIB passwords 26, 27, 28 types of PIB (Parameter Information Block) plug-and-play power specification private network...

This manual is also suitable for:

Pla-470Pla-401Pla-402Pla-470

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