ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 V3 User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 V3 User Manual

Powerline ethernet adapter
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PLA-401 v3

Powerline Ethernet Adapter

Firmware Version 3.3.4
Edition 1, 3/2009
www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2009
ZyXEL Communications Corporation

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  • Page 1: Powerline Ethernet Adapter

    PLA-401 v3 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Firmware Version 3.3.4 Edition 1, 3/2009 www.zyxel.com www.zyxel.com Copyright © 2009 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 v3 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 In the event of problems that cannot be solved by using this manual, you should contact your vendor. If you cannot contact your vendor, then contact a ZyXEL office for the region in which you bought the device. See http://www.zyxel.com/ web/contact_us.php for contact information.

  • Page 5: Document Conventions

    Syntax Conventions • The PLA-401 v3 may be referred to as the “PLA-401 v3”, 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 Document Conventions Icons Used in Figures Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA-401 v3 icons used may not be an exact representation of your device. PLA-401 v3 Computer Internet Modem / Router Printer Notebook...

  • 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 Safety Warnings PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Part I: Introduction................. 13 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 v3 ....................15 1.1 Overview ..........................15 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 v3 ................. 15 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-401 v3 ..................16 1.4 Security ..........................16 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: Part I Introduction

    Introduction Introducing the PLA-401 v3 (15) Installing the Utility (21)

  • Page 15: Introducing The Pla-401 V3

    1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 v3 The PLA-401 v3 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 V3

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 v3 Connect your PLA-401 v3 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA-401 v3 into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA-401 v3 for Internet access. Your...

  • Page 17: Passwords

    Use this feature if your powerline devices have the ENCRYPT button. If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-401 v3. Although the PLA- 401 v3 is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.

  • Page 18: Multiple Networks

    Network Name can communicate with each other. 1.6 PLA Compatibility Your PLA-401 v3 can work with different PLA models that have a firmware version of at least 3.0.5 in the same powerline network. The following table shows a quick summary of firmware and utility versions compatible with the different powerline models.
  • Page 19 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 v3 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 The diagram below shows a Powerline network where each PLA has the correct firmware. Use Configuration Utility v 3.3.4 to manage the PLAs in this Powerline network. Figure 3 Correct Powerline Network Configuration Utility v 3.3.4 3.3.4 3.3.4 3.0.5 3.0.5 3.0.5 3.3.4 PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 21: Installing The Utility

    Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible with a PLA-401 v3 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Low Power Mode

    2.3 Low Power Mode Your PLA-401 v3 is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when there is no Ethernet connection. When you plug the PLA-401 v3 into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet connection.

  • Page 25: Part Ii: Managing The Pla-401 V3

    Managing the PLA- 401 v3 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

    If your firmware is an early version (earlier than 3.3.4), then upgrade your firmware using the Firmware Upgrade Tool. 3.2 Firmware Upgrade Tool Use the firmware upgrade tool to upgrade your PLA-401 v3’s firmware to the latest version. You can use this tool to upgrade the firmware on the powerline device directly connected to your computer.
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 Firmware Tool PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Chapter 4 The Encrypt Button

    Note: Because your PLA-401 v3 goes into Low Power mode, it must be connected to a networking equipment for the ENCRYPT button to work. Refer to Section 2.3...
  • 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-401 v3s in your network (without additional configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over your home’s electrical wiring...

  • Page 36: Device Access Key (Dak)

    Figure 14 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon 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.

  • 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 v3 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 v3 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 39 Parameter Information Block (PIB) is similar to firmware. It contains the most basic operating instructions for the PLA-401 v3 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 v3.

  • 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: About Screen

    Site This field displays: • Local, if it is the PLA-401 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 46 Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility PLA-401 v3 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 v3 • 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Start The Configuration Utility

    Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility 6.1.2 Start the Configuration Utility Drag the utility application from the CD (or download it from the ZyXEL download library) to the Applications folder on your computer. Double-click it to open it. Figure 21 Utility Main Screen 6.1.3 Add a Device...

  • 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 54: Download Firmware

    Click this button to reset all counters in this screen to zero. Close Click this button to close this window. 6.1.9 Download Firmware Use this screen to go to the ZyXEL download library from where you can download firmware to your computer. 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.
  • Page 55 MAC Address This shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter. You can find the MAC address of your PLA-401 v3 displayed on a sticker on the bottom of your device. Firmware Version This field displays the version number of the powerline device.

  • Page 56: Firmware Upgrade Tool

    To upgrade to the latest firmware, use the firmware upgrade tool on the CD included with your PLA-401 v3. Make sure you also use the latest PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility; older utilities may not be compatible with PLA-401 v3s 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 60 Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility PLA-401 v3 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 v3 in this tutorial is an example only. Your powerline adapter may be different. PLA-401 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 63: Adding A Powerline Adapter

    Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility on your computer. Go to Start > (All) Programs > ZyXEL PLA-4xx Series Configuration > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility, or click on the icon on your desktop shown below.
  • 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 66 Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial ZyXEL DMA-1100P you can use your TV to watch movies and play games which are stored on a computer. 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...

  • 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Leds And Troubleshooting

    8.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA-401 v3. The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-401 v3. Use the lights to determine if the PLA-401 v3 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 v3. Table 14 PLA-401 v3 Lights STATU LIGHTS ICON COLOR DESCRIPTION PLA-401 v3 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 v3. Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA-401 v3 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 v3 can not detect earlier versions of HomePlug powerline adapters such as HomePlug 1.0 or 1.0.1.

  • Page 75: Powerline Problems

    PLA-401 v3s using the latest firmware. If you do not have the latest utility, download it from the ZyXEL website. • If the device is not a ZyXEL device, then the DAK and Network Name will be greyed out.

  • 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 v3. • For PLA-401 v3, you cannot use the ENCRYPT button when it is in Low Power mode. Connect the PLA-401 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 78 Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA-401 v3 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 v3’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 Change the powerline network name to only allow the powerline adapters you specify to join your network. Firmware Upgrade Download new firmware (when available) from the ZyXEL website and use the configuration utility to install it. Note: You do not need the configuration utility to install the latest firmware.
  • 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 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 84 Appendix A Product Specifications PLA-401 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 85: Appendix B Legal Information

    This publication is subject to change without notice. Your use of the PLA-401 v3 is subject to the terms and conditions of any related service providers. Do not use the PLA-401 v3 for illegal purposes. Illegal downloading or sharing of files can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
  • Page 86 Appendix B Legal Information Trademarks ZyNOS (ZyXEL Network Operating System) is a registered trademark of ZyXEL Communications, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners. Certifications Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement The device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.

  • Page 87: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    Canada. Viewing Certifications Go to http://www.zyxel.com. Select your product on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page. Select the certification you wish to view from this page. 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.
  • Page 88 ZyXEL. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.

  • 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 v3 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 v3 User’s Guide...

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