Multiple Networks - ZyXEL Communications PLA4205 User Manual

If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility
to set up security on the PLA4205. Although the PLA4205 is a "plug-and-play" network expanding
solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.
It's easy and only requires you to change a network name.
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It's a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA4205 and other
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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.
Without security (encryption) your information is accessible to anyone using a powerline adapter on
the same electrical circuit. In some cases, a circuit can be shared by more than one household.
To prevent compromising your network security, you can create a private network. A private
network uses a secret password (Network Name) to make sure that only permitted powerline
adapters can communicate in your network. See
up a private network.
You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline networks. See the next
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section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.

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.
Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a
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Network Name (for example "Password1") to this powerline adapter. Add additional powerline
adapters to your network by plugging them into your powerline outlets and assigning them
"Password1". This completes the configuration of your first powerline network.
Connect another powerline adapter to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and
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assign a different Network Name (for example "Password2") to this powerline adapter. Again, add
additional powerline adapters and assign them "Password2".
You now have two private networks on your powerline circuit. Information is not shared between
the two networks as only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can communicate with
each other.
PLA4205 User's Guide
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4205
Section 4.3 on page 27 for information on setting
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