Powerline Problems - ZyXEL Communications PLA-401 Series User Manual

• Make sure your computer is using Windows XP or Windows Vista (32-bit)
operating system. At the time of writing, this is the only compatible operating
system for the configuration utility.
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
troubleshooting LED related problems.
• Check all ZyxEL HomePlug AV devices on your network have the latest firmware
installed. The latest utility cannot communicate with PLA-401 Seriess using
earlier versions of the firmware. Go to
installing the latest firmware.
• Check you are using the latest version utility. Earlier version utilities cannot
communicate with PLA-401 Seriess 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.
• If you are running another tool such as the Firmware Detection Tool or
Firmware Upgrade Tool, the Utility will not detect your local device.

8.4 Powerline Problems

The signal on my powerline network is weak.
Your powerline adapters may be connected to electrical surge protectors. Connect
1
them to standard power outlets.
Your powerline adapters may be located close to large appliances such as
2
refrigerators or air-conditioners that cause interference with the powerline signal.
Move the adapters further away from such appliances to reduce interference.
Your powerline adapters may be placed close to electrical devices such as
3
electrical insect-killers which produce radio waves. These may interfere with the
powerline signals. Move the adapters further away from such electrical devices.
Your wiring may be old and/or low quality or with a long wiring path.
4
PLA-401 Series User's Guide
Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting
Section 8.1 on page 71
Section 5.4 on page 38
for
for instructions on
75