ZyXEL Communications PLA-402 v3 User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications PLA-402 v3 User Manual

ZyXEL Communications PLA-402 v3 User Manual

Powerline coaxial ethernet adapter
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PLA-402 v3
Powerline Coaxial Ethernet Adapter
Firmware Version 3.3.4
Edition 1, 5/2009
www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2009
ZyXEL Communications Corporation

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  • Page 1 PLA-402 v3 Powerline Coaxial Ethernet Adapter Firmware Version 3.3.4 Edition 1, 5/2009 www.zyxel.com www.zyxel.com Copyright © 2009 ZyXEL Communications Corporation...

  • Page 3: About This User's Guide

    User’s Guide PDF. Related Documentation • Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get your PLA-402 v3 up and running right away. It contains information on setting up your network and configuring for Internet access.
  • Page 4 About This User's Guide Documentation Feedback Send your comments, questions or suggestions to: techwriters@zyxel.com.tw Thank you! The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 30099, Taiwan. Need More Help? More help is available at www.zyxel.com.
  • Page 5 • Product model and serial number. • Warranty Information. • Date that you received your device. Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 6: Document Conventions

    Syntax Conventions • The PLA-402 v3 may be referred to as the “PLA-402 v3”, the “ZyXEL device”, the “device” or the “coaxial 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 7 Document Conventions Icons Used in Figures Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA-402 v3 icons used may not be an exact representation of your device. PLA-402 v3 Computer Internet Modem / Router Printer Notebook...

  • Page 8: 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Part I: Introduction................. 13 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3 ....................15 1.1 Overview ..........................15 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 v3 ................ 16 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-402 v3 ..................17 1.4 Security ..........................17 1.4.1 Passwords ........................18 1.4.2 Setting Up Security ....................
  • Page 10 7.0.3 Accessing Your Coaxial Adapter ................62 7.0.4 Adding a Coaxial Adapter ..................63 7.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ............65 7.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ............... 66 7.1 Troubleshooting ........................69 PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 9.2 Power and Light Problems ....................79 9.3 Configuration Utility Problems ..................... 81 9.4 Powerline Coaxial Problems ....................81 9.5 SETUP Button Problems ..................... 82 Chapter 10 Product Specifications ......................85 Appendix A Legal Information ....................89 Index............................93 PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: Part I Introduction

    Introduction Introducing the PLA-402 v3 (15) Installing the Utility (21)

  • Page 15: Introducing The Pla-402 V3

    “powerline coaxial network”. The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate using coaxial cables. The PLA-402 v3 plugs into a coaxial cable outlet to easily extend a DSL broadband connection or existing Ethernet (LAN) network to any other coaxial cable outlet in any room of a house, all without the need for any new cabling as shown in the following figure.

  • Page 16: Expand Your Network With The Pla-402 V3

    Data 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 v3 Connect your PLA-402 v3 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into a coaxial cable outlet in your home (1). Plug a second PLA-402 v3 into another coaxial cable outlet (2) and connect a computer to the PLA-402 v3 for Internet access (3).

  • Page 17: Ways To Manage The Pla-402 V3

    If you are setting up a coaxial connection in a room with only one coaxial outlet you can use a coaxial splitter to connect more than one device. For example, if you want to connect a TV and a PLA-402 v3 to a single outlet you could use a coaxial splitter.

  • Page 18: Passwords

    Use this feature if your coaxial devices have the SETUP button. If your devices do not have the SETUP button, use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA-402 v3. Although the PLA- 402 v3 is a “plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline coaxial network in your home.

  • Page 19: Multiple Networks

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3 You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline coaxial networks. See the next section for more information on how to set up a multiple network. 1.5 Multiple Networks Multiple powerline coaxial networks can coexist on a single coaxial circuit. You might want to implement multiple powerline coaxial networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet networks.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-402 v3 PLA-402 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-402 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-402 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Low Power Mode

    2.3 Low Power Mode Your PLA-402 v3 is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when there is no Ethernet connection. When you plug the PLA-402 v3 into an electric socket, it waits for an Ethernet connection.

  • Page 25: Part Ii: Managing The Pla-402 V3

    Managing the PLA- 402 v3 Firmware Tool (27) The SETUP Button (29) The Configuration Utility (35) Powerline Coaxial Network Setup Tutorial (61) PLA Compatibility (71)

  • Page 27: Chapter 3 Firmware Tool

    Utility or with devices running ZyXEL’s latest version firmware. At the time of writing, firmware version 3.3.4 is only available to PLA-402 v3. Note: The firmware is included in the Tool. You do not need to download the firmware separately.
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 Firmware Tool PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Chapter 4 The Setup Button

    Note: Because your PLA-402 v3 goes into Low Power mode, it must be connected to a networking equipment for the SETUP button to work. Refer to Section 2.3 on...
  • Page 30 Chapter 4 The SETUP Button Press the SETUP button at the side of your coaxial device for 1~2 seconds. The power ( ) light will blink as the PLA-402 v3 tries to set up a connection. Figure 9 SETUP Connection Procedure press for...

  • Page 31: Setting Up Multiple Networks

    This sets up your powerline coaxial network between your coaxial devices. 4.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks You can use the SETUP button to set up multiple powerline coaxial networks using your existing powerline coaxial network. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 32 Click the SETUP button on (A) for more than 10 seconds until the power ( light flashes. This disconnects (A) from (B). Click the SETUP 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 33 Repeat the connection process, making certain you press the SETUP buttons for the correct time and within two minutes of each other. If that does not work see Section 9.5 on page 82 for suggestions. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Setup Button Behavior

    See Troubleshooting in Chapter 9 on page 82 for suggestions on problems with the SETUP button and the lights. PLA-402 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 coaxial network. The PLA-402 v3 is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-402 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)

    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. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 37: Configuration Screen

    5.3 Configuration Screen Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline coaxial network, to configure your PLA-402 v3 and to set up a secure powerline coaxial network by changing the powerline coaxial 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 coaxial adapter before you can make changes to it. 5.4 Firmware Screen Use the Firmware screen to update the firmware on the PLA-402 v3 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 39 Parameter Information Block (PIB) is similar to firmware. It contains the most basic operating instructions for the PLA-402 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-402 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-402 v3 is communicating with other coaxial adapters on your powerline coaxial 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-402 v3 in your powerline coaxial network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of your coaxial adapter. The MAC address of your coaxial 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 43 Figure 18 Priority Settings Use this screen to configure priority settings for traffic from the coaxial adapters on your network. Figure 19 Advanced Screen PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: About Screen

    Site This field displays: • Local, if it is the PLA-402 v3 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. • Remote, if it is a coaxial adapter in your powerline coaxial 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 46 Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility PLA-402 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-402 v3 • Supported Mac operating systems: Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5 • Supported Language/s: English PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Start The Configuration Utility

    If you change the network name, make sure you change the network name for all of the coaxial adapters that you want to be part of your powerline coaxial network. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Change Nickname

    The name may consist of up to 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) PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 50: Qos Settings

    Rule Name Type a rule name. The name may consist of up to 31 letters, numerals and any printable character found on a typical English language keyboard. Spaces are not allowed. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Set Homeplug Light Color

    The Maximum Possible Speed is the best speed that can be attained on your electrical circuit. It varies depending on the electrical wiring, insulation, distance between devices, and electromagnetic interference from adjacent wiring or other electrical devices on your network. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 52: Link Information

    Use the Link Info screen to find out more information on the connection between two coaxial adapters on your powerline coaxial network. The link information screen shows the MAC addresses of connected coaxial adapters and statistics on the links. Figure 26 Link Information PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 53 Correction. If the error rate after FEC error correction is still high, then this indicates a lot of noise at all frequencies on this section of your powerline coaxial network. Data transmission rates are reduced if there is a lot of noise on the line. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 54 Unusually high output power levels may damage your device. Clear Statistics Click this button to reset all counters in this screen to zero. Close Click this button to close this window. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Download Firmware

    You cannot run the Firmware Detection Tool, the Firmware Upgrade Tool or the Configuration Utility at the same time, as only one of these applications can access the PLA-402 v3 connected to your computer at any time Figure 28 Firmware Detection Tool...

  • Page 56: Firmware Upgrade Tool

    To upgrade to the latest firmware, use the firmware upgrade tool on the CD included with your PLA-402 v3. Make sure you also use the latest PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility; older utilities may not be compatible with PLA-402 v3s using the latest firmware.

  • Page 57: Procedure To Upgrade Firmware

    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-402 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-402 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 coaxial device you need to upgrade. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 60 Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Powerline Coaxial Network Setup Tutorial

    After setting up your first home powerline coaxial network (instructions for that are in the Quick Start Guide for your ZyXEL PLA-402 v3) you may want to extend the network or create a new one by adding additional coaxial adapters. This tutorial shows you the following.

  • Page 62: Important Terms

    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. Figure 36 Click on the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 63: Adding A Coaxial Adapter

    Note: You do not need to know the network name of the new adapter to add it to your network. Connect your computer to the coaxial adapter you want to add to your network and open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 7.0.3 on page 62). PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 64 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 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up. Figure 40 Network Name Pop-up PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 65: Setting Up A New Network With A New Adapter

    Internet. The second network (2) has no Internet access but with a media adapter such as the ZyXEL DMA-1100P you can use your TV to watch movies and play games which are stored on a computer. Figure 41 Add New Coaxial Adapters to Make a Second Network PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 66: 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 coaxial adapter to your computer and open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 7.0.3 on page 62). PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 67 • 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 Click Save. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 68 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 69: 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 coaxial adapter is connected to the same electrical circuit as other coaxial adapters on your network. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 70 Chapter 7 Powerline Coaxial Network Setup Tutorial PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Chapter 8 Pla Compatibility

    PLA Compatibility 8.1 Overview Your PLA-402 v3 can work with different PLA models that have a firmware version of at least 3.0.5. However, the PLA-402 v3 can only connect to another coaxial device (such as the PLA-402 v2) as shown in the following figure.
  • Page 72 Note: The PLA v2 models can be upgraded to firmware version 3.3.4. At the time of writing, PLA-402 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 73 Chapter 8 PLA Compatibility 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. Correct Powerline Network Configuration Utility v 3.3.4 PLA-402 v3’s User’s Guide...
  • Page 74 Chapter 8 PLA Compatibility PLA-402 v3’s User’s Guide...

  • Page 75: Part Iii: Appendices And Index

    Appendices and Index LEDs and Troubleshooting (77) Product Specifications (85) Legal Information (89) Index (93)

  • Page 77: Leds And Troubleshooting

    9.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA-402 v3. The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-402 v3. Use the lights to determine if the PLA-402 v3 is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline coaxial network.
  • Page 78 Chapter 9 LEDs and Troubleshooting The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA-402 v3. Table 14 PLA-402 v3 Lights STATU LIGHTS ICON COLOR DESCRIPTION PLA-402 v3 POWER Green is on and receiving power. PLA-402 v3 Blinking is starting up.

  • Page 79: Power And Light Problems

    Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA-402 v3. Make sure the power cord is connected to the PLA-402 v3 and plugged in to an appropriate power source. Make sure the power source is turned on.
  • Page 80 Make sure that all your coaxial adapters are HomePlug AV compliant. Check the package it came in or ask your vendor. This PLA-402 v3 can not detect earlier versions of HomePlug coaxial adapters such as HomePlug 1.0 or 1.0.1. (Although they can coexist on the same electrical wiring without interfering with each other.)

  • Page 81: Configuration Utility Problems

    The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility does not display all or any of my devices. • Inspect the LEDs on your PLA-402 v3 and make sure that the ETHERNET and HomePlug LEDs are on or blinking. See Section 9.1 on page 77...

  • Page 82: Setup Button Problems

    • The POWER light on some coaxial devices do not blink as part of the SETUP process. Check your coaxial device is a PLA-402 v3. • For PLA-402 v3, you cannot use the SETUP button when it is in Low Power mode. Connect the PLA-402 v3 to a computer/router then try again.
  • Page 83 I pressed the SETUP 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 coaxial device. Try again, pressing the SETUP button for more than 10 seconds. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 84 Chapter 9 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 85: Product Specifications

    H A P T E R Product Specifications The following tables summarize the PLA-402 v3’s hardware and firmware features. Table 15 Hardware Specifications Dimensions (W x D x 113 mm (L) x 105 (H) mm x 35 (W) mm Weight...
  • Page 86 Certifications CE, RoHS Device Management Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.3.4(AG) to easily configure the PLA-402 v3. Note: The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.3.4(AG) is only compatible with PLA-402 v3s with the latest firmware installed. Network Name Change the powerline coaxial network name to only allow the coaxial adapters you specify to join your network.
  • Page 87 RFC 868 Time Protocol. RFC 1112 IGMP v1 RFC 1157 SNMPv1: Simple Network Management Protocol version 1 RFC 1901 SNMP v2c Simple Network Management Protocol version 2c RFC 2236 Internet Group Management Protocol, Version 2. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 88 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Figure 52 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Appendix A Legal Information

    This publication is subject to change without notice. Your use of the PLA-402 v3 is subject to the terms and conditions of any related service providers. Do not use the PLA-402 v3 for illegal purposes. Illegal downloading or sharing of files can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
  • Page 90 Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du 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. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 91 To obtain the services of this warranty, contact your vendor. You may also refer to the warranty policy for the region in which you bought the device at http:// www.zyxel.com/web/support_warranty_info.php. Registration Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com. PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 92 Appendix A Legal Information PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...

  • Page 93: Index

    Coaxial Interface configuration screen installation connections overview overview copyright procedure requirements InstallShield wizard introduction 35, 37 DAK (Data Access Password) Data Access Password, see DAK dimensions ETHN disclaimer LINK LINK LED local vs. remote adapter PLA-402 v3 User’s Guide...
  • Page 94 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-402 v3 User’s Guide...

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