Power Line Network Security; Device Access Key (Dak); Starting The Configuration Utility; Configuration Screen - ZyXEL Communications PowerLine PLA-402 User Manual

Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-400/402

3.1.1 Power Line Network Security

When the PLA-400/402s communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the
information that is sent in the power line 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 power line
adapters.
For the power line adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same
network password. This password allows the power line adapters to understand the encrypted
information sent in the power line network.
By default the PLA-400/402s are all configured with the password HomePlug, this allows you
to simply plug the devices in and not worry about setting up security. If you want to enhance
the security on your power line network, you can change the network password on the power
line adapters you want to allow to communicate in your power line network.

3.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

In order to manage the power line adapters on your power line network you must enter the
adapters' password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the
DAK (Device Access Key) password. This password is printed on the power line adapter
itself.
You don't need to enter the DAK password for the power line adapter directly connected to
the computer running the configuration utility (local power line adapter), you only have to add
the remote power line adapters' passwords (those in your power line network, but not directly
connected to your computer).

3.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

To launch the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility simply double click on the
configuration icon on your desktop.

Figure 13 PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon

Alternatively, start the utility by browsing to it from the start menu. Click Start > Programs >
ZyXEL Communication Corporation > PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility.

3.3 Configuration Screen

Use the Configuration screen to see which devices are recognized by your power line
network, gain access to managing remote devices (those not directly connected to the
computer running the configuration utility) and change the power line network password. This
screen opens up when you launch the configuration utility.
24
PLA-400/402 Series User's Guide