PLA-401 V3 - Adaptateur CPL ZYXEL - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL PLA-401 V3 ZYXEL

ZyXEL Communications Corporation

About This User's Guide

About This User's Guide

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.

Related Documentation + Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains information on making your hardware connections.

Supporting Disc Refer to the included CD for support documents. + ZyXEL Web Site

Please refer to www.zyxel.com for additional support documentation and product certifications.

Help us help you. Send all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for improvement to the following address, or use e-mail instead. Thank you!

The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.

E-mail: techwriters@zyxel.com.tw

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 3

About This User's Guide

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. Please have the following information ready when you contact an office.

+ 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.

4 PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User's Guide.

Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device.

Note: Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may

need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.

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” or the “utility” in this User's Guide.

Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.

A key stroke is denoted by square brackets and uppercase text, for example, [ENTER] means the “enter” or “return” key on your keyboard.

“Enter” means for you to type one or more characters and then press the [ENTER] key. “Select” or “choose” means for you to use one of the predefined choices.

A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For example, Maintenance > Log > Log Setting means you first click Maintenance in the navigation panel, then the Log sub menu and finally the Log Setting tab to get to that screen.

Units of measurement may denote the “metric” value or the “scientific” value. For example, “k” for kilo may denote “1000” or “1024”, “M” for mega may denote “1000000” or “1048576” and so on.

“e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

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 ss Modem / Router Printer Notebook

+ Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.

+ Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.

+ Do NOT store things on the device.

+ Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

+ Connect ONLY suitable accessories to the device.

+ Do NOT open the device or unit. Opening or removing covers can expose you to dangerous high voltage points or other risks. ONLY qualified service personnel should service or disassemble this device. Please contact your vendor for further information.Make sure to connect the cables to the correct ports.

+ Place connecting cables carefully so that no one will step on them or stumble over them.

+ Always disconnect all cables from this device before servicing or disassembling.

+ Use ONLY an appropriate power adapter or cord for your device.

+ Connect the power adapter or cord to the right supply voltage (for example, 110V AC in North America or 230V AC in Europe).

+ Do NOT allow anything to rest on the power adapter or cord and do NOT place the product where anyone can walk on the power adapter or cord.

+ Do NOT use the device if the power adapter or cord is damaged as it might cause electrocution.

+ _Ifthe power adapter or cord is damaged, remove it from the power outlet.

+ Do NOT attempt to repair the power adapter or cord. Contact your local vendor to order a new one.

+ Do not use the device outside, and make sure all the connections are indoors. There is a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

+ Do NOT obstruct the device ventilation slots, as insufficient airflow may harm your device.

+ _If you wall mount your device, make sure that no electrical lines, gas or water pipes will be damaged.

+ This power unit is intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount position.

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 Users Guide 7

About This User's Guide

1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-401 v3 1.4 Security

1.4.2 Setting Up Security 1.5 Multiple Networks 1.6 PLA Compatibility

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

The Configuration Utility

Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

Installing the Utility (21)

This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA-401 v3 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter. See Appendix À on page 81 for detailed product specifications.

In this User's Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the “powerline network”. The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate using standard electrical wiring.

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. Devices can securely communicate with each other at high data transfer rates. (See Appendix À on page 81 for speeds currently supported by the PLA-401 v3.) The PLA-401 v3 uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe transfer of information.

Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-401 v3

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 15

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 network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLA-401 v3s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for example, a printer) to them.

Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information. Refer to Appendix A on page 81 for wall mounting instructions.

1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA-401 v3

Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this button. See Chapter 4 on page 29 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA-401 v3. See Section 2.2 on page 21 for instructions on installing the utility.

Use the firmware upgrade tool to upgrade to the latest firmware. Because the latest PLA-401 v3s are only compatible with other powerline devices with the latest HomePlug AV firmware, as well as the latest version Utility, these tool is available to help you upgrade. You can download this tool from the ZyXEL website (www.zyxel.com.tw). See Chapter 3 on page 27 for information in using these tools.

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.

Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your PLA-401 v3.

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 v3

You use two types of passwords in the HomePlug AV powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords.

Table 1 Password Summary

PASSWORD DESCRIPTION Network Name All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”. Change the network name via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private network. See Section 5.3 on page 37.

DAK (Data In order to manage the powerline adapters on your Access Key) powerline network you must enter the adapters’ DAK Password password in the PLA-4xx Series Configuration U

y. This password is printed on the powerline adapter itself.

You don't need to add the password for the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility (local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but not directly connected to your computer).

1.42 Setting Up Security

The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. 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.

It's easy and only requires you to change a network name.

It's a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA- 401 v3 and other 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 Section 5.3 on page 37 for information on setting up a private network.

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 17

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-401 v3

3 You may need to change the Network Name to create multiple powerline

networks. See the next 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 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 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.

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.

Table 2 Firmware and Utility Compatibility

PLAMODEL |ÉRMWARE \ururyvs0s |FRMWARE | UTILITY V 3.3.4 PLA vi models | Compatible Compatible Incompatible Compatible PLA v2 models | Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible PLA v3 models |Incompatible Incompatible Compatible Compatible

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

For PLA vi models (for example, PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA-470, PLA-491 and so on) upgrade the firmware version from 1.4.5 to 3.0.5. Refer to the PLA-4XX series User's Guide for instructions on how to do this.

For PLA v2 models (for example, PLA400 v2, PLA4O2 v2, PLA4O1 v2, PLA470 v2 and so on) make sure the firmware version is 3.0.5.

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 vi models with firmware versions 3.0.5.

Note: You cannot downgrade the PLA-401 v3's firmware to a version earlier than 3.3.4.

This diagram below shows a Powerline network where two PLAs have an earlier firmware that cannot be managed by the 3.3.4 Configuration Utility. You should upgrade the firmware of these PLAs.

Figure 2 Wrong Firmware in a Powerline Network 3.0.5

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

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Installing the Utility

This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA-401 v3.

2.1 Overview of the Installation Process

The installation of the configuration utility does the following:

1 Checks for and installs Microsoft's .NET Framework version 2.0 software on your computer. This software is necessary for the installation of the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. If you already have .NET Framework version 2.0 installed on your computer this step will be skipped.

Note: At the time of writing the utility is only compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit version) operating systems. Users with Windows XP (64-Bit version) operating systems can go to Microsoft’ s website to upgrade their systems to .NET Framework version 2.0 so it can work with the utility. To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click on My Computer > Properties. You should see this information in the General tab.

2 Installs ZyXEL's PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to manage the network name (See Section 5.3 on page 37 for more information) or view the devices recognized on your powerline network.

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.

2.2 Installing the Utility

Follow the steps below to install .NET Framework version 2.0 and the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility on your computer.

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 21

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

Insert the included CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM drive. The Setup utility runs automatically. Alternatively this can also be done manually by double clicking

the setup.exe file on the CD. A prompt appears asking you to install the .NET Framework version 2.0. Review Microsoft's License Agreement, select Accept to

Figure 4 .NET Framework Installation Prompt

For he lolowing companents:

Please read the falowing icense agreement Press the page doun key lo see the rest ofthe agreement

MICROSOFT WINDOWS INSTALLER 2.0

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If you choose Dani Accept instal wl close. To install you must accept his

Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process

The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

The Setup utility runs automatically. Click Yes or Next to continue through the initial screen. Click Cancel only if you want to abort the installation.

Figure 6 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen

Ha DEL Welcome to the ZyXEL PLA-4xx Series (2, Configuration Utility Setup Wizard »

The instaler wil guide vou through he steps required to install Z/XEL PLA-dxx Series Configuration Utility on pour computer,

WARNING: This computer program is protected by copyright law and'intemalional teaies. Unauthatized duplication ar dsbuton of this program, o any potion ft, may resul in severe civil or ctiminal penalies, and wil be prosecuted 19 the masimum extent possible under he la.

If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Only for me(.….). Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to use the configuration utility. Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Browse to specify a different location on your computer.

Install ZÿXEL PLA-4xx Series Configuration Li for yours or fo anyone who uses this computer

œs_|_e [DE 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

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility

5 When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm the InstallShield Wizard has successfully installed the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to your computer. Click Close to exit the wizard.

Installation Complete

ZHREL PLA Au Sais Corfguraton Lt has been suoese. ina.

Please use Windows List t check lo any Gtlicalupdaes tathe.NET Framenctk.

Note: You may be asked to restart your computer when the installation is complete. Click “Yes” to restart your computer. If you select “No, | will restart my computer later”, you will not be able to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer.

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. When no connection is detected after sixty (60) seconds, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is going into Low Power mode.

The same process occurs when you disconnect the PLA-401 v3 from a previously working Ethernet connection. Sixty (60) seconds after disconnecting the Ethernet cable, the PLA-401 v3's Power LED blinks signalling that it is going into Low Power mode.

The Ethernet and HomePlug LEDs are turned off in Low Power mode.

While in Low Power mode, you cannot use the ENCRYPT button. To enable the ENCRYPT button again, you have to connect the PLA-401 v3's Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook or modem/router first. The PLA-401 v3 wakes up from Low Power mode and you can start using the ENCRYPT button.

Low Power mode is enabled by default.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

LEDs and Troubleshooting (71)

Use the Firmware Upgrade Tool to ensure you have the latest firmware (version 3.3.4 or later) on your PLA-401 v3(s).

You need to upgrade all your PLA-401 v3s to the latest firmware to ensure they can connect with each other and they are compatible with the latest version Utility.

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. This is necessary as devices with ZyXEL's early version firmware are not compatible with the latest 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-401 v3.

Note: The firmware is included in the Tool. You do not need to download the firmware separately.

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 27

Use the ENCRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between your powerline devices.

4.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview

The ENCRYPT button allows you to set up a secure powerline connection with other HomePlug AV compliant powerline devices which also support the ENCRYPT feature. No other powerline setting changes are required to connect.

You can use the ENCRYPT button to:

. set up a new powerline network

* separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks

4.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT You can connect a number of devices on a powerline network, but you can use the ENCRYPT button on only two devices at a time.

1 Place a powerline device close to another powerline device so you have time to set up each one. After you set up the first powerline device, you have 120 seconds to set up the second powerline device.

2 You can disconnect them from your computer or modem (or other networking equipment) if you need to move them close to each other, but the powerline devices need to be plugged into power outlets.

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 on page 24 for more details.

3 Press the ENCRYPT button at the rear of your powerline device for more than 10 seconds until the power («h) light flashes. This resets the network name to a random value and removes your device from any network it may belong to.

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 29

Chapter 4 The ENCRYPT Button

4 Press the ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 1+2 seconds. The power (4h) light will blink as the powerline device tries to set up a connection.

Figure 9 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure

À EC / Ô press 2 seconds Û om . W 2 press 2 seconds mm <— — 2 within 2 minutes

Note: The ENCRYPT button's location varies for each Powerline model.

5 Repeat step 4 in this section for the other powerline device you wish to connect. This must be done within 120 seconds of pressing the ENCRYPT button on the PLA-401 v3.

6 Check the lights on the two powerline devices. The power ({}) and HomePlug (&) lights should be blinking while the devices are connecting. Several times all lights blink simultaneously and the HomePlug (15) light also shows red. Wait for about one minute while your powerline devices connect.

If the power (4h) light does not blink when you press ENCRYPT, you have probably pressed the ENCRYPT button for too long. Try again, pressing the ENCRYPT button for 1- 2 seconds.

If the HomePlug (1) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. Repeat steps 4 and 5 in this section. If that doesn't work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 8.5 on page 76 for suggestions.

7 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 (€b) light flashes.

30 PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Chapter 4 The ENCRYPT Button

8 Then repeat steps 4 and 5 in this section using any powerline device (A or B) you have connected using ENCRYPT and the powerline device you want to connect (C). You must use the ENCRYPT button on both devices.

Figure 10 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network

9 If you disconnected your computer or modem (or any other networking product connected to your powerline device) in step 1 of this section, you can now reconnect them.

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 Users Guide 31

Chapter 4 The ENCRYPT Button

For example, you have already set up a powerline network in your home (A) which accesses a printer (B). Now you want a separate powerline network connection from your laptop to your printer (C).

1 Click the ENCRYPT button on (A) for more than 10 seconds until the power (€b) light flashes. This disconnects (A) from (B).

2 Click the ENCRYPT button on (A) and (C) for 12 seconds and within two minutes of each other.

3 Wait for about one minute while (A) and (C) connect.

32 PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Chapter 4 The ENCRYPT Button

4 Check the LEDs on both (A) and (C). When the power («l)) and HomePlug (1) lights stop blinking and the power ((b) light shines steadily, the devices are

Figure 12 Two Separate Powerline Networks

Congratulations. You now have two separate powerline networks as shown above.

If the HomePlug (#8) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline devices are not connected. 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 Users Guide 33

Chapter 4 The ENCRYPT Button

4.4 ENCRYPT Button Behavior

is pressed for specific lengths of time.

Table 3 Time ENCRYPT Button is Pressed and Action

The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the ENCRYPT button

HOMEPLUG LIGHT TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR BEHAVIOR less than |The device joins a network. | The power (@) light blinks | The HomePlug (& ) light 3 seconds |It shares the same network | until the device is turns on if your device is name as other devices on connected. This may take a | connected to another the network. minute. powerline device or a powerline network. more than |The device leaves any The power (@) light blinks | The HomePlug (& ) light 10 network it is associated with | several times and then blinks red one time and seconds and its network name shines steadily. then turns off when it assumes a random value. disconnects from the powerline network.

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

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 (A).

Figure 13 Example Network Setup

All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the quality of your home's wiring.

Note: See Section 5.1.1 on page 35 for more information on enhancing your powerline network security.

5.1.1 Powerline Network Security

When the PLA-401 v3s communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the powerline network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot understand the

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 35

Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data between powerline adapters.

For the powerline adapters to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network name. This network name allows the powerline adapters to understand the encrypted information sent in the powerline network.

By default the PLA-401 v3s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV, 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 powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters you want to allow to communicate in your powerline network.

5.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK)

In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline 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 powerline adapter itself.

You don't need to enter the DAK password for the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the utility (local powerline adapter), you only have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those in your powerline network, but not directly connected to your computer).

5.2 Starting the Configuration Utility

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

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.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

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.

Note: Use the E icon to view online help information in each screen of the utility.

Figure 15 Configuration Screen

Nate: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, and the password format should be 5 -000%-X00XN-XI00e.

Netuork Name (NMK}: Wie | €: Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to al devices

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4 Configuration Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Use this to select which powerline network information is displayed. Topology Different powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface

(network card) connected directly to the PLA-401 v3. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a powerline device then you have two powerline networks.

The fields described below are used to identify the powerline adapters recognized on the powerline network. The configuration utility automatically updates this information every 10 seconds. Click Scan to refresh the information in these fields (immediately).

Note: Only devices which share the same network name are displayed in this table.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

Table 4 Configuration Screen (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION Site

This field displays + Local, ifitis identifying the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

+ Remote, ifit is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

This is a read-only field which shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter you are configuring. You can find the MAC address of your PLA-401 v3 displayed on a sticker on the bottom of your device.

DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform changes on a remote device. You can find the DAK password printed on a sticker on the bottom of your PLA-401 v3.

Select the remote powerline adapter you want to manage by clicking the MAC address which corresponds to it in the MAC Address column. Enter the DAK Password value and click Save.

Note: You must enter the DAK Password value exactly as it is printed on the label (all caps and with dashes “-”).

The default network name (sometimes called a network password or network membership key (NMK)) of the PLA-401 v3 is “HomePlugAV”. HomePlug compatible devices use the same network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network. If you change the network name of one device on the network, it will no longer be recognized as part of that network.

If you change the network name, make sure you change the network name for all of the powerline adapters that you want to be part of your powerline network.

The network name can be from 8 to 64 characters in length, using “A”<"Z", “a”r"z", “0"+"9"; spaces are not allowed.

Set NMK to this device

Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

Set NMK to all devices

Select this to apply the NMK (entered in the field above) as the network name for all powerline adapter detected by the utility.

Click this to apply your changes. The new Network Name is applied to the selected powerline adapter.

Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the selected powerline adapter before you can make changes to it.

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

Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

Firmware is the software which is embedded in the PLA-401 v3. This software contains processing instructions for how the PLA-401 v3 sends and receives information in a secure way.

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.

Note: To upgrade to the latest firmware, use the firmware upgrade tool available from the ZyXEL website (www.zyxel.com), or from the CD included with your PLA- 401 v3. Make sure you also upgrade the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility if you do so, as older version utilities are not compatible with PLA-401 v3s using the latest firmware.

Note: Be sure to upload the correct model firmware as uploading the wrong model firmware may damage your device.

Figure 16 Firmware Screen

Please visit the ZyXEL website (www.zyrel.com) to download the latest firmeare for your ZyXEL HomePlug AV products.

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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.

| > Adapter: Realtek RTL8169/8110 Famdy Gigabit Ethernet NIC 2 Central Coordinator MAC: 0018 ch 42320

5e [mac Adèress | nransmit Rate (bps) | Receive Rate (bns) |

Local 00:02:cf:741e9:1b 1441189 149195 Remote 00:19:cb:42:b3:30 1712 sy

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Network Info Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter

This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-401 v3. Typically there is only one connection, however, if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a PLA-401 v3, then you have two powerline networks.

MAC The Central Coordinator of the powerline network is the powerline adapter which keeps track of which devices are part of the network as well as synchronizes communication within the powerline network. If the Central Coordinator is removed from the powerline network then another powerline adapter takes its place. This field displays the MAC address of the PLA-401 v3 which is the Central Coordinator of the powerline network. The powerline adapters in your powerline network automatically select the Central Coordinator.

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Table 5 Network Info Screen (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION The information provided in the following table reflects transmission rate information about the powerline adapters which communicate in your powerline network.

The powerline adapters listed in this table are all the powerline adapters in your powerline network except the powerline adapter selected in the Configuration page of the configuration utility. In other words, if the Local powerline adapter is selected in the Configuration screen, then this table will display the rates of transmission from the powerline adapter connected to the computer running the configuration utility to all the Remote powerline adapters.

Site This field displays:

+ Local, ifit is the PLA-401 v3 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

+ _ Remote, ifit 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. It consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters (hexadecimal characters are “0-9” and ‘“a-f”). In the case of the PLA-401 v3, this label is on the bottom of the device.

Transmit This field displays how fast information is sent from the powerline adapter Rate (Mbps) | selected in the Configuration screen to this powerline adapter. The rate is given in the following format: “application data transmission rate / raw data transmission rate”. Application data reflects more accurately how fast devices are transmitting application relevant traffic (for example Internet Protocol (IP) traffic). Raw data refers to the whole payload of the packets transmitted across the powerline network.

Receive Rate | This field displays how fast information is received from the powerline (Mbps) adapter selected in the Configuration screen to this powerline adapter. The rate is given in the following format: “application data transmission rate / raw data transmission rate”. Application data reflects more accurately how fast devices are transmitting application relevant traffic (for example Internet Protocol (IP) traffic). Raw data refers to the whole payload of the packets transmitted across the powerline network.

Note: This feature is only available with the latest version utility. Go to the ZyXEL website to download the latest utility and firmware for your ZyXEL HomePlug AV adapter.

You can configure the powerline adapters on your network to give priority to network traffic depending on its importance. When you set the priority of a powerline adapter, you set how quickly messages FROM your powerline adapter are sent in your powerline network. Transmissions TO your powerline adapter do not receive any priority.

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Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

For example, if you have a file server on your home network to deliver music and movie files to computers in your home, you should set the priority of the powerline adapter connected to this server to Medium. If video traffic is delivered too slowly, quality problems may occur.

On the other hand, a powerline adapter attached to a printer should have a low priority setting since the slow delivery of messages will not affect the print job.

Similarly, if you want to prioritize any downloads from the Internet, set the priority on the powerline adapter attached to your Internet gateway to High.

Allocate priority settings based on application type as follows.

Table 6 Priority Settings

PRIORITY LEVEL APPLICATION High Voice Application Medium Video and Audio Applications Normal Data Applications Low Data Applications

The figure below shows an example powerline home network connected to the Internet.

*« Device A is a printer and does not handle traffic with high importance, so the powerline adapter connected to it can be set to low priority.

.« Device Bis a file server, delivering audio or movie files to other users on the network. The powerline adapter attached to it should have a medium setting.

. Device C, a home computer which connects to the Internet, can receive a normal priority setting as it usually sends simple requests for data. For example, when you surf the 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.

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Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

- Although device E receives audio or movie files, it does not send a lot of traffic, so the powerline adaptor attached to it can be set to a low priority.

Figure 18 Priority Settings

Use this screen to configure priority settings for traffic from the powerline adapters on your network.

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Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 7 Advanced Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter

This field identifies which powerline network information is displayed. Different powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) on your computer which is connected directly to a powerline adapter. Typically there is only one connection. However, if your computer has two network cards and both are connected to a powerline adapter, then you have two powerline networks.

This field displays: + Local, ifit is the PLA-401 v3 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

+ _ Remote, ifit is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

This is a read-only field which shows the MAC address of the powerline adapter you are configuring. You can find the MAC address of your PLA-401 v3 displayed on a sticker on the bottom of your device.

Select a priority setting from the drop-down box for traffic FROM your selected device. The options, in order of importance, are High, Medium, Normal and Low.

Click this to apply your changes. The new Priority setting is applied to the selected powerline adapter.

Use the About screen to view information regarding the configuration utility and firmware version of the PLA-401 v3 you are connected to. Click the E icon in the top right corner of the utility to view the About screen.

Figure 20 About Screen

PLA-4xx Series Utility

Copyright(c) 2009 2yXEL Communications Corp. Al rights reserved

Upgrade to latest version

firmware and utility. Firmware version: Released: Feb 11 2009 12:43:20

INT6000-MAC-3-3-3348-00-2764-20080808-FINAL{

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 About Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION Utility This field displays the software version of the configuration utility.

Firmware This field displays the firmware version of the device you selected in the

version Device Selection field of the Configuration screen. In the example firmware version given in the screen, 3-3-3348, the firmware version is shown by the numbers 334, meaning this is firmware version 3.3.4. 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 El button in upper right corner to close the About window.

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Chapter 5 The Configuration Utility

This chapter shows you how to use the configuration utility on a Mac computer with the Leopard operating system. See the User's Guide Chapter 5 on page 35 for background information on some powerline features.

All HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the quality of your home's wiring. In the case of coaxial cable this can extend beyond the boundary of your home such as your neighbor's house or apartment for example .

Use the Mac utility to configure the following tasks:

+ Change Network Name (NMK) ° Change Nickname

These are the OS X utility system requirements at the time of writing.

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

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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 on z)

1 Your PLA Network: HomePlugAV CA Properties:

Add a Device à Refresh gi PLA-403

Local Device PLA-403

1120-20070816-FINAL D 7x Mbos o Rx Mbos °

@ change Nemork Name (M

2 HomePlug Light Color

Copyright © 2008 ZyXEL Communications Corp.

To add a device, click Add a Device in the configuration utility main screen.

6.1.4 Change Network Name

The network name or Network Membership Key (NMK) is a password that identifies a powerline network. All powerline devices with the same NMK are in the same powerline network. The default network name of the PLA-401 v3 is HomePlugAV. HomePlug compatible devices use the same network name to recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network. If you change the network name of one device on the network, it will no longer be recognized as part of that network.

If you change the network name, make sure you change the network name for all of the powerline adapters that you want to be part of your powerline network.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

To enter the NMK for a powerline adapter, select the device icon in the left panel of the main utility screen and then click Change Network Name (NMK) in the main utility screen.

Figure 22 Change Network Name (NMK)

Devices that use the same NMK can be seen as in the same

All authenticated devices

Table 9 Change Network Name (NMK)

LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Name The network name may consist of 8 to 64 letters, numerals and any printable character found on a typical English language keyboard. Spaces are not allowed.

All authenticated Click this button to display a screen showing other powerline devices devices that are already in the same powerline network as the selected powerline adapter.

Click OK to change their NMKS to the Network Name you entered here. Click Cancel to not change them and return to the previous screen.

This device only Click this button to just update the NMK on the selected powerline adapter.

Cancel Click this button to close this window without saving any changes.

6.1.5 Change Nickname

You can give each device in your powerline network a ‘friendly name’ in order to easily distinguish them in your powerline netowork. 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)

Give your device a name to help you identify it

You can configure the powerline adapters on your network to give priority to data they transmit.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

The following table shows some example priority settings based on application

You can configure up to eight rules defining priority for traffic transmitted from the selected powerline device.

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.

Select the type of traffic to which this rule applies. You may select one of the following:

FTP HTTP E-Mail Telnet User-Defined

If you select User-Defined then enter the port number that defines that traffic type, such as 1823 for MSN traffic. See the commom services appendix for port numbers of other traffic types.

After you select the traffic type, select the priority level (Highest, High, Mid, Low) assigned to this traffic.

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.

This field displays the name of a previously created priority rule.

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Table 11 QoS Settings (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION Port # This field displays the port number for the type of traffic to which this rule applies.

Priority This field displays the priority level that this traffic receives.

OK Click this button to save the settings to the device.

Cancel Click this button to close this window without saving any changes.

6.1.7 Set HomePlug Light Color

Use this screen to define which color the HomePlug light shines at various speeds. For example, configure the light to shine red when the speed is slow enough to warrant your attention, amber for ‘near slow’ speeds and green for acceptable powerline speeds for your network. 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.

In the default screen shown in Figure 25 on page 51, the maximum possible speed is 150 Mbps. If the speed falls below 10 Mbps, the light will shine red. It will shine amber for speeds between 10 and 40 Mbps and green for speeds above 40 Mbps.

Figure 25 Set HomePlug Light Color Set HomePlug Light Color

Set the HomePlug lights color to show available speeds.

0 Mbps mg mm 150 Mbps" Red Amber Green

Gus [0 lue * Maximum Posibie Speed œ% can)

Use the slider to define the light behaviour or type a range in the text boxes for when the light should shine amber. For example, if the maximum possible speed in your network is 100 Mbps and you feel that speeds below 15 Mbps are abnormally slow, and speeds above 50 Mbps are good, then enter ‘15' in the first text box and "50" in the second. The maximum possible speed, 100 Mbps in our example, is detected automatically by the device; you do not enter it.

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.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

6.1.8 Link Information

Use the Link Info screen to find out more information on the connection between two powerline adapters on your powerline network. The link information screen shows the MAC addresses of connected powerline adapters and statistics on the

Link Characteristics Source Address: Destination Address:

This is the MAC address of the local powerline adapter. The local powerline adapter is the one connected directly to your computer. A MAC address is a number that uniquely identifies a device in a network.

This is the MAC address of a remote powerline adapter. A remote powerline adapter is in the same powerline network as the local powerline adapter but is not connected directly to your computer.

Click this button to show detailed link information between the local and remote power adapters..

Avg. Pre-FEC Bit Error Rate

In powerline networks data is sent in physical blocks (PB). This field shows the average percentage of errors in the physical blocks received by the destination device from your source device before the errors are corrected using FEC (Forward Error Correction). Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a system where the sender adds redundant data to its transmissions. It allows the receiver to correct errors without the need of asking the sender to resend the data.

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.

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Table 12 Link Information (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION Avg. Source PB CRC | This field displays the average CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) Error Rate error rate of transmission from the source device (as shown in

the screen) received by destination powerline device.

A Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) is used as a checksum to detect alteration of data during transmission. The CRC error check is performed after Forward Error 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. Data transmission rates are reduced if there is a lot of noise on the line.

Avg. Destination PB CRC Error Rate

A Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) is used as a checksum to detect alteration of data during transmission. This field displays the average CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error rate of transmission from the destination powerline device to the source device (as shown in the screen).

The CRC error check is performed after Forward Error 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. Data transmission rates are reduced if there is a lot of noise on the line.

This field displays the average number of bits transferred over

the connection measured in Mbps. This represents the physical rate of data transmission (the PHY rate) which includes not only the files sent on your powerline, but also line overhead required to manage your network, such as error correction bits.

The PHY rate is the clearest indicator of the quality of your line.

If the PHY rate is close to the HomePlug AV maximum data transfer rate, then the quality of this section of the line is very high, with very little attenuation.

If the PHY rate varies between the maximum level and a lower level (such as 60 Mbps), there is noise on this section of your powerline. Attenuation is not a factor.

If the PHY rate is steady at a lower level (such as 80 Mbps), this is caused by attenuation and not noise on this section of your powerline.

This field displays the average Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) measured in dB. Use this to check the amount of noise on this part of your powerline network. The higher the number the better the connection quality.

Noise on your powerline is usually caused by household appliances running on your powerline. The motor of a refrigerator can create electrical interference. A cell/mobile phone recharger which rapidly alternates between on and off can also generate noise. 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.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

Table 12 Link Information (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION Avg. Attentuation/ This field displays the average attenuation measured in dB. Carrier Attenuation is the reduction in strength of a signal as it travels

over a transmission line. Use this field to check the reduction in the strength of the signal between two devices.

Attenuation may vary considerably across a powerline network as line conditions also vary. A typical level of attenuation may be 40 dB, but may reach over 70 dB, depending on line quality and distance.

A main cause of attenuation is the power requirements of appliances on your electrical circuit. Powerline traffic near an appliance such as a refrigerator may be affected by attenuation more than on other sections of your powerline.

Avg. Output Power/ This field shows the average power produced by the source Carrier device. Power levels should be constant and limited by the output power standard of your country. 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.

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. All powerline devices of the same type should

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

use the same firmware version. Use the Firmware Upgrade Tool to upload new

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-401 v3 connected to your computer at any time.

Figure 28 Firmware Detection Tool

{(en0) Yukon Gigabit Adapter 88£8055 Singleport Copper SA [éd

MAC Address Firmware Version | Manufacturer 00:02:cf:7e:65:84 3-0-3052 2yXEL 00:02:cf:7e:65:86 3-0-3052 ZyXEL

00:19:cb:6b:4b:06 3-0-3052 ZyXEL Table 13 Firmware Detection Tool

LABEL DESCRIPTION Site

This field shows Local, if it is identifying the powerline adapter directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility and Remote, ifit is a powerline adapter in your powerline network but not directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility.

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.

This field displays the version number of the powerline device. In the example firmware version given in the screen, 3-0-3052, the numbers 305 represent firmware version 3.0.5.

Manufacturer This field displays the manufacturer of the powerline device. You can upgrade your device if this field displays ZyXEL. If Other displays then you cannot use the Firmware Upgrade Tool.

Detect Click this button to display the firmware versions of local and remote devices in the same powerline network.

Finish Click this button to close this screen.

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6.3 Firmware Upgrade Tool

Use the firmware upgrade tool to upgrade firmware to the powerline device directly connected to your computer.

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.

6.3.1 Notes on Upgrading Firmware

. If the firmware version of devices in your powerline network is greater than 3.0.5, then you may only need to upgrade the utility; otherwise you must upgrade both the utility and the firmware!

. Be sure to upload the correct model firmware as uploading the wrong model firmware may damage your device.

. The firmware is included in the upgrade tool. You do not need to download the firmware separately.

< After you upgrade firmware, all settings that you configured in the utility revert to their factory defaults. Before upgrading, write down your current settings. After you upgrade the firmware, you need to reconfigure your device using the utility.

+ Your device automatically reboots after you upload the firmware.

You cannot downgrade firmware to an older version firmware.

6.3.2 Procedure to Upgrade Firmware

1 Connect the powerline device to be upgraded to your computer.

2 Close the Configuration Utility and Firmware Detection Tool if either of them are open.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

3 Open the Firmware Upgrade Tool application. Click Next to begin the firmware upgrade process.

Figure 29 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Start e A 400 Firrr e Upgra: ool - 3.0.:

ZyXEL Firmware Upgrade for PowerLine Ethernet Adapter Firmware version: 3.0.5

This wizard will upgrade the firmware of your device. To continue, dlick Next.

Please make sure that your device is connected directly to this computer.

WARNING: Do not remove the device from the plug socket or disconnect it from the computer.

4 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

The firmware version of your device isthe 7 latest version. Do you want to proceed with the firmware upgrade

Click Finish to exit the tool.

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Chapter 6 The OS X Configuration Utility

5 Select the region where your powerline network is located in the following screen. Make sure you upload the correct firmware for your region as different regions

have differnt firmware characteristics.

Figure 31 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Start

Please select your region. A: Europe, Russia B: USA, Canada, Taiwan

Device MAC address: 00:02:cf.7:65:84

6 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

ZyXEL PRE Click Finish to exit the tool.

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7 If your firmware is successfully upgraded, a successful screen appears. Click OK, then Finish to close the application. Your device automatically restarts.

Figure 33 Firmware Upgrade Tool: Finish

The tool has successfully upgraded 2 firmware of your device. Click Finish to exit the tool.

8 To check if your firmware is successfully upgraded, run the Firmware Detection Utility again and check your firmware version.

9 Repeat this upgrade process for each powerline device you need to upgrade.

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PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

7.0.1 Overview Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network.

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

+ How to start up your new powerline adapter. You need to do this before you can begin the next sections.

+ How to make your existing powerline network bigger by adding new powerline adapters.

+ How to make a new network separate from your existing network with new powerline adapters.

+ How to make a new, separate powerline network with the powerline adapters you have.

The tutorial uses the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to set up your powerline adapter.

If you haven't already installed the utility, see Chapter 2 on page 21 for instructions. If you do not have the CD with the utility, the utility software is also available for download at www.zyxel.com. Navigate to the powerline products section of the ZyXEL website to find this software. Follow the instructions provided by the software to install it on your computer.

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.

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Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

7.0.2 Important Terms

Network Name The network name allows a powerline adapter to connect with other powerline adapters that have the same network name. It provides security for your powerline network. The network name uses English letters or numbers, from 8 to 64 characters long, with no spaces allowed.

DAK Password DAK = Device Access Key.

The DAK Password lets you access the powerline adapter. You can find the DAK Password on a label on your powerline device.

7.0.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter

1 Plug the powerline adapter you want to add to your network into a power socket and, if needed, switch the power socket on.

Figure 34 Plug Your Powerline Adapter into a Power Socket

Ÿ ee I 0 PNT7111111, .

2 Connect the powerline adapter to your computer. 3 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 VIT rr3T +"

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4 Open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility on your computer. Go to Start > (AI) 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

5 You are now ready to extend your powerline network or set up a second network.

° See Section 7.0.4 on page 63 to add a new powerline adapter to your network.

«+ See Section 7.0.5 on page 65 to set up a second network with your new adapters.

«+ See Section 7.0.6 on page 67 to set up a second network with your existing adapters.

7.0.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter

This section shows you how to add a new powerline adapter to expand your existing network.

The figure below shows the family computer with Internet access on a powerline network. Expand the network by adding a new powerline adapter connected to a printer.

Figure 37 Add a Printer to Your Powerline Network

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 powerline adapter you want to add to your network and open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 7.0.3 on page

The utility should open to the configuration tab. On this scre

en in the Site column

your new powerline adapter should appear as Local (A). Check the Local adapter's MAC address (B). It should match the MAC address listed on the label on

the back of your powerline adapter.

Figure 38 Adding a New Adapter

+ Network Topology [Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC |

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, andthe password format should be "XXXX-XKXX-KXXX-KXXX",

Network Name (NMK): Write

& Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to all devices

3 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

[Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC x Ste I MAC Address [| (sm) Local O0:02:cf:74:e9:1b

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, and the password Format should be #XXxX-XXxX-XXXX XIXe,

Network Name (NMK): [ Petworkname Write

Set NMK to this device

€ Set NMK to all devices

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

4 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up. Figure 40 Network Name Pop-up

5 Your new adapter will now have the same Network Name as your existing network and so has now joined your existing network.

6 Connect the adapter to the device you want to add to the network, for example, your Internet refrigerator in the kitchen.

7 Plug the adapter's power cord into a power outlet and, if required, switch the power outlet on.

8 Repeat this procedure for all additional powerline adapters that you want to add to your existing or new powerline network.

7.0.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter

This section shows you how to use your new powerline adapters to set up a new powerline network separate to your existing network.

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

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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

1 Connect your new powerline adapter and open the configuration utility as shown in Section 7.0.5 on page 65. The screen shown below appears.

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2 Type a Network Name that is different from the Network Name for your existing network. Make sure you use the same new Network Name for all new adapters you want to add to your new network.

Figure 42 Making a New Network with the New Adapter

Configuration + Hetwork Topology [ Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC x —#"" site I MAC Address J (sm) Local 00:02:cf:74:e9:1b

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, and the password format should be "XXXX-KXXX-XXXX-XXXX".

Network Name (NMK}: _ JNEwnetworkname Write

€ Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to all devices

3 After you have set up a new network, you are ready to connect each powerline adapter on your new network to devices, for example, a computer or a games console.

7.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks

This section shows you how to split your existing network into two networks. This is useful if you want to set up a second powerline network in your home, for

example, in your study connecting a laptop and printer. See Figure 41 on page 66 for an example.

To set up your existing powerline network you had to set each powerline adapter with the same network name. To move some of these adapters to a new network, you need to give them a new network name.

1 Connect a powerline adapter to your computer and open the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility (see Section 7.0.3 on page 62).

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Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

2 Theutility should open to the configuration tab as shown below. A list of powerline adapters on your network displays. These adapters all have the same network name as the adapter you are connected to. The adapter you are connected to will appear as Local in this table. All others are listed as Remote.

Figure 43 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, andthe password Format should be "Xxxx-Xxx-XXHX-XXH",

Network Name (NMK): Write

Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to all devices

3 To set up a new powerline network, type the DAK Password and change the Network Name on all powerline adapters you wish to add to your network.

° Look for the DAK Password on a label on your powerline adapter. The DAK Password lets you access the adapter.

° 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

à Hetwork Topology [Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC x“

Note: You can Find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, and the password Format should be "XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX",

Network Name (NMK}: [NetworkNamez Write

€ Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to all devices

68 PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

<_If you do not type the DAK password or type it incorrectly either of the following pop-ups appear. Click OK and type the DAK Password correctly in the DAK Password field.

Figure 45 Incorrect DAK or No DAK

@ Encryption Key Set Failed - TimeOut.

*_ If you have correctly entered the DAK Password, click OK on the pop-up.

5 The settings for the adapter will now grey out and the adapter will disappear from

the table after a few minutes. Figure 47 An Adapter on Your New Network

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Passard on your device's back label, and the password format should be "XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX".

Network Name (NMK): Write

€ Set NMK to this device €° Set NMK to all devices

6 Go back to step 3 in this section to set the same, new Network Name for all

remote adapters you want to add to your new network.

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Chapter 7 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial

7 Check you have added the adapters correctly by changing the network name for

the local adapter. All adapters with the new Network Name now appear in the list of adapters on your network. These adapters are now part of your new network.

Figure 48 Adapters on a New Powerline Network

à Hetwork Topology [ Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC “|

MAC Address Remote 00:02:cf:74:e9:1b

DAK Password: EIUM-YCLU-KIWU-JFQH Save

Note: You can find your MAC Address and DAK Password on your device's back label, and the password Format should be "XXXX-XXxx-xxxx-Hx",

Network Name (NMK}: |uetworkiamez Write

€ Set NMK to this device € Set NMK to all devices

< If you want to access any of your new powerline networks using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility, change the Network Name on your local adapter to the network name for the network you want to access. The adapters on that network will then display in the adapter table, allowing you to select and configure each one.

The HomePlug ({$) LED (light) should light up on your adapter when it successfully connects to other adapters on your network. If it does not, try the following measures.

+ 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

LEDs and Troubleshooting

This chapter describes the behavior of the LEDs (lights) and offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter.

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.

Figure 49 PLA-401 v3 Lights

Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA-401 v3.

The PLA-401 V3 is on and receiving power.

It also indicates a successful connection using the ENCRYPT button.

The PLA-401 V3 is starting up.

It also indicates the PLA-401 V3 is trying to connect with another device using the ENCRYPT function.

Blinking at the same time as the HomePlug light indicates an unsuccessful connection if you have used the ENCRYPT button.

The Power LED blinks when it is in Low Power mode. Refer to Section 2.3 on page 24 for details on this feature.

The PLA-401 V3 is not receiving power.

The PLA-401 V3 detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer rate is greater than 40 Mbps.

The PLA-401 V3 detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer rate is between 1040 Mbps.

The PLA-401 V3 detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer rate is between 0+10 Mbps.

The PLA-401 v3 is communicating with another powerline adapter. Data is being transmitted and/or received.

Blinking at the same time as the POWER light indicates an unsuccessful connection if you have used the ENCRYPT button.

The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline adapter.

The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-401 V3 detects a device connected to it.

The PLA-401 V3 is communicating with a networking device connected to it.

The PLA-401 V3 does not detect any devices connected to its ETHERNET port.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

8.2 Power and Light Problems

The PLA-401 v3 does not turn on. None of the lights turn on.

1 Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA-401 v3.

2 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.

3 Disconnect and re-connect the power cord to the PLA-401 v3.

4 Remove the powerline adapter from the outlet. Then connect an electrical device that you know works into the same power outlet. This checks the status of the power outlet.

5 Ifthe problem continues, contact the vendor.

The ETHERNET light does not turn on.

1 Check the hardware connections. See the Quick Start Guide.

2 Inspect your cables for damage. Contact the vendor to replace any damaged cables.

3 Check the Ethernet adapter on your computer and make sure it's enabled and working properly.

4 Ifthe PLA-401 v3 is connected to an Ethernet switch or router, make sure the device is working correctly, and that the LAN network is working and configured correctly as well.

The HomePlug light does not turn on.

1 Check all PLA-401 v3s on your network have the latest firmware installed. PLA- 401 v3s with the latest firmware cannot communicate with PLA-401 v3s using earlier versions of the firmware. Go to Section 5.4 on page 38 for instructions on installing the latest firmware.

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Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to detect all other HomePlug devices on your powerline network. Make sure that the network name (sometimes called the network password) is the same on all of your powerline adapters. See Section 5.3 on page 37 for instructions on checking the network name.

Check the DAK password and MAC address for all powerline adapters are typed correctly in the utility. See Section 5.3 on page 37 for instructions on checking the 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. (Although they can coexist on the same electrical wiring without interfering with each other.)

Make sure that the powerline adapters on your network are all on the same electrical wiring. Connect another powerline adapter into an outlet close to your PLA-401 v3's power outlet. They are probably now on the same electrical wiring. Check the HomePlug & light. If it now lights up your powerline adapter was probably previously on separate electrical wiring. Ask an electrician for more information on the electrical wiring in your building.

If your powerline network is using coaxial cable, check all powerline adapters are on the same coaxial cable.

If your powerline network is using electrical wiring (not coaxial cable), check you do not have a power meter between powerline adapters. Powerline signals cannot pass this.

The POWER and HomePlug light blink at the same time.

+ You have pressed the ENCRYPT button for more than three seconds. Try setting up a connection again, this time pressing the ENCRYPT buttons on both devices for less than three seconds.

8.3 Configuration Utility Problems

The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility displays an error during installation.

PLA-401 v3 User's Guide

Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

-< 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 v3 and make sure that the ETHERNET and HomePlug LEDs are on or blinking. See Section 8.1 on page 71 for 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 v3s using earlier versions of the firmware. Go to Section 5.4 on page 38 for instructions on installing the latest firmware.

+ Check you are using the latest version utility. Earlier version utilities cannot communicate with PLA-401 v3s using the latest firmware. If you do not have the latest utility, download it from the ZyXEL website.

. Ifthe 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.

1 Your powerline adapters may be connected to electrical surge protectors. Connect them to standard power outlets.

2 Your powerline adapters may be located close to large appliances such as refrigerators or air-conditioners that cause interference with the powerline signal. Move the adapters further away from such appliances to reduce interference.

3 Your powerline adapters may be placed close to electrical devices such as electrical insect-killers which produce radio waves. These may interfere with the powerline signals. Move the adapters further away from such electrical devices.

4 Your wiring may be old and/or low quality or with a long wiring path.

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Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

8.5 ENCRYPT Button Problems

This section applies only to PLA-401 v3s with the ENCRYPT button.

The HomePlug light is already on, but | haven't pressed the ENCRYPT button yet.

Your device has already connected to another powerline device. Press the ENCRYPT button for more than 10 seconds to release the connection.

The POWER light does not blink when 1 press the ENCRYPT button.

Check the device is on.

Press the ENCRYPT button again, making certain you have pressed the button for more than one second and less than three seconds.

+ 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.

The POWER light blinks two times quickly then pauses, before repeating.

The ENCRYPT process has failed. Press the ENCRYPT button on both devices for more than 10 seconds, then try to reconnect.

The POWER lights on both devices blink when | press the ENCRYPT buttons, but the HomePlug light does not turn on.

< Ensure you have pressed the ENCRYPT button on both devices. *< Wait for about a minute while the devices set up a connection.

*_If that does not work, try again with both devices connected to a power strip next to each other. If they now connect, then the devices were not on the same electrical circuit before.

76 PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

The POWER lights on both devices blink, then many lights blink and the HomePlug light blinks red.

Do not worry, the connection process is proceeding normally.

The POWER lights on both devices finished blinking, but only one device’s HomePlug light is on.

One device may have connected to a third powerline device. To check device A is connected to device B and not another device, disconnect device B from its power source. Device A's HomePlug (& ) light will turn off if the connection is with Device B. Press the ENCRYPT button on both devices for more than 10 seconds, then try to reconnect, pressing the ENCRYPT button for less than 3 seconds on both devices.

l 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.

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Chapter 8 LEDs and Troubleshooting

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide

Appendices and Index

Product Specifications

The following tables summarize the PLA-401 v3's hardware and firmware features.

Table 15 Hardware Specifications

Auto-crossover: Use either crossover or straight-through Ethernet cables.

RESET Pressing this button in for less than 3 seconds resets the device to factory default settings. Network Name becomes HomePlugAV.

ENCRYPT Pressing this button in for less than 3 seconds begins the connection setup process.

Pressing this button in for more than 10 seconds resets the network name to a random value.

Operation Environment

Temperature: 09 C + 459 C Humidity: 20% + 90% Noncondensing

1 x 10/100M BASE-T Ethernet port with Auto MDI/MDIX Distance between the centers of the holes on the device's back.

Recommended type of screws for wall- mounting

FEATURE DESCRIPTION Powerline Functionality

The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate using standard electrical wiring.

It supports a data transfer rate of up to 200Mbps.

Data is encrypted using 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

HomePlug AV compatible devices co-exist with HomePlug 1.0 devices but do not detect each other.

The range of a HomePlug AV network is 300 meters/984 feet in optimal conditions.

HomePlug AV is compatible with all OSs.

The maximum number of devices connected (bridged) to single powerline adapter is 64.

The maximum number of powerline devices on a single network is 64.

The maximum number of powerline networks on a single electrical circuit is 4.

HomePlug AV devices using version 3.3.4 firmware cannot communicate with earlier version firmware.

FCC, CE, CUL, UL, HomePlug AV, RoHS Device Management

Use the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.5(AG) to easily configure the PLA-401 v3.

Note: The PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility version 3.0.5(AG) is only compatible with PLA-401 v3s with the latest firmware installed.

Change the powerline network name to only allow the powerline adapters you specify to join your network.

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 fimware. Follow the instructions in Section 5.4 on page 38 for installing the latest firmware.

Note: Only install firmware for your specific model!

The powerline adapter goes into Low Power mode when no Ethernet connection is detected.

FEATURE DESCRIPTION Throughput over PHYsical Transport Medium (PHY)

Supports up to 200 Mbps in half duplex mode

Throughput over UDP Supports up to 150 Mbps over in-house power/ coaxial lines (LAN port limits to 100 Mbps)

Number of devices in one powerline network

Supports up to 64 devices in 4 network groups

Table 18 Standards Supported

The following list, which is not exhaustive, illustrates the standards supported in

STANDARD DESCRIPTION HomePlug AV Designed for transmitting audio/video on a home powerline network.

RFC 868 Time Protocol.

RFC 2236 Internet Group Management Protocol, Version 2.

Cable Pin Assignments

RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments

Figure 50 RJ-45 Connector Pins 12345678

Table 19 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments

CRNODCECRNE Not connected

Copyright Copyright © 2009 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation.

Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.

ZyXEL does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or software described herein. Neither does it convey any license under its patent rights nor the patent rights of others. ZyXEL further reserves the right to make changes in any products described herein without notice. 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. You are subject to the restrictions of copyright laws and any other applicable laws, and will bear the consequences of any infringements thereof. ZyXEL bears NO responsibility or liability for your use of the download service feature.

Make sure all data and programs on the PLA-401 v3 are also stored elsewhere. ZyXEL is not responsible for any loss of or damage to any data, programs, or storage media resulting from the use, misuse, or disuse of this or any other ZyXEL product.

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 85

Appendix B Legal Information

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.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement

The device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

< This device may not cause harmful interference.

< This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operations.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this device does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Viewing Certifications 1 Gotohttp://www.zyxel.com.

2 Select your product on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.

3 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. During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or

materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective products or

PLA-401 v3 Users Guide 87

Appendix B Legal Information

components without charge for either parts or labor, and to whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally equivalent product of equal or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of 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.

Repair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the purchaser. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in no event be held liable for indirect or consequential damages of any kind to the purchaser.

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.

Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 15 applications 15

electrical circuit boundaries 35 encryption 15,35, 82 ETHN LED 71

FCC interference statement 86 firmware 38

H HomePlug AV standard 15 humidity, operation and storage 81

management multiple networks 18 overview 35

using the web configurator. See web configurator.

multiple networks 18

private network 17 problems and solutions 71 product registration 88 PWR LED 71

security 16, 18,35 passwords 17

starting the utility 36, 48

syntax conventions 5

temperature, operation and storage 81 trademarks 86