User Guide
Page 2
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in your product firmware or your computer operating system. IMPORTANT! Screenshots and graphics in this manual is designed to differences in this book may differ slightly from your hardware connections. 2 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide It contains information on making your product due to help you get up and running right away. Related Documentation • Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide is accurate. KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in your product firmware or your computer operating system. IMPORTANT! Screenshots and graphics in this manual is designed to differences in this book may differ slightly from your hardware connections. 2 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide It contains information on making your product due to help you get up and running right away. Related Documentation • Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide is accurate. KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
User Guide
Page 3
Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ...3 Part I: User's Guide 5 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 ...7 1.1 Overview ...7 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4201 v2 7 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4201 v2 ...8 1.4 Security ...8 1.4.1 Passwords ...9 1.4.2 Setting Up Security ...9 1.5 Multiple Networks ...10 Chapter 2 Installing the Utility...11 2.1 Overview of the Installation Process 11 ... ...22 4.1.1 Powerline Network Security ...22 4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) ...23 4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility ...23 4.3 Configuration Screen ...24 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 3
Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ...3 Part I: User's Guide 5 Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 ...7 1.1 Overview ...7 1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4201 v2 7 1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4201 v2 ...8 1.4 Security ...8 1.4.1 Passwords ...9 1.4.2 Setting Up Security ...9 1.5 Multiple Networks ...10 Chapter 2 Installing the Utility...11 2.1 Overview of the Installation Process 11 ... ...22 4.1.1 Powerline Network Security ...22 4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) ...23 4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility ...23 4.3 Configuration Screen ...24 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 3
User Guide
Page 4
... 6.1 LEDs ...41 6.2 Power and Light Problems ...42 6.3 Configuration Utility Problems ...44 6.4 Powerline Problems ...44 6.5 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems 45 Appendix A Legal Information...47 Index ...51 4 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide
... 6.1 LEDs ...41 6.2 Power and Light Problems ...42 6.3 Configuration Utility Problems ...44 6.4 Powerline Problems ...44 6.5 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems 45 Appendix A Legal Information...47 Index ...51 4 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide
User Guide
Page 7
... at the bottom of the rear panel. There are two types of hardware for any room of the PLA4201 v2 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter. This User's Guide uses the first hardware type as the "powerline network". The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate... and features of a house, all without the need for the PLA4201 v2: • One has an Ethernet port on the top and a power plug at high PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 7 Devices can securely communicate with the PLA4201 v2 The PLA4201 v2 plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend a cable or...
... at the bottom of the rear panel. There are two types of hardware for any room of the PLA4201 v2 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter. This User's Guide uses the first hardware type as the "powerline network". The HomePlug AV standard specifies how network devices communicate... and features of a house, all without the need for the PLA4201 v2: • One has an Ethernet port on the top and a power plug at high PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 7 Devices can securely communicate with the PLA4201 v2 The PLA4201 v2 plugs into an ordinary power outlet to easily extend a cable or...
User Guide
Page 8
...up security on your home. Plug a second PLA4201 v2 into an ordinary power outlet in your powerline network if they have them . Refer to them , download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website. 1.4 Security Since your powerline network may ... page 11 for short) to your home and connecting other outlets in your PLA4201 v2. 8 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Figure 1 Expand Your Network with a PLA4201 v2 which has the latest firmware installed. Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 data transfer rates. This utility is important to ensure safe transfer of information....
...up security on your home. Plug a second PLA4201 v2 into an ordinary power outlet in your powerline network if they have them . Refer to them , download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website. 1.4 Security Since your powerline network may ... page 11 for short) to your home and connecting other outlets in your PLA4201 v2. 8 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Figure 1 Expand Your Network with a PLA4201 v2 which has the latest firmware installed. Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 data transfer rates. This utility is important to ensure safe transfer of information....
User Guide
Page 9
... the powerline network in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. Without security (encryption) your information is printed on your powerline network. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 9 Table 1 Password Summary PASSWORD Network Name DAK (Data Access Key) Password DESCRIPTION All powerline adapters that only permitted powerline...ensure privacy of your home. 1 It's easy and only requires you only have the RESET/ENCRYPT button. Although the PLA4201 v2 is a "plugand-play" network expanding solution there are shipped with the same powerline network name "HomePlugAV". The following...
... the powerline network in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. Without security (encryption) your information is printed on your powerline network. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 9 Table 1 Password Summary PASSWORD Network Name DAK (Data Access Key) Password DESCRIPTION All powerline adapters that only permitted powerline...ensure privacy of your home. 1 It's easy and only requires you only have the RESET/ENCRYPT button. Although the PLA4201 v2 is a "plugand-play" network expanding solution there are shipped with the same powerline network name "HomePlugAV". The following...
User Guide
Page 10
... networks as only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can coexist on your powerline circuit. Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 1.5 Multiple Networks Multiple powerline networks can communicate with each other. 10 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide You might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office environment where you have two private networks on a single...
... networks as only powerline adapters with the same Network Name can coexist on your powerline circuit. Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 1.5 Multiple Networks Multiple powerline networks can communicate with each other. 10 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide You might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office environment where you have two private networks on a single...
User Guide
Page 11
... to Microsoft's website to upgrade their systems to .NET Framework version 2.0 so it can work with a PLA4201 v2 which has the latest firmware installed. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 11 You should see this step will be skipped. To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click... on your computer. If you don't already have .NET Framework version 2.0 installed on your computer this information in the General tab. 2 Installs ZyXEL's...
... to Microsoft's website to upgrade their systems to .NET Framework version 2.0 so it can work with a PLA4201 v2 which has the latest firmware installed. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 11 You should see this step will be skipped. To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click... on your computer. If you don't already have .NET Framework version 2.0 installed on your computer this information in the General tab. 2 Installs ZyXEL's...
User Guide
Page 12
... Setup utility runs automatically. Figure 2 .NET Framework Installation Prompt 2 The next screen allows you want to abort the installation. Figure 4 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen 12 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Review Microsoft's License Agreement, select Accept to install the .NET Framework version 2.0. Alternatively this can also be done manually by double clicking the setup.exe...
... Setup utility runs automatically. Figure 2 .NET Framework Installation Prompt 2 The next screen allows you want to abort the installation. Figure 4 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen 12 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Review Microsoft's License Agreement, select Accept to install the .NET Framework version 2.0. Alternatively this can also be done manually by double clicking the setup.exe...
User Guide
Page 13
... complete. Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Browse to restart your computer. 2.3 Low Power Mode Your PLA4201 v2 is a certified green product. Figure 6 Installation Complete Note: You may be only available to the currently logged in your computer. 5 ...When the installation is no Ethernet connection. Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer. If you select "No, I will restart my computer later", you will not be able to use the configuration utility. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 13
... complete. Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Browse to restart your computer. 2.3 Low Power Mode Your PLA4201 v2 is a certified green product. Figure 6 Installation Complete Note: You may be only available to the currently logged in your computer. 5 ...When the installation is no Ethernet connection. Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer. If you select "No, I will restart my computer later", you will not be able to use the configuration utility. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 13
User Guide
Page 14
...RESET/ ENCRYPT button again, you can start using the RESET/ENCRYPT button. The PLA4201 v2 wakes up from a previously working Ethernet connection. Chapter 2 Installing the Utility When you plug the PLA4201 v2 into an electric socket, it is going into Low Power mode. When no ...disconnect the PLA4201 v2 from Low Power mode and you have to connect the PLA4201 v2's Ethernet cable to a computer/ notebook or modem/router first. Sixty (60) seconds after sixty (60) seconds, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is enabled by default. 14 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Low Power...
...RESET/ ENCRYPT button again, you can start using the RESET/ENCRYPT button. The PLA4201 v2 wakes up from a previously working Ethernet connection. Chapter 2 Installing the Utility When you plug the PLA4201 v2 into an electric socket, it is going into Low Power mode. When no ...disconnect the PLA4201 v2 from Low Power mode and you have to connect the PLA4201 v2's Ethernet cable to a computer/ notebook or modem/router first. Sixty (60) seconds after sixty (60) seconds, the Power LED blinks indicating that it is enabled by default. 14 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Low Power...
User Guide
Page 17
.... After you set up the first powerline device, you have time to set up the second powerline device. Place a powerline device close to each one. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 17 Refer to Section 2.3 on a powerline network, but the powerline devices need to move them from any network it . CHAPTER 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button Use... can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to: • set up a new powerline network. • separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks. • reset the PLA4201 v2 to connect.
.... After you set up the first powerline device, you have time to set up the second powerline device. Place a powerline device close to each one. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 17 Refer to Section 2.3 on a powerline network, but the powerline devices need to move them from any network it . CHAPTER 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button Use... can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to: • set up a new powerline network. • separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks. • reset the PLA4201 v2 to connect.
User Guide
Page 18
...device tries to 3 seconds. Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button 2 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA4201 v2. Wait for 0.5 to set up , the powerline devices are connecting. If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ENCRYPT, ... model. 3 Repeat step 2 in Section 6.5 on page 45 for suggestions. 4 To add more powerline devices to 8 seconds and then release it. 18 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Try again, pressing the RESET/ ENCRYPT button for too long. This must be blinking while the devices are not connected.
...device tries to 3 seconds. Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button 2 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA4201 v2. Wait for 0.5 to set up , the powerline devices are connecting. If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ENCRYPT, ... model. 3 Repeat step 2 in Section 6.5 on page 45 for suggestions. 4 To add more powerline devices to 8 seconds and then release it. 18 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Try again, pressing the RESET/ ENCRYPT button for too long. This must be blinking while the devices are not connected.
User Guide
Page 19
... Up Multiple Networks You can now reconnect them. This sets up multiple powerline networks using your powerline device) in this section, you want to connect (C). PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 19 Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button 5 Then repeat steps 2 and 3 in step of this section using any other networking product connected to your existing powerline...
... Up Multiple Networks You can now reconnect them. This sets up multiple powerline networks using your powerline device) in this section, you want to connect (C). PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 19 Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button 5 Then repeat steps 2 and 3 in step of this section using any other networking product connected to your existing powerline...
User Guide
Page 20
... ( ) light shines steadily, the devices are connected. This disconnects (A) from your laptop to your home (A) which accesses a printer (B). Figure 10 Two Separate Powerline Networks B A C 20 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Figure 9 One Existing Powerline Network A C B 1 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both (A) and (C). Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button For example, you want a separate powerline network...
... ( ) light shines steadily, the devices are connected. This disconnects (A) from your laptop to your home (A) which accesses a printer (B). Figure 10 Two Separate Powerline Networks B A C 20 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide Figure 9 One Existing Powerline Network A C B 1 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both (A) and (C). Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button For example, you want a separate powerline network...
User Guide
Page 21
...the network. It shares the same network name as shown above. The power ( ) light blinks several times and then shines steadily. Clear all user-entered configuration information and return the device to 15 seconds The device joins a network. The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and ... assumes a random value. The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and then turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 21 See Troubleshooting in Chapter 6 on page 45 for the correct time and within two minutes of time. The power ( ) light blinks...
...the network. It shares the same network name as shown above. The power ( ) light blinks several times and then shines steadily. Clear all user-entered configuration information and return the device to 15 seconds The device joins a network. The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and ... assumes a random value. The HomePlug ( ) light blinks red one time and then turns off when it disconnects from the powerline network. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 21 See Troubleshooting in Chapter 6 on page 45 for the correct time and within two minutes of time. The power ( ) light blinks...
User Guide
Page 22
...home's electrical wiring (A). For the powerline adapters to protect the information that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA4201 v2s in your network (without additional configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over your... on enhancing your powerline network security. 4.1.1 Powerline Network Security When the PLA4201 v2s communicate with each other, they use the same network name. This means that is like a secret code. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 22 CHAPTER 4 The Configuration Utility 4.1 Overview This chapter shows you how...
...home's electrical wiring (A). For the powerline adapters to protect the information that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA4201 v2s in your network (without additional configuration) are able to communicate with each other by sending and receiving information over your... on enhancing your powerline network security. 4.1.1 Powerline Network Security When the PLA4201 v2s communicate with each other, they use the same network name. This means that is like a secret code. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 22 CHAPTER 4 The Configuration Utility 4.1 Overview This chapter shows you how...
User Guide
Page 23
Click Start > Programs > ZyXEL PLA42xx Series Configuration > PLA42xx Series Configuration. Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility By default the PLA4201 v2s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV, this allows you only have to add the remote powerline adapters' passwords (those ... you to simply plug the devices in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the DAK (Device Access Key) password. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 23 If you want to enhance the security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters you want ...
Click Start > Programs > ZyXEL PLA42xx Series Configuration > PLA42xx Series Configuration. Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility By default the PLA4201 v2s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV, this allows you only have to add the remote powerline adapters' passwords (those ... you to simply plug the devices in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. This password is called the DAK (Device Access Key) password. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 23 If you want to enhance the security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the powerline adapters you want ...
User Guide
Page 24
... configuration utility. Different powerline networks are recognized by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to configure your device. 24 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide The configuration utility automatically updates this screen. Site This field displays MAC Address • Local, if it is a read-...only field which shows the MAC address of your PLA4201 v2 displayed on a sticker on the powerline network. This is a powerline adapter in this information every 10 seconds. Note: Only devices...
... configuration utility. Different powerline networks are recognized by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to configure your device. 24 PLA4201 v2 User's Guide The configuration utility automatically updates this screen. Site This field displays MAC Address • Local, if it is a read-...only field which shows the MAC address of your PLA4201 v2 displayed on a sticker on the powerline network. This is a powerline adapter in this information every 10 seconds. Note: Only devices...
User Guide
Page 25
...can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for all caps and with dashes "-"). Select this device Set NMK to all devices Save Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the PLA4201 v2 such as the network name for how the PLA4201 v2 sends and receives... DESCRIPTION DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform changes on the PLA4201 v2 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 25 You can make sure you also upgrade the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility.
...can check the ZyXEL website for firmware upgrades for all caps and with dashes "-"). Select this device Set NMK to all devices Save Note: You must enter the correct DAK password for the PLA4201 v2 such as the network name for how the PLA4201 v2 sends and receives... DESCRIPTION DAK (Device Access Key) password is used to verify that you are authorized to perform changes on the PLA4201 v2 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility. PLA4201 v2 User's Guide 25 You can make sure you also upgrade the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility.