PLA-4xx Series Powerline Ethernet Adapter Series (PLA-400/401/402/470) User’s Guide Version 1.30 06/2007 Edition 1 www.zyxel.
About This User's Guide About This User's Guide Intended Audience This manual is intended for people who want to configure the PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA-402 and PLA-470 using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility. 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.
Document Conventions Document Conventions Warnings and Notes These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User’s Guide. 1 " Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device. Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Safety Warnings Safety Warnings 1 For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions. • 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.
Safety Warnings This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.
Table of Contents Table of Contents About This User's Guide .......................................................................................................... 3 Document Conventions............................................................................................................ 4 Safety Warnings........................................................................................................................ 5 Table of Contents........................................................
Table of Contents 3.6 About Screen ....................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial......................................................................................... 33 4.0.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 33 4.0.2 Important Terms .............................................................
List of Figures List of Figures Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA-4xx ................................................................................... 15 Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 over Coaxial Cable Wiring ........................................ 16 Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Prompt ....................................................................................... 20 Figure 4 Microsoft’s Agreement ................................................................
List of Figures 10 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
List of Tables List of Tables Table 1 Password Summary ................................................................................................................... 17 Table 2 Configuration Screen ................................................................................................................. 27 Table 3 Firmware Screen ........................................................................................................................ 29 Table 4 Network Info Screen ...............
List of Tables 12 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
P ART I The PLA-4xx Introducing the PLA-4xx (15) Installing the Configuration Utility (19) Managing Your PLA-4xx (25) Powerline Network Setup Tutorial (33) LEDs and Troubleshooting (43) 13
CHAPTER 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 1.1 Overview This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA402 and PLA-470 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapters. See Appendix A on page 51 for detailed product specifications for each model. In this User’s Guide PLA-400, PLA-401, PLA-402 and PLA-470 powerline adapters are referred to as PLA-4xx powerline adapters. The electrical wiring network and coaxial cable network are both referred to as the “powerline network”.
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 1.2.1 Coaxial Cable Networks with the PLA-402 The PLA-402 allows you to be more flexible in expanding your network by adding the coaxial cable capability. Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA-402 over Coaxial Cable Wiring As well as being able to connect your PLA-402 to a power outlet, you also have the option of connecting to a coaxial cable outlet. Connect other powerline adapters in your powerline network to coaxial cable outlets on the same line.
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 1.4.1 Passwords 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 Private Network Password All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the same powerline network password “HomePlugAV”. Change this password via the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private network. See Section 3.3 on page 26.
Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA-4xx 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. 1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a password (for example “Password1”) to this powerline adapter.
CHAPTER 2 Installing the Configuration Utility This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA-4xx. 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 1.1 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 1.
Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Prompt 2 Review Microsoft’s License Agreement, select I agree and click Install to proceed. Figure 4 Microsoft’s Agreement 3 The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.
Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility Figure 5 .NET Framework Installation Process 4 Click OK to complete the installation process. Figure 6 Microsoft’s Agreement 5 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.
Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility 6 Fill in the User Name and Company Name fields (optional). If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Only for me(...). Otherwise, click Next to continue and allow all users to use the configuration utility. Figure 8 Customer Information Input 7 Click Next to install the utility to the default folder, or click Change to specify a different location on your computer.
Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility Figure 10 Install Begin Screen 9 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 Finish to exit the wizard and restart your computer. Figure 11 Restart Screen " If you select “No, I will restart my computer later”, you will not be able to launch the utility until after a restart of your computer.
Chapter 2 Installing the Configuration Utility 24 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
CHAPTER 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx This chapter shows you how to use the configuration utility to manage security and update software on the PLA-4xxs in your powerline network. 3.1 Overview The PLA-4xx is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you complete your hardware connections, the PLA-4xxs 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).
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx 3.1.1 Powerline Network Security When the PLA-4xxs 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 message. The HomePlug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data between powerline adapters.
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx " Use the Figure 14 icon to view online help information in each screen of the utility. Configuration Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 2 Configuration Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Topology Use this to select which powerline network information is displayed. Different powerline networks are identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-4xx.
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Table 2 Configuration Screen (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION DAK Password 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-4xx. 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.
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Figure 15 Firmware Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 3 Firmware Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter This field identifies which PLA-4xx is displayed. The powerline adapter is identified by the Ethernet interface (network card) connected directly to the PLA-4xx. The displayed information is the model name of the network card.
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Figure 16 Network Info Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 4 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-4xx.
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx Table 4 Network Info Screen (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Transmit Rate This field displays how fast information is sent from the powerline 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).
Chapter 3 Managing Your PLA-4xx 32 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
CHAPTER 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network. 4.0.1 Overview 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.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 4.0.2 Important Terms Network Password (NMK) NMK = Network Membership Key. The network password allows a powerline adapter to connect with other powerline adapters that have the same network password. It provides security for your powerline network. The network password uses English letters or numbers, from 1 to 64 characters long, with no spaces allowed. DAK Password DAK = Device Access Key. The DAK Password lets you access the powerline adapter.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 20 Click on the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility Icon 6 You are now ready to extend your powerline network or set up a second network. • See Section 4.0.4 on page 35 to add a new powerline adapter to your network. • See Section 4.0.5 on page 37 to set up a second network with your new adapters. • See Section 4.0.6 on page 38 to set up a second network with your existing adapters. 4.0.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 22 Adding a New Adapter B A 3 Select your adapter by selecting Local and type the network password for your existing network in the Network Password (NMK) field (C). Figure 23 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network C 4 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up. Figure 24 Network Password Pop-up 5 Your new adapter will now have the same Network Password (NMK) as your existing network and so has now joined your existing network.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 4.0.5 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.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 26 Making a New Network with the New Adapter 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. 4.0.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks This section shows you how to split your existing network into two networks.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 27 Local/Remote Adapters on a Powerline Network 3 To set up a new powerline network, type the DAK Password and change the Network Password (NMK) 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).
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 29 Incorrect DAK or No DAK • If you have correctly entered the DAK Password, click OK on the pop-up. Figure 30 Correct DAK 5 The settings for the adapter will now grey out and the adapter will disappear from the table next time you start up the configurator. Figure 31 An Adapter on Your New Network 6 Go back to step 3 to set the same, new Network Password (NMK) for all remote adapters you want to add to your new network.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial Figure 32 Adapters on a New Powerline Network • If you want to access any of your new powerline networks using the PLA-4xx Series Configuration Utility, change the Network Password (NMK) on your local adapter to the network password 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. 4.
Chapter 4 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 42 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
CHAPTER 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting This chapter describes the LED behavior and offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter. 5.1 LEDs The following sections describes the LEDs (lights) of the PLA-401, both the PLA-400 and PLA-402, and also the PLA-470. 5.1.1 PLA-401 The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-401. Use the LEDs to determine if the PLA4xx is behaving normally or if there are some problems on your powerline network.
Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA-401 detects a device connected to it. Blinking The PLA-401 is communicating with a router, modem, switch or a computer connected to it. Off The PLA-401 does not detect any devices connected to its ETHERNET port. 5.1.2 PLA-400 and PLA-402 The following figure is the front panel of the PLA-400 and PLA-402.
Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting Figure 35 PLA-470 LEDs The following table describes the LED behavior. Table 8 PLA-470 LEDs ICON STATUS DESCRIPTION On The PLA-470 is on and receiving power. Off The PLA-470 is not receiving power. On The POWER port detects another powerline adapter. Blinking The PLA-470 is communicating with another powerline adapter. Off The POWER port is not detecting another powerline adapter.
Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting 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 If the PLA-4xx 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. V The LINK LED does not turn on.
Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting 5.4 Powerline Problems V 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.
Chapter 5 LEDs and Troubleshooting 48 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
P ART II Appendices and Index Product Specifications (51) Legal Information (55) Customer Support (59) Index (65) 49
APPENDIX A Product Specifications The following tables summarize the PLA-4xx’s hardware and firmware features. Table 9 Hardware Specifications Dimensions (W x D x H) PLA-400/402 112 (L) mm x 106 (D) mm x 28.5 (H) mm PLA-470 162 (L) mm x 118 (D) mm x 40 (H) mm Power Input 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.12 A Ethernet Port Auto-negotiating: 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode. Auto-crossover: Use either crossover or straight-through Ethernet cables.
Appendix A Product Specifications Table 10 Firmware Specifications 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.
Appendix A Product Specifications Wall-mounting Instructions Complete the following steps to hang your PLA-400/402/470 on a wall. " See Table 9 on page 51 for the size of screws to use and how far apart to place them. 1 Select a high position on a sturdy wall that is free of obstructions. 2 Drill two holes for the screws. The distance between the centers of the holes is listed in the product specifications appendix.
Appendix A Product Specifications Cable Pin Assignments RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Figure 37 RJ-45 Connector Pins Table 13 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments PIN NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 54 RJ-45 SIGNAL ASSIGNMENT RxD + RxD TxD + Not connected Not connected TxD Not connected Not connected PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
APPENDIX B Legal Information Copyright Copyright © 2006 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.
Appendix B Legal Information 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: 1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. 3 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Appendix B Legal Information 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.
Appendix B Legal Information 58 PLA-4xx Series User’s Guide
APPENDIX C Customer Support Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support. Required Information • • • • 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. “+” is the (prefix) number you dial to make an international telephone call. Corporate Headquarters (Worldwide) • • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.com.tw Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.com.
Appendix C Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, Czech s.r.o., Modranská 621, 143 01 Praha 4 Modrany, Ceská Republika Denmark • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.dk Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.dk Telephone: +45-39-55-07-00 Fax: +45-39-55-07-07 Web: www.zyxel.dk Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Columbusvej, 2860 Soeborg, Denmark Finland • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.fi Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.fi Telephone: +358-9-4780-8411 Fax: +358-9-4780-8448 Web: www.zyxel.
Appendix C Customer Support India • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.in Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.in Telephone: +91-11-30888144 to +91-11-30888153 Fax: +91-11-30888149, +91-11-26810715 Web: http://www.zyxel.in Regular Mail: India - ZyXEL Technology India Pvt Ltd., II-Floor, F2/9 Okhla Phase -1, New Delhi 110020, India Japan • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.co.jp Sales E-mail: zyp@zyxel.co.jp Telephone: +81-3-6847-3700 Fax: +81-3-6847-3705 Web: www.zyxel.co.
Appendix C Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Inc., 1130 N. Miller St., Anaheim, CA 928062001, U.S.A. Norway • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.no Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.no Telephone: +47-22-80-61-80 Fax: +47-22-80-61-81 Web: www.zyxel.no Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Nils Hansens vei 13, 0667 Oslo, Norway Poland • • • • • E-mail: info@pl.zyxel.com Telephone: +48-22-333 8250 Fax: +48-22-333 8251 Web: www.pl.zyxel.com Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, ul.
Appendix C Customer Support Sweden • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.se Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.se Telephone: +46-31-744-7700 Fax: +46-31-744-7701 Web: www.zyxel.se Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg, Sweden Thailand • • • • • • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.co.th Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.co.th Telephone: +662-831-5315 Fax: +662-831-5395 Web: http://www.zyxel.co.th Regular Mail: ZyXEL Thailand Co., Ltd.
Appendix C Customer Support 64 [Document Title]
Index Index Symbols E .
Index M MAC address 27 management multiple networks 17 overview 25 managing the device using the web configurator. See web configurator.
