ZyXEL Communications PLA4211 User manual

Quick Start Guide
www.zyxel.com
PLA4211
500 Mbps Mini Powerline Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapter
Version 1.00
Edition 1, 05/2012
Copyright © 2012 ZyXEL Communications Corporation
User’s Guide

PLA4211 User’s Guide2
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Graphics in this book may differ slightly from the product due to differences in operating systems,
operating system versions, or if you installed updated firmware/software for your device. Every
effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
Related Documentation
•QuickStartGuide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains
information on making your hardware connections.

Table of Contents
PLA4211 User’s Guide 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................3
Part I: User’s Guide...........................................................................................5
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA4211......................................................................................................................7
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................7
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4211 .............................................................................................7
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4211 ............................................................................................................8
1.4 Security ...............................................................................................................................................8
1.4.1 Passwords .................................................................................................................................8
1.4.2 Setting Up Security ....................................................................................................................8
1.5 Multiple Networks ................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2
Installing the Utility.............................................................................................................................10
2.1 Overview of the Installation Process .................................................................................................10
2.2 Installing the Utility ............................................................................................................................10
2.3 Low Power Mode ..............................................................................................................................12
Part II: Technical Reference............................................................................15
Chapter 3
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button............................................................................................................17
3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview .................................................................................................17
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT .............................................................................17
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks ............................................................................................................19
3.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Behavior .................................................................................................21
Chapter 4
The Configuration Utility....................................................................................................................22
4.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................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

Table of Contents
PLA4211 User’s Guide
4
4.4 Firmware Screen ..............................................................................................................................25
4.5 Network Info Screen .........................................................................................................................26
4.6 Advanced Screen ..........................................................................................................................27
4.7 About Screen ....................................................................................................................................30
Chapter 5
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial.....................................................................................................31
5.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................31
5.2 Important Terms ................................................................................................................................31
5.3 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ...................................................................................................32
5.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter ..............................................................................................................33
5.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ................................................................................34
5.6 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ..............................................................................................36
5.7 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................38
Chapter 6
LEDs and Troubleshooting................................................................................................................41
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

5
PART I
User’s Guide

6

PLA4211 User’s Guide 7
CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA4211
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA4211 HomePlug AV compliant
powerline adapter.
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 PLA4211
The PLA4211 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. The PLA4211 uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe
transfer of information.
Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA4211
Connect your PLA4211 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power
outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA4211 into another power outlet and connect a computer to
the PLA4211 for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional
PLA4211s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for
example, a printer) to them.

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4211
PLA4211 User’s Guide
8
Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4211
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have
this button. See Chapter 3 on page 17 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA4211. See
Section 2.2 on page 10 for instructions on installing the utility.
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible
with a PLA4211 which has the latest firmware installed. If you don’t already have
them, download the latest firmware and utility from the ZyXEL website.
1.4 Security
Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security
on your PLA4211.
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.
1.4.2 Setting Up Security
The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if
your powerline devices have the RESET/ENCRYPT button.
If your devices do not have the RESET/ENCRYPT button, use the PLA42xx Series
Configuration Utility to set up security on the PLA4211. Although the PLA4211 is a “plug-and-
play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline
network in your home.
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
PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to create a private network. See Section
4.3 on page 24.
DAK (Data Access Key)
Password In order to manage the powerline adapters on your powerline network you must enter the adapters’ DAK password in the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility.
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).

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4211
PLA4211 User’s Guide 9
1It’s easy and only requires you to change a network name.
2It’s a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA4211 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 4.3 on page 24 for information on setting
up a private network.
3You 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.
1Connect 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.
2Connect 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.

PLA4211 User’s Guide 10
CHAPTER 2
Installing the Utility
This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA4211.
2.1 Overview of the Installation Process
The installation of the configuration utility does the following:
1Checks for and installs Microsoft’s .NET Framework version 2.0 software on your computer. This
software is necessary for the installation of the PLA42xx 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.
2Installs ZyXEL’s PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to manage the
network name (See Section 4.3 on page 24 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 PLA4211 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 PLA42xx Series
Configuration Utility on your computer.

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4211 User’s Guide 11
1Insert 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 proceed.
Figure 2 .NET Framework Installation Prompt
2The next screen allows you to see the progress of the installation.
Figure 3 .NET Framework Installation Process
3The 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 4 InstallShield Wizard Start Screen

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4211 User’s Guide
12
4If you want the utility to be only available to the currently logged in user, select Just 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.
Figure 5 Install Destination Folder
Note: You can also click Disk Cost to know how much available disk space you have in
the hard drives found in your computer.
5When the installation is finished, a screen appears to confirm the InstallShield Wizard has
successfully installed the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility to your computer. Click Close to
exit the wizard.
Figure 6 Installation Complete
Note: You may be asked to restart your computer when the installation is complete. Click
“Yes” to restart your computer. 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.
2.3 Low Power Mode
Your PLA4211 is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when there is no Ethernet
connection.

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4211 User’s Guide 13
When you plug the PLA4211 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 PLA4211 from a previously working Ethernet
connection. Sixty (60) seconds after disconnecting the Ethernet cable, the PLA4211’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 RESET/ENCRYPT button. To enable the RESET/
ENCRYPT button again, you have to connect the PLA4211’s Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook
or modem/router first. The PLA4211 wakes up from Low Power mode and you can start using the
RESET/ENCRYPT button.
Low Power mode is enabled by default.

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4211 User’s Guide
14

15
PART II
Technical Reference

16

PLA4211 User’s Guide 17
CHAPTER 3
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between
your powerline devices.
3.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview
The RESET/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 RESET/ENCRYPT button to:
• set up a new powerline network.
• separate an existing powerline network into multiple networks.
• reset the PLA4211 to the factory defaults.
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT
You can connect a number of devices on a powerline network, but you can use the RESET/
ENCRYPT button on only two devices at a time.
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.
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 PLA4211 goes into Low Power mode, it must be connected to a
networking equipment for the RESET/ENCRYPT button to work. Refer to Section
2.3 on page 12 for more details.
Follow the steps below to set up your HomePlug AV Network:
1Press and hold the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 5 to 8 seconds
and then release it. This resets the network name to a random value and removes your device from
any network it may belong to.

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA4211 User’s Guide
18
2Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 0.5 to 3 seconds. The
power ( ) light will blink as the powerline device tries to set up a connection.
Figure 7 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location varies for each Powerline model.
3Repeat step 2in this section for the other powerline device you wish to connect. This must be done
within 120 seconds of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA4211.
Note: 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 ( ) light also shows red. Wait for about
one minute while your powerline devices connect.
If the power ( ) light does not blink when you press RESET/ENCRYPT, you have probably
pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for too long. Try again, pressing the RESET/
ENCRYPT button for 0.5 to 3 seconds.
If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline
devices are not connected. Repeat steps 2 and 3 in this section. If that doesn’t work, see
the Troubleshooting in Section 6.5 on page 45 for suggestions.
4To add more powerline devices to your network, press and hold the RESET/ENCRYPT button on
device C(shown below) for for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it.
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
within 2
minutes

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA4211 User’s Guide 19
5Then repeat steps 2and 3in 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 RESET/
ENCRYPT button on both devices.
Figure 8 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network
6If you disconnected your computer or modem (or any other networking product connected to your
powerline device) in step of this section, you can now reconnect them.
This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices.
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks
You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to set up multiple powerline networks using your
existing powerline network.
AB
OR
C
AB

Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA4211 User’s Guide
20
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).
Figure 9 One Existing Powerline Network
1Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on (A) for 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This disconnects
(A) from (B).
2Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on (A) and (C) for 0.5 to 3 seconds and within two minutes of
each other.
3Wait for about one minute while (A) and (C) connect.
4Check the LEDs on both (A) and (C). When the power ( ) and HomePlug ( ) lights stop blinking
and the power ( ) light shines steadily, the devices are connected.
Figure 10 Two Separate Powerline Networks
A
C
B
A
C
B