ZyXEL Communications PLA4215 User manual

www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
PLA4215
500Mbps Powerline Pass-Thru Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Copyright © 2011
ZyXEL Communications Corporation
Edition 1, 9/2011

About This User's Guide
PLA4215 User’s Guide 3
About This User's Guide
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for people who want to configure the PLA4215 using the PLA42xx Series
Configuration Utility version 5.2.0. You should have your basic Internet access or home network
already set up.
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.
•SupportDisc
Refer to the included CD for support documents.

Document Conventions
PLA4215 User’s Guide
4
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
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.
Syntax Conventions
• The PLA4215 may be referred to as the “PLA4215”, the “ZyXEL device”, the “device” or the
“powerline adapter” in this User’s Guide.
• The PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility version 5.2.0 (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”.

Document Conventions
PLA4215 User’s Guide 5
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The icons used may not be an
exact representation of your device.
PLA4215 Computer Internet
Modem / Router Printer Notebook
TV

Safety Warnings
PLA4215 User’s Guide
6
Safety Warnings
• 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.
• If the 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.

Table of Contents
PLA4215 User’s Guide 7
Table of Contents
About This User's Guide......................................................................................................................3
Document Conventions .......................................................................................................................4
Safety Warnings....................................................................................................................................6
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................7
Part I: User’s Guide...........................................................................................9
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA4215 ...................................................................................................................11
1.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................11
1.2 Expand Your Network with the PLA4215 ..........................................................................................11
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4215 .........................................................................................................12
1.4 Security .............................................................................................................................................12
1.4.1 Passwords ...............................................................................................................................12
1.4.2 Setting Up Security ..................................................................................................................13
1.5 Multiple Networks ..............................................................................................................................13
Chapter 2
Installing the Utility.............................................................................................................................14
2.1 Overview of the Installation Process .................................................................................................14
2.2 Installing the Utility ............................................................................................................................14
2.3 Low Power Mode ..............................................................................................................................16
Part II: Technical Reference............................................................................19
Chapter 3
The ENCRYPT Button.........................................................................................................................21
3.1 ENCRYPT Button Overview ..............................................................................................................21
3.2 Set Up a HomePlug AV Network with ENCRYPT .............................................................................21
3.3 Setting Up Multiple Networks ............................................................................................................23
3.4 ENCRYPT Button Behavior ..............................................................................................................25
Chapter 4
The Configuration Utility....................................................................................................................26

Table of Contents
PLA4215 User’s Guide
8
4.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................26
4.1.1 Powerline Network Security .....................................................................................................26
4.1.2 Device Access Key (DAK) .......................................................................................................27
4.2 Starting the Configuration Utility ........................................................................................................27
4.3 Configuration Screen .......................................................................................................................27
4.4 Firmware Screen ..............................................................................................................................29
4.5 Network Info Screen .........................................................................................................................30
4.6 Advanced Screen ..........................................................................................................................31
4.7 About Screen ....................................................................................................................................34
Chapter 5
Powerline Network Setup Tutorial.....................................................................................................37
5.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................37
5.1.1 Important Terms .......................................................................................................................37
5.2 Accessing Your Powerline Adapter ...................................................................................................38
5.3 Adding a Powerline Adapter ..............................................................................................................39
5.4 Setting Up a New Network with a New Adapter ................................................................................40
5.5 Splitting a Network into Two Networks ..............................................................................................42
5.6 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................44
Chapter 6
LEDs and Troubleshooting................................................................................................................47
6.1 LEDs .................................................................................................................................................47
6.2 Power and Light Problems ................................................................................................................48
6.3 Configuration Utility Problems ...........................................................................................................50
6.4 Powerline Problems ..........................................................................................................................50
6.5 ENCRYPT Button Problems .............................................................................................................51
Appendix A Legal Information............................................................................................................53
Index ....................................................................................................................................................57

9
PART I
User’s Guide

10

PLA4215 User’s Guide 11
CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA4215
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA4215 HomePlug AV compliant
powerline adapter.
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA4215 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 PLA4215
The PLA4215 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 PLA4215 uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe
transfer of information.
Figure 1 Expand Your Network with the PLA4215

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4215
PLA4215 User’s Guide
12
Connect your PLA4215 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power
outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA4215 into another power outlet and connect a computer to
the PLA4215 for Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional
PLA4215s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for
example, a printer) to them. With a power socket, the PLA4215 can provide power to another
device or connect to a power strip that allows more electrical devices, such as a printer or computer
to be plugged.
Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA4215
Use the ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this
button. See Chapter 3 on page 21 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility (or utility, for short) to manage the PLA4215. See
Section 2.2 on page 14 for instructions on installing the utility.
Note: This User’s Guide describes the latest version utility. This utility is only compatible
with a PLA4215 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 PLA4215.
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
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 27.
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 PLA4215
PLA4215 User’s Guide 13
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 ENCRYPT button.
If your devices do not have the ENCRYPT button, use the PLA42xx Series Configuration Utility
to set up security on the PLA4215. Although the PLA4215 is a “plug-and-play” network expanding
solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the powerline network in your home.
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 PLA4215 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 27 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.

PLA4215 User’s Guide 14
CHAPTER 2
Installing the Utility
This chapter guides you through the installation of the configuration utility for your PLA4215.
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 27 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 PLA4215 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
PLA4215 User’s Guide 15
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
PLA4215 User’s Guide
16
4If 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.
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 PLA4215 is a certified green product. It goes into Low Power mode when there is no Ethernet
connection.

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4215 User’s Guide 17
When you plug the PLA4215 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 PLA4215 from a previously working Ethernet
connection. Sixty (60) seconds after disconnecting the Ethernet cable, the PLA4215’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 PLA4215’s Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook or modem/router
first. The PLA4215 wakes up from Low Power mode and you can start using the ENCRYPT button.
Low Power mode is enabled by default.

Chapter 2 Installing the Utility
PLA4215 User’s Guide
18

19
PART II
Technical Reference

20