ZyXEL Communications PLA6456 User manual

Default Login Details
User’s Guide
PLA6456
G.hn Wave 2 Powerline Pass-through Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Copyright © 2019 Zyxel Communications Corporation
Default Network Name HomeGrid
LAN IP Address http://DHCP-assigned
IP
Default Password FLYPIG2400
Version 1.0 Ed. 1, 11/2019

PLA6456 User’s Guide
2
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Screenshots and graphics in this book may differ slightly from what you see due to differences in release
versions or your computer operating system. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
in this manual is accurate.
Related Documentation
•QuickStartGuide
The Quick Start Guide shows how to connect and set up the PLA in your network.
•MoreInformation
Go to support.zyxel.com to find other information on the PLA.

PLA6456 User’s Guide
3
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this 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 PLA6456 in this user’s guide may be referred to as the “PLA” in this guide.
• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this user guide may use the following generic icons. The PLA icon is not an exact
representation of your device.
PLA Router Laptop Computer
Internet Fax Printer Printer
Desktop Smart TV Set-top Box

Table of Contents
PLA6456 User’s Guide
4
Table of Contents
Document Conventions ......................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................4
Part I: User’s Guide............................................................................................6
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA .............................................................................................................................7
1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 LEDs .................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode) ...........................................................................................8
1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA ................................................................................................................ 8
1.5 Expand Your Network with the PLA ................................................................................................ 9
1.6 Security .............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.6.1 Domain Name ......................................................................................................................... 9
1.6.2 Setting Up Security .................................................................................................................. 9
1.7 Multiple Networks ........................................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 2
RESET/ENCRYPT Button .......................................................................................................................11
2.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview .................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Adding Devices to a HomeGrid Network .................................................................................... 11
2.3 Multiple Separate HomeGrid Networks ....................................................................................... 13
Part II: Technical Reference...........................................................................15
Chapter 3
Web Configurator...............................................................................................................................16
3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 16
3.1.1 HomeGrid Network Security ................................................................................................17
3.2 System Login .................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 G.hn Settings ................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 IP Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.5 Ethernet Settings ............................................................................................................................. 21
3.6 Device Settings ............................................................................................................................... 22
3.7 Multicast Settings ............................................................................................................................ 24

Table of Contents
PLA6456 User’s Guide
5
3.8 Log File Settings ............................................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 4
HomeGrid Network Setup Tutorial....................................................................................................28
4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Important Terms .............................................................................................................................. 28
4.3 Accessing Your PLA ........................................................................................................................ 28
4.4 Adding a PLA .................................................................................................................................. 29
4.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New PLA ................................................................................ 31
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................34
5.1 Power and Light Problems ............................................................................................................. 34
5.2 Web Configurator Problems .......................................................................................................... 35
5.3 Powerline Problems ........................................................................................................................ 35
5.4 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems .................................................................................................. 36
Appendix A Customer Support ....................................................................................................... 37
Appendix B Legal Information ......................................................................................................... 43
Index...................................................................................................................................................47

6
PART I
User’s Guide

PLA6456 User’s Guide
7
CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of your Zyxel HomeGrid (G.hn) Powerline
adapter, which is called “PLA” in this guide. G.hn is a specification for home networking device that
operates over power lines. In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the
“HomeGrid network”.
You can directly plug an electrical device (such as a router or computer) into the PLA with an AC power
pass-through socket to supply power to the device.
The power plug varies depending on your region.
1.2 LEDs
The following section describes the lights (LEDs) on the PLA.
The following figure is the front panel of the PLA. Use the lights to determine if the PLA is behaving
normally or if there are some problems on your HomeGrid network.
Figure 1 PLA Lights
Table 1 PLA Features
PORT/FEATURE PLA6456
Number of Gigabit Ethernet port(s) 1
AC Pass-Through
Reset/Encrypt Button
Maximum PHY Rate over Powerline 1200 Mbps

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA
PLA6456 User’s Guide
8
The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA.
1.3 Standby Mode (Power Saving Mode)
You can set your PLA can go into standby mode when there is no Ethernet connection or activity. Use
the Web Configurator’s Ethernet screen to set the period of time when the PLA will go into standby
mode. Refer to Section 3.5 on page 21 for details on this feature.
The PLA’s power LED blinks signaling that it is going into standby mode. The Ethernet and Powerline LEDs
are turned off in standby mode.
While in standby mode, you cannot use the RESET/ENCRYPT button. To enable the RESET/ENCRYPT button
again, you have to connect the PLA’s Ethernet cable to a computer/notebook or modem/router first.
The PLA wakes up from standby mode and you can start using the RESET/ENCRYPT button.
1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to add PLAs to your HomeGrid network. See Chapter 2 on page 11 for
instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the Web Configurator to manage the PLA. See Chapter 3 on page 19 for instructions on using the
Web Configurator.
Table 2 LEDs
LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
POWER Green On The PLA is on and receiving power.
Blinking It indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device using
the ENCRYPT function.
The power LED blinks when it is in power saving mode. Refer to
Section 1.3 on page 8 for details on this feature.
Off The PLA is not receiving power.
POWERLINE Green On The PLA detects another PLA. The data transfer rate is greater
than 80 Mbps.
Amber The PLA detects another PLA. The data transfer rate is between
20~80 Mbps.
Red The PLA detects another PLA. The data transfer rate is between
0~20 Mbps.
Green/
Amber/
Red
Blinking The PLA is communicating with another PLA. Data is being
transmitted and/or received.
Off The PLA does not detect another PLA.
ETHERNET Green On The 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connection is up.
Blinking The PLA is communicating with a networking device connected
to it.
Off The PLA does not detect any devices connected to its ETHERNET
port.

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA
PLA6456 User’s Guide
9
1.5 Expand Your Network with the PLA
The PLA 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 PLA uses 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure safe transfer of information.
Figure 2 Expand Your Network with the PLA
Connect your PLA to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary power outlet in
your home. Plug a second PLA into another power outlet and connect a computer to the PLA for
Internet access. Your network can be further expanded by plugging additional PLAs 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.
1.6 Security
Since your HomeGrid network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your
PLA.
1.6.1 Domain Name
You can use the domain name to identify your PLA in the HomeGrid network.
1.6.2 Setting Up Security
The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your HomeGrid network using the RESET/ENCRYPT
button (see Section 2.1 on page 11 for more information).
PLA
PLA
Table 3 Domain Name Summary
IDENTITY DESCRIPTION
Domain Name Your PLA follow the HomeGrid standard and is shipped with the same domain name
“HomeGrid”. Change the domain name via the Web Configurator or RESET/ENCRYPT
button to create a private network. See Section 3.4 on page 19.

Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA
PLA6456 User’s Guide
10
Alternatively, use the Web Configurator to set up security on the PLA. Although the PLA is a “plug-and-
play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the HomeGrid
network in your home.
1It is easy and only requires you to change a network name.
2It is a good idea to ensure privacy of your communication. When you use the PLA and other PLAs, 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 PLA 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 Domain Name to make sure that only permitted PLAs can communicate in your network. See
Section 3.4 on page 19 for information on setting up a private network.
3You may need to change the Domain Name to create multiple HomeGrid networks. See the next
section for more information on how to set up a multiple network.
1.7 Multiple Networks
Multiple HomeGrid networks can coexist on a single Powerline circuit. You might want to implement
multiple HomeGrid networks in a small office environment where you have two separate Ethernet
networks.
1Connect one PLA to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a Domain Name (for
example “HomeGrid”) to this PLA (see Section 3.3 on page 18 for more information). Add additional
PLAs to your network by plugging them into your Powerline outlets and assigning them “HomeGrid”. This
completes the configuration of your first HomeGrid network.
2Connect another PLA to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and assign a different
Domain Name (for example “HomeGrid2”) to this PLA. Again, add additional PLAs and assign them
“HomeGrid2”.
You now have two private networks on your Powerline circuit. Information is not shared between the
two networks as only PLAs with the same Domain Name can communicate with each other.

PLA6456 User’s Guide
11
CHAPTER 2
RESET/ENCRYPT Button
2.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview
The RESET/ENCRYPT button allows you to set up a secure Powerline connection with other HomeGrid
compliant PLAs 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 HomeGrid network.
• reset the PLA to the factory defaults.
The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the RESET/ENCRYPT button is pressed for
specific lengths of time.
Note: The domain name is unknown when you use the RESET/ENCRYPT button.
2.2 Adding Devices to a HomeGrid Network
You can connect a number of PLAs on a HomeGrid network, but you can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button
on only two PLAs at a time.
Place a PLA close to another PLA so you have time to set up each one. After you set up the first PLA, you
have 120 seconds to set up the second PLA.
Note: Your PLA must be connected to a networking equipment for the RESET/ENCRYPT button
to work. Refer to Section 1.3 on page 8 for more details.
Follow the steps below to set up your HomeGrid network:
Table 4 RESET/ENCRYPT
TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR POWERLINE LIGHT BEHAVIOR
2 to 5
seconds
Create a HomeGrid network
with a new random network
name.
Join an existing HomeGrid
network by sharing the same
network name as other
devices on the network.
The power ( ) light blinks until
the device is connected. This
may take a minute.
The Powerline ( ) light turns
on if your device is connected to
another PLA or a HomeGrid
network.
10 to 15
seconds
Clear all user-entered
configuration information and
return the device to its factory
defaults.
The power ( ) light blinks and
then shines steadily.
The Powerline ( ) light turns
off when it disconnects from the
HomeGrid network.

Chapter 2 RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA6456 User’s Guide
12
1Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your PLA for 2 to 5 seconds. The power ( ) light will blink
as the PLA tries to set up a connection with a new random domain name.
Figure 3 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
Note: Check the lights on the two PLAs. The power ( ) and Powerline ( ) lights should be
on while the devices are connecting. Wait for about two minutes while your PLAs
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 2 to 5
seconds.
If the Powerline ( ) lights on both PLAs do not light up, the PLAs are not connected. Repeat step
1 in this section. If that does not work, see the Troubleshooting in Section 5.4 on page 36 for
suggestions.
2To add more PLAs to your network, use any PLA (A or B) you have connected to set up a connection
with the PLAs you want to connect (C and D).
3Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both PLAs (Aand C, or Band C) for 2 to 5 seconds to add PLA C. This
must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA.
4Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both PLAs (Aand D, Band Dor Cand D) for 2 to 5 seconds to add
PLA D. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the
PLA.
press 2 ~ 5 seconds
press 2 ~ 5 seconds
within 2
minutes
PLA PLA

Chapter 2 RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA6456 User’s Guide
13
Figure 4 Adding More PLAs to Your Network
This sets up your HomeGrid network between your PLAs.
2.3 Multiple Separate HomeGrid Networks
You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to create multiple separate HomeGrid networks. Use the RESET/
ENCRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.
1Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on PLAs Eand Ffor 2 to 5 seconds. This must be done within 2 minutes
(120 seconds) of pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT button on the first PLA.
2Wait for about one minute while PLAs Eand F connect.
3Now pair two different PLAs. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on PLAs Gand H for 2 to 5 seconds and
within two minutes of each other.
4Wait for about one minute while PLAs Gand H connect.
5When the power ( ) and Powerline ( ) lights shine steadily, the devices are connected.
A
B
C
A OR B
D
A OR B OR C

Chapter 2 RESET/ENCRYPT Button
PLA6456 User’s Guide
14
Figure 5 Two Separate HomeGrid Networks
If the Powerline ( ) lights on both PLAs do not light up, the PLAs are not connected. Repeat the
connection process, making certain you press the RESET/ENCRYPT buttons for the correct time
and within two minutes of each other. If that does not work see Section 5.4 on page 36 for
suggestions.
See Troubleshooting in Chapter 5 on page 36 for suggestions on problems with the RESET/ENCRYPT
button and the lights.
E
G
F
H

15
PART II
Technical Reference

PLA6456 User’s Guide
16
CHAPTER 3
Web Configurator
3.1 Overview
This chapter shows you how to use the Web Configurator to secure and manage on your HomeGrid
network.
The Web Configurator is an HTML-based management interface that allows easy PLA setup and
management via Internet browser. Supported browsers at the time of writing are:
•IE8orlater
• Chrome 34.0.1847.131 or later
• Firefox 29.0.1 or later
• Opera 21.0 or later
• Safari 5.1.7 or later
The recommended screen resolution is 1024 by 768 pixels. In order to use the Web Configurator you
need to allow:
• Web browser pop-up windows from your device. Web pop-up blocking is enabled by default in some
browsers.
• JavaScript (enabled by default).
• Java permissions (enabled by default).
The PLA is designed as a plug-and-play network expanding solution. This means that once you
complete your hardware connections, the PLAs 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 6 Example Network Setup
A
PLA PLA

Chapter 3 Web Configurator
PLA6456 User’s Guide
17
All HomeGrid compliant PLAs within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the
quality of your home’s wiring.
See Section 3.1.1 on page 17 for more information on enhancing your HomeGrid network security.
3.1.1 HomeGrid Network Security
When the PLAs communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information that is
sent in the HomeGrid network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you
cannot understand the message. The HomeGrid standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption
Standard) to safely transmit data between PLAs.
For the PLAs to communicate with each other they all need to use the same network name (or Domain
Name). This network name allows the PLAs to understand the encrypted information sent in the
HomeGrid network.
By default the PLAs are all configured with the network name HomeGrid, 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
HomeGrid network, you can change the network name on the PLAs you want to allow to communicate
in your HomeGrid network.
3.2 System Login
1Make sure your PLA hardware is properly connected to a router with DHCP server (refer to the Quick
Start Guide). Note down the DHCP-assigned IP address for your PLA.
2Start your web browser.
3The PLA is a DHCP client by default. Type “http://DHCP-assigned IP address” in the Location or Address
field. Press [ENTER]. Your computer must be in the same subnet in order to access this website address.
4The following screen appears.
Figure 7 Web Configurator: Login
5Enter the default password as shown on the cover page. Click Ok to log into the Web Configurator to
manage the PLA directly.

Chapter 3 Web Configurator
PLA6456 User’s Guide
18
3.3 G.hn Settings
Your PLA conforms to the G.hn (HomeGrid) standard for sending data over electrical power wiring in
your home. Use the G.hn screen to change the basic settings of the PLA. Click G.hn to access this
screen.
Figure 8 G.hn Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 5 G.hn Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Basic Settings
MAC address This field displays the MAC address of your PLA. The MAC address of your PLA 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, this label is on the back of
the device.
Device ID This field displays 1when your PLA is the DOMAIN_MASTER. It displays 2when your PLA is the
END_POINT (see the Force node Type field in this table for more information).
Domain Name The default domain name of the PLA is “HomeGrid”. The PLAs use the same domain name to
recognize and communicate with each other over the powerline network. If you change the
domain name of one device on the network, it will no longer be recognized as part of that
network.
If you change the domain name, make sure you change the domain name for all of the PLAs
that you want to be part of your powerline network.
The domain name can be from 8 to 64 characters in length, using “A”~”Z”, “a”~”z”, “0”~”9”;
spaces are not allowed.

Chapter 3 Web Configurator
PLA6456 User’s Guide
19
3.4 IP Settings
Use the IP screen to enable DHCP, or manually assign an IPv4 or IPv6 address, subnet mask, default
gateway, and DNS server to the PLA.
Force node Type This field forces the PLA to have a particular role (END_POINT or DOMAIN_MASTER).
• Select DOMAIN_MASTER if your PLA connects to a router/AP.
• Select END_POINT if your PLA connects to the end device (for example, computer).
• It is recommended to select the default setting AUTOMATIC for automatic role detection of
the PLA.
Node type Shows the current role of the device based on your selection in the previous field.
Note: Node type change can take some time, click Ok after making any changes in
the Force node Type field. You may need to refresh your webpage.
G.hn profile This field selects the G.hn profile of all PLAs to apply in the HomeGrid network (PLC 100 MHz
MIMO Boost, PLC 100 MHz Boost).
• Select PLC 100 MHz MIMO Boost (multiple input multiple output) when the PLA connects to a
3-prong electrical socket in your home. Multiple electrical paths between PLAs in the same
HomeGrid network are available and sending and receiving of data is through all 3 wires
(power, neutral, and ground).
• Select PLC 100 MHz Boost when the PLA connects to a 2-wire electrical socket. A single
electrical path between PLAs in the same HomeGrid network is available and sending and
receiving of data is through the 2 wires (power and neutral).
Encryption Configuration
Encryption is DISABLED
Pairing password Use this password for authentication. Enter a custom password to manually create a secure
connection with another PLA. The password can be up to 30 alphanumeric and special
characters. Then click Change.
Automatic
configuration
Before connecting, make sure the other PLA is using the same Pairing password. Then click Pair
to allow connection with another PLA in the same power circuit. Wait a few minutes for the
connection, you may need to refresh your webpage to update the status.
Available
Connections
This field list all the available G.hn connection details (remote node Device ID, MAC address,
Phy Tx (Mbps) transmission and Phy Rx (Mbps) reception physical speeds. Phy Tx (Mbps) refers to
how fast information is sent from the selected PLA to this PLA. Phy Rx (Mbps) refers to how fast
information is received from the selected PLA to this PLA.
Table 5 G.hn Screen (continued)
LABEL DESCRIPTION

Chapter 3 Web Configurator
PLA6456 User’s Guide
20
Figure 9 IP Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 6 Configuration Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
IPv4 configuration
DHCP enabled Select YES if your PLA is connected to a DHCP-enabled router that can assign it an IPv4 address.
The IPv4 address / netmask, Default Gateway, and DNS fields will be filled automatically when
configuration is received from the DHCPv4 server.
Select NO if you wish to assign an IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS to your
PLA.
IPv4 address /
netmask
Enter the IPv4 address and subnet mask you wish to assign to your PLA.
This field is only available when you select No in the DHCP enabled field.
Default
Gateway
Enter the gateway IP address you wish to assign to your PLA.
This field is only available when you select No in the DHCP enabled field.
DNS Enter the IPv4 DNS server address you configure manually.
This field is only available when you select No in the DHCP enabled field.
Click Ok for the changes to take effect.
Note: All changes except the DNS server will only take effect after a system reboot.
IPv6 configuration