ZyXEL Communications PLA6457 User manual

Default Login Details
User’s Guide
PLA6457
G.hn Wave 2 Powerline Pass-through Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Copyright © 2021 Zyxel and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
Default Network Name G.hn Network
LAN IP Address http://DHCP-assigned
IP
Default Password FLYPIG2400
Version 1.0 Ed. 2, 08/2021

PLA6457 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.

PLA6457 User’s Guide
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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 PLA6457 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
PLA6457 User’s Guide
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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
1.1.1 G.hn Standard ......................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 LEDs .................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Standby Mode .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA ................................................................................................................ 9
1.5 Expand Your Network with the PLA ................................................................................................ 9
1.6 Security ............................................................................................................................................ 10
1.6.1 Domain Name ....................................................................................................................... 10
1.6.2 Setting Up Encrypted Pairing ............................................................................................... 10
1.7 Multiple Networks ........................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 2
RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons...............................................................................................................12
2.1 ENCRYPT Button .............................................................................................................................. 12
2.2 Adding Devices to a G.hn Network ............................................................................................. 12
2.3 Multiple Separate G.hn Networks ................................................................................................. 14
2.4 RESET Button .................................................................................................................................... 15
Part II: Technical Reference...........................................................................16
Chapter 3
Web Configurator...............................................................................................................................17
3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.1.1 G.hn Network Security .......................................................................................................... 18
3.2 System Login .................................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 G.hn Settings ................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4 IP Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5 Ethernet Settings ............................................................................................................................. 22

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3.6 Device Settings ............................................................................................................................... 23
3.7 Multicast Settings ............................................................................................................................ 25
3.8 Log File Settings ............................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4
G.hn Network Setup Tutorial .............................................................................................................29
4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Important Terms .............................................................................................................................. 29
4.3 Accessing Your PLA ........................................................................................................................ 29
4.4 Adding a PLA .................................................................................................................................. 30
4.5 Setting Up a New Network with a New PLA ................................................................................ 32
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................34
5.1 Power and Light Problems ............................................................................................................. 34
5.2 Web Configurator Problems .......................................................................................................... 35
5.3 Powerline Problems ........................................................................................................................ 36
5.4 ENCRYPT Button Problems ............................................................................................................. 36
Appendix A Customer Support ....................................................................................................... 38
Appendix B Legal Information ......................................................................................................... 44
Index...................................................................................................................................................47

6
PART I
User’s Guide

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CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of your Zyxel G.hn Powerline adapter, which
is called “PLA” in this guide.
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. The AC power pass-through feature allows you to unplug electrical device
from a power socket, plug the PLA into the socket and then plug the electrical device back into the
PLA. The power plug varies depending on your region.
In the following diagram, the first PLA (PLA1) connects to an Internet gateway such as a modem and
plugs into an ordinary power outlet. The second PLA (PLA2) plugs into another power outlet and
connects to a computer. PLA1 and PLA2 communicates through ordinary power lines.
Figure 1 PLA Application
Refer to your Quick Start Guide for hardware connection information.
In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the “G.hn Network”.
Table 1 PLA Features
PORT/FEATURE PLA6457
Number of Gigabit Ethernet ports 1
AC Pass-Through YES
Encrypt Button YES
Reset Button YES
Maximum PHY Rate over Powerline 1200 Mbps
PLA1
PLA2

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1.1.1 G.hn Standard
G.hn is a specification for home networking devices that operates over power lines. G.hn specifies the
point-to-point security inside a domain, which means that each pair of transmitter and receiver uses a
unique encryption key which is not shared by other devices in the same domain. 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.
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 G.hn Network.
Figure 2 PLA Lights
The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA.
Table 2 LEDs
LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
POWER Green On The PLA is on and receiving power.
Blinking The power LED blinks when it is in standby mode that allows you
to save on power during periods of inactivity. Refer to Section 1.3
on page 9 for details on this feature.
Off The PLA is not receiving power.
POWERLINE Green On The PLA detects another PLA and can transmit and/or receive
data at greater than 80 Mbps.
Amber The PLA detects another PLA and can transmit and/or receive
data between 20 – 80 Mbps.
Red The PLA detects another PLA and can transmit and/or receive
data 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.

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1.3 Standby Mode
You can set your PLA to save on power 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 22 for details on this feature.
The PLA’s power LED blinks signaling that it is going into standby mode. The Ethernet LED, Encrypted
Pairing LED, and Powerline LED are turned off in standby mode.
Note: While in standby mode, you cannot use the RESET and ENCRYPT buttons. To enable the
RESET and ENCRYPT buttons 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 and ENCRYPT buttons.
1.4 Ways to Manage the PLA
Use the ENCRYPT button to add PLAs to your G.hn Network. See Chapter 2 on page 12 for instructions on
using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the Web Configurator to manage the PLA. See Chapter 3 on page 17 for instructions on using the
Web Configurator.
1.5 Expand Your Network with the PLA
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 Smart TV) to them.
ENCRYPTED
PAIRING
Green On It indicates the PLA is connected to another device in encrypted
pairing mode. The transmitter and receiver uses a unique
encryption key for point-to-point security.
Blinking It indicates the PLA is trying to connect with another device in
encrypted pairing mode.
Off Encrypted pairing mode is disabled.
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.
Table 2 LEDs (continued)
LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION

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Figure 3 Expand Your Network with the PLA
Connect your first PLA (PLA1) to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an ordinary
power outlet in your home. Plug a second PLA (PLA2) in Room1 into another power outlet and connect
a computer to the PLA for Internet access. Plug a third PLA (PLA3) in Room2 into another power outlet
and connect a Smart TV to the PLA for streaming video. Plug a fourth PLA (PLA4) in Room3 into another
power outlet and connect a Smart TV to the PLA for streaming video.
1.6 Security
Since your G.hn 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 G.hn Network.
1.6.2 Setting Up Encrypted Pairing
The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up encrypted pairing on your G.hn Network using the ENCRYPT
button (see Section 2.1 on page 12 for more information). It involves authenticating the identity of the
two PLAs to be paired and encrypting the link.
Alternatively, use the Web Configurator to set up encrypted pairing on the PLA. Although the PLA is a
“plug-and-play” network expanding solution there are several reasons for enabling security on the G.hn
Network in your home.
1It is easy and only requires you to change a network name.
Table 3 Domain Name Summary
IDENTITY DESCRIPTION
Domain Name Your PLA follow the G.hn standard and is shipped with the same domain name “G.hn
Network”. Change the domain name through the Web Configurator or RESET button to
create a private network. See Section 3.4 on page 20.

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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 encrypted pairing (security) 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 20 for information on setting up a private network.
3You may need to change the Domain Name to create multiple G.hn Network. See the next section for
more information on how to set up a multiple network.
1.7 Multiple Networks
Multiple G.hn Networks can coexist on a single electrical circuit. You might want to implement multiple
G.hn Networks in a small office environment where you have two independent Ethernet networks.
1Connect one PLA to a router or switch on the first Ethernet network and assign a Domain Name (for
example “Tom’s Network”) to this PLA (see Section 3.3 on page 19 for more information). Add additional
PLAs to your network by plugging them into your Powerline outlets and assigning them “Tom’s Network”.
This completes the configuration of your first G.hn Network.
2Connect another PLA to a router or switch on the second Ethernet network and assign a different
Domain Name (for example “Alice’s Network”) to this PLA. Again, add additional PLAs and assign them
“Alice’s Network”.
You now have two private networks on your Powerline circuit. Information is not shared between the
two networks as only PLAs with the same criteria for this Domain Name can communicate with each
other.

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CHAPTER 2
RESET and ENCRYPT Buttons
2.1 ENCRYPT Button
The ENCRYPT button allows you to set up a secure Powerline connection with other G.hn compliant PLAs
which also support the ENCRYPT feature. No other Powerline setting changes are required to connect.
The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the ENCRYPT button is pressed for specific
lengths of time.
Note: The domain name is unknown when you use the ENCRYPT button.
2.2 Adding Devices to a G.hn Network
You can connect a number of PLAs on a G.hn Network, but you can use the 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 ENCRYPT button to
work. Refer to Section 1.3 on page 9 for more details.
Follow the steps below to set up your G.hn Network:
1Press the ENCRYPT button at the side of your PLA for 2 to 5 seconds. The encrypted pairing ( ) light will
blink as the PLA tries to set up a connection with a new random domain name.
Table 4 ENCRYPT
TIME ACTION ENCRYPTED PAIRING LIGHT
BEHAVIOR POWERLINE LIGHT BEHAVIOR
2 to 5
seconds
Join an existing G.hn Network
by sharing the same network
name as other devices on the
network.
The Encrypted Pairing ( )
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 G.hn Network.

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Figure 4 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
Note: Check the lights on the two PLAs. The encrypted pairing ( ) and Powerline ( ) lights
should be on while the devices are connecting. Wait for about 2 minutes while your
PLAs connect.
If the encrypted pairing ( ) light does not blink when you press ENCRYPT, you have probably
pressed the ENCRYPT button for too long. Try pressing the ENCRYPT button again 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 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 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 ENCRYPT button on the PLA.
4Press the ENCRYPT button on both PLAs (Aand D, Band D, or Cand D) for 2 to 5 seconds to add PLA D.
This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the ENCRYPT button on the PLA.
5After pairing them, unplug the PLAs and plug them where you want to extend your network.
press 2 – 5 seconds
press 2 – 5 seconds
within 2
minutes
PLA PLA

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Figure 5 Adding More PLAs to Your Network
This sets up your G.hn Network between your PLAs.
2.3 Multiple Separate G.hn Networks
You can use the ENCRYPT button to create multiple separate G.hn Networks by using the ENCRYPT
button on different pairs of PLAs.
1Press the ENCRYPT button on PLAs Eand Ffor 2 to 5 seconds. This must be done within 2 minutes (120
seconds) of pressing the ENCRYPT button on the first PLA.
2Wait for about one minute while PLAs Eand F connect.
3Now pair two different PLAs. Press the ENCRYPT button on PLAs Gand H for 2 to 5 seconds and within 2
minutes of each other.
4Wait for about one minute while PLAs Gand H connect.
5When the encrypted pairing ( ) and Powerline ( ) lights shine steadily, the devices are
connected.
A
B
C
A OR B
D
A OR B OR C

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Figure 6 Two Separate G.hn 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 ENCRYPT buttons for the correct time and
within 2 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 ENCRYPT button and
the lights.
2.4 RESET Button
The RESET button allows you to reset the PLA to the factory defaults. It also unpairs the PLA from a
network.
The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the RESET button is pressed for specific
lengths of time.
Note: The domain name is unknown when you use the RESET button. You can then pair the
PLA to a different network.
See Troubleshooting in Chapter 5 on page 36 for suggestions on problems with the ENCRYPT button and
the lights.
E
G
F
H
Table 5 RESET
TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR POWERLINE LIGHT BEHAVIOR
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
G.hn Network.

16
PART II
Technical Reference

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CHAPTER 3
Web Configurator
3.1 Overview
This chapter shows you how to use the Web Configurator to secure and manage on your G.hn network.
The Web Configurator is an HTML-based management interface that allows easy PLA setup and
management through Internet browser. Use a browser that supports HTML5, such as:
• Microsoft Edge
• Internet Explorer 11 or later
• Google Chrome 34.0.1847.131 or later
• Mozilla Firefox 29.0.1 or later
• Opera 21.0 or later
• Safari 5.1.7 or later
The recommended minimum 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 7 Example Network Setup
All G.hn compliant PLAs within range can join your network. The range varies depending on the quality
of your home’s wiring.
A
PLA PLA

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See Section 3.1.1 on page 18 for more information on enhancing your G.hn network security.
3.1.1 G.hn Network Security
When the PLAs communicate with each other, they use encryption to protect the information that is
sent in the G.hn network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you
cannot understand the message. The G.hn 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 G.hn
network.
By default the PLAs are all configured with the network name G.hn, 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 G.hn
network, you can change the network name on the PLAs you want to allow to communicate in your
G.hn 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 8 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.

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3.3 G.hn Settings
Your PLA conforms to the G.hn (G.hn) 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 9 G.hn Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 6 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 Every PLA acts as the DOMAIN_MASTER by default before connecting to another PLA. The
default Device ID is 1.
After you press the ENCRYPT button to connect your PLA to another PLA, the two PLAs will
determine which one acts as the DOMAIN_MASTER. 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).
Note: When none of the PLA works as the DOMAIN_MASTER in the network, you can
manually configure your PLA as the END_POINT by selecting END_POINT in the
Force node Type field. The Device ID will be set to 0.

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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.
Domain Name The default domain name of the PLA is “G.hn Network”. 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.
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 or 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 G.hn 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
G.hn 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 G.hn network is available and sending and
receiving of data is through the 2 wires (power and neutral).
Encryption Configuration
Encryption is ENABLED
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 6 G.hn Screen (continued)
LABEL DESCRIPTION