ZyXEL Communications PLA5236 User manual

Default Login Details
User’s Guide
PLA5236
1000 Mbps Powerline AC900 Wireless Extender
Copyright © 2017 Zyxel Communications Corporation
Web Address http://zyxelsetup
LAN IP Address http://192.168.1.3
Password 1234
Version 1.00 Edition 2, 02/2017

PLA5236 User’s Guide
2
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
This is a User’s Guide for a system managing a series of products. Not all products support all features.
Menu shots 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 PLA and access the web configurator.
• Online Help
Click the help link for a description of the fields in the PLA menus.
•MoreInformation
Go to support.zyxel.com to find other information on the PLA.

Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................3
Part I: Introduction ............................................................................................6
Chapter 1
Introducing the PLA .............................................................................................................................7
1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 LEDs .................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA ................................................................................................................ 9
1.4 Expand Your Network with the PLA ................................................................................................ 9
1.5 Security ............................................................................................................................................ 10
1.5.1 Passwords ............................................................................................................................... 10
1.5.2 Setting Up Security ................................................................................................................ 10
1.6 Multiple Networks ........................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 2
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button ................................................................................................................12
2.1 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Overview .................................................................................................. 12
2.2 Adding Devices to a Powerline Network ..................................................................................... 12
2.3 Removing a Device from a Powerline Network ......................................................................... 14
2.4 Multiple Separate Powerline Networks ........................................................................................ 15
2.5 One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button .................................................................................. 16
Part II: Web Configurator................................................................................17
Chapter 3
Introducing the Web Configurator ...................................................................................................18
3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2 Accessing the Web Configurator ................................................................................................. 18
3.2.1 Login Screen .......................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.2 Password Screen ................................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Navigating the Web Configurator ............................................................................................... 20
3.3.1 Title Bar ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2 Navigation Panel .................................................................................................................. 21

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Chapter 4
Dashboard..........................................................................................................................................22
4.1 The Dashboard Screen .................................................................................................................. 22
Chapter 5
Connection Wizard............................................................................................................................25
5.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 25
5.2 Using the Web Configurator Wizard ............................................................................................. 25
Chapter 6
Monitor................................................................................................................................................27
6.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2 What You Can Do .......................................................................................................................... 27
6.3 Log .................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.4 Packet Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 28
6.5 WLAN 2.4G Station Status .......................................................................................................... 29
6.6 WLAN 5G Station Status ................................................................................................................. 30
Chapter 7
Wireless LAN .......................................................................................................................................31
7.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 31
7.1.1 Powerline Extended Wireless LAN ....................................................................................... 31
7.2 What You Can Do .......................................................................................................................... 32
7.3 What You Should Know ................................................................................................................. 33
7.3.1 Wireless Security Overview ................................................................................................... 33
7.4 General Wireless LAN Screen ....................................................................................................... 34
7.5 Wireless Security .............................................................................................................................. 36
7.5.1 No Security ............................................................................................................................. 36
7.5.2 WEP Encryption ..................................................................................................................... 37
7.5.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .............................................................................................................. 39
7.6 MAC Filter ........................................................................................................................................ 40
7.7 Wireless LAN Advanced Screen ................................................................................................... 41
7.8 Quality of Service (QoS) Screen ................................................................................................... 42
7.9 WPS Screen ..................................................................................................................................... 43
7.10 WPS Station Screen ...................................................................................................................... 44
7.11 Scheduling Screen ....................................................................................................................... 45
Chapter 8
LAN......................................................................................................................................................47
8.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 47
8.2 What You Can Do .......................................................................................................................... 47
8.3 What You Need To Know .............................................................................................................. 47
8.3.1 LAN TCP/IP ............................................................................................................................. 48

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8.3.2 IP Alias ..................................................................................................................................... 48
8.4 LAN IP Screen .................................................................................................................................. 48
8.5 IP Alias Screen ................................................................................................................................. 49
Chapter 9
Home Plug ..........................................................................................................................................51
9.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 51
9.2 What You Can Do .......................................................................................................................... 51
9.3 HomePlug Screen ........................................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 10
One Connect......................................................................................................................................54
10.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 54
10.2 What You Can Do ........................................................................................................................ 54
10.3 One Connect Screen ................................................................................................................... 54
Chapter 11
Maintenance......................................................................................................................................55
11.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 55
11.2 What You Can Do ........................................................................................................................ 55
11.3 General Screen ............................................................................................................................ 55
11.4 Password Screen ........................................................................................................................... 56
11.5 Time Setting Screen ...................................................................................................................... 56
11.6 Firmware Upgrade Screen .......................................................................................................... 58
11.7 Configuration Backup/Restore Screen ...................................................................................... 60
11.8 Restart Screen ............................................................................................................................... 61
11.9 Language Screen ......................................................................................................................... 61
11.10 Wi-Fi Mode Screen ...................................................................................................................... 61
Chapter 12
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................63
12.1 Power and Light Problems ........................................................................................................... 63
12.2 Powerline Problems ...................................................................................................................... 64
12.3 RESET/ENCRYPT Button Problems ................................................................................................ 64
Appendix A Customer Support ....................................................................................................... 67
Appendix B Legal Information ......................................................................................................... 73
Index...................................................................................................................................................81

6
PART I
Introduction

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CHAPTER 1
Introducing the PLA
1.1 Overview
This chapter introduces the main applications and features of your Zyxel Powerline Wireless 11ac Dual
Band Extender with 1000Mbps PHY rate, which is called “PLA” in this guide. The following generic icon is
used to represent the PLA.
This User’s Guide helps you understand more about how your PLA works and how to configure your
network. 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. The
PLA provides a hybrid powerline transmission and Wi-Fi solution, enabling a larger transmission capacity,
all without the need for any new cabling, since power sockets are available everywhere in your home.
With the PLA you can easily set up a wireless network with both IEEE 802.11 b/g/n and IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac
compatible devices. Multiple HD videos can be streamed over an interference-free 5GHz radio band
across the network with no frame loss.
In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring network is referred to as the “powerline network”. You can
directly plug an electrical device (such as a router or computer) into PLA with an AC power pass-
through socket to supply power to the device.
1.2 LEDs
The following sections describes the lights 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 powerline network.

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Figure 1 Front Panel
The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA.
Table 1 Front Panel LEDs
LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
POWER Green On The PLA is on and receiving power.
It also indicates a successful connection using the RESET/
ENCRYPT button.
Blinking Blinking during 10 seconds: The ENCRYPT function has been
active.
Blinking during 120 seconds: The ENCRYPT function has failed.
Off The PLA is not receiving power.
ETHERNET Green On The ETHERNET port is on and ready and the PLA detects a device
connected to it.
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.
Wi-Fi 2.4G
Wi-Fi 5G
Green On The PLA’s wireless signal is ready.
Wi-Fi protected security is enabled.
Slow
Blinking
The WPS is syncing the PLA with another device.
Fast
Blinking
The PLA is transmitting and/or receiving wireless traffic.
The WPS syncing has failed.
Off The wireless signal is disabled.

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1.3 Ways to Manage the PLA
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to add powerline devices to your powerline network if they have this
button. See Chapter 2 on page 12 for instructions on using the ENCRYPT feature.
Use the Home Plug screen to manage the PLA. See Section 9.3 on page 51 for instructions on installing
the utility.
1.4 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.
HomePlug Green On The PLA detects another powerline adapter. The data transfer
rate is greater than 80 Mbps.
Blinking The PLA is communicating with another powerline adapter. Data
is being transmitted and/or received.
Off The HomePlug port does not detect another powerline adapter.
Table 1 Front Panel LEDs
LIGHTS ICON COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
PLA
PLA

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1.5 Security
Since your powerline network may extend outside your premises, it is important to set up security on your
PLA.
1.5.1 Passwords
You use two types of passwords in the Home Plug AV powerline network. The following table describes
the differences between the passwords.
1.5.2 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.
Alternatively, use the Zyxel Home Plug screen (Section 9.3 on page 51) 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 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 PLA 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.
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.
Table 2 Password Summary
PASSWORD DESCRIPTION
Network Name All powerline adapters that follow the HomePlug AV standard are shipped with the
same powerline network name “HomePlugAV”.
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 Home Plug Screen (Section 9.3 on page
51). 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 web configurator (local powerline adapter), you only
have to add the remote powerline adapters’ passwords (those on your circuit, but
not directly connected to your computer).

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1.6 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.

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CHAPTER 2
The RESET/ENCRYPT Button
Use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between your
powerline devices.
2.1 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 PLA to the factory defaults.
2.2 Adding Devices to a Powerline Network
You can connect a number of PLAs on a powerline network, but you can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button
on only two PLAs 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.
Note: Your PLA must be connected to a networking equipment for the RESET/ENCRYPT button
to work. Refer to Section 1.3 on page 9 for more details.
Follow the steps below to set up your HomePlug AV Network:

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1Press 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 with a new random network
name.
Figure 3 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure
Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location varies for each Powerline model.
Note: Check the lights on the two powerline devices. The power ( ) and HomePlug ( )
lights should be on while the devices are connecting. Wait for about two minutes 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 step 1 in this section. If that doesn’t work, see the Troubleshooting in
Section 12.3 on page 64 for suggestions.
2To add more powerline devices to your network, use any powerline device (A or B) you have
connected to set up a connection with the powerline devices you want to connect (C and D).
3Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on both powerline devices (Aand C, or Band C) for 0.5 to 3 seconds to
add powerline device 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 powerline devices (Aand D, Band Dor Cand D) for 0.5 to 3
seconds to add powerline device D. This must be done within 2 minutes (120 seconds) of pressing the
RESET/ENCRYPT button on the PLA.
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
press 0.5 ~ 3 seconds
within 2
minutes
PLA PLA

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Figure 4 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Your Network
This sets up your powerline network between your powerline devices.
2.3 Removing a Device from a Powerline Network
Suppose you want to remove PLAs (C) and (D) from the following powerline network.
Figure 5 Removing Devices From an Existing Powerline Network
1Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline device Cfor 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This
disconnects Cfrom the current network.
2Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline device Dfor 5 to 8 seconds and then release it. This
disconnects Dfrom the current network.
A
B
C
A OR B
D
A OR B OR C
A
C
B
D

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2.4 Multiple Separate Powerline Networks
You can use the RESET/ENCRYPT button to create multiple separate powerline networks. Use the RESET/
ENCRYPT button on only two PLAs at a time.
1Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline devices Eand Ffor 0.5 to 3 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 powerline devices Eand F connect.
3Now pair two different PLAs. Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button on powerline devices Gand H for 0.5 to 3
seconds and within two minutes of each other.
4Wait for about one minute while powerline devices Gand H connect.
5When the power ( ) and HomePlug ( ) lights shine steadily, the devices are connected.
Figure 6 Two Separate Powerline Networks
If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both powerline devices do not light up, the powerline devices
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 12.3 on page 64 for suggestions.
E
G
F
H

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2.5 One Combination RESET/ENCRYPT Button
The following table summarizes the actions that occur when the RESET/ENCRYPT button is pressed for
specific lengths of time.
Note: The network name is unknown when you use the RESET/ENCRYPT button.
Table 3 RESET/ENCRYPT
TIME ACTION POWER LIGHT BEHAVIOR HOMEPLUG LIGHT BEHAVIOR
0.5 to 3
seconds
Create a powerline network
with a new random network
name.
Join an existing powerline
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 HomePlug ( ) light turns on
if your device is connected to
another powerline device or a
powerline network.
5 to 8
seconds
Remove the device from any
network it is associated with
and its network name assumes
a random value.
The power ( ) light blinks and
then shines steadily.
The HomePlug ( ) light turns off
when it disconnects from the
powerline 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 HomePlug ( ) light turns off
when it disconnects from the
powerline network.

17
PART II
Web Configurator

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CHAPTER 3
Introducing the Web
Configurator
3.1 Overview
This chapter describes how to access the PLA Web Configurator and provides an overview of its screens.
The Web Configurator is an HTML-based management interface that allows easy setup and
management of the PLA via Internet browser. Use Internet Explorer 8.0 and later or Safari 2.0 or later
versions. 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
Windows XP SP (Service Pack) 2.
• JavaScripts (enabled by default).
• Java permissions (enabled by default).
Refer to the Troubleshooting chapter (Chapter 12 on page 63) to see how to make sure these functions
are allowed in the Internet Explorer.
3.2 Accessing the Web Configurator
1Connect your computer to the LAN port of the PLA.
2The default IP address of the PLA is “192.168.1.3”. In this case, your computer must have an IP address in
the range between “192.168.1.4” and “192.168.1.254”.
Click Start > Run on your computer in Windows. Type “cmd” in the dialog box. Enter “ipconfig” to show
your computer’s IP address. If your computer’s IP address is not in the correct range then change your
computer’s IP address.
3After you’ve set your computer’s IP address, open a web browser such as Internet Explorer and type
“http://192.168.1.3” as the web address in your web browser.
3.2.1 Login Screen
The Web Configurator initially displays the following login screen.

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Figure 7 Login screen
Type “1234” (default) as the password.
3.2.2 Password Screen
You should see a screen asking you to change your password (highly recommended) as shown next.
Figure 8 Change Password Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 4 Change Password Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Enter Your New
Password Here
Type a new password.
Confirm Password Retype the password for confirmation.
Change Click Change to save your changes back to the PLA.
Skip Click Skip if you do not want to change the password this time.

Chapter 3 Introducing the Web Configurator
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Note: The management session automatically times out when the time period set in the
Administrator Inactivity Timer field expires (default five minutes; go to Chapter 11 on
page 55 to change this). Simply log back into the PLA if this happens.
Right after you log in, the Dashboard screen is displayed. See Chapter 4 on page 22 for more
information about the Dashboard screen.
3.3 Navigating the Web Configurator
The following summarizes how to navigate the web configurator from the Dashboard screen.
Figure 9 Status Screen of the Web Configurator
As illustrated above, the Web Configurator screen is divided into these parts:
•A- title bar
•B- navigation panel
•C- main window
3.3.1 Title Bar
Click Logout at any time to exit the Web Configurator.
Click About to open the about window, which provides information of the boot module and driver
versions.
Click Easy 123 to select the PLA Wi-Fi mode and give a name and password to identify your PLA in the
Wi-Fi network.
A
B
C