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ZyXEL PLA4201 v2 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Quick Start Guide www .zyxel.com PLA4201 v2 500 Mbps Mini P owerline Ethernet Adapter V e rsion 1.00 Edition 1, 01/2013 Copyright © 2013 Z yXEL Communications Corpor ation User’s Guide[...]

  • Page 2

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 2 IMPORT ANT! READ CAREFULL Y BEFORE USE. KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. Screenshots and graphics in this book may differ sl ightly from your product due to differences in your product firmware o r your computer operatin g system . Every ef fort has been m ade to ensure that the information in this manual is accurat[...]

  • Page 3

    Table of Contents PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................................. ..................................................... ........... ................ 3 Part I: User ’ s Guide .............. .............................. .............................. ................. 5 Chapter 1 I[...]

  • Page 4

    Table of Contents PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 4 4.4 Firmware Screen ... ................ ................ ................... ................. ................ ................ ... ................... . 25 4.5 Network Info Screen . ................ ................ ................ ................. ................... ................ . ...........[...]

  • Page 5

    5 P ART I User ’ s Guide[...]

  • Page 6

    6[...]

  • Page 7

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 7 C HAPTER 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 1.1 Overview This chapter introduces the main applications and features of the PLA4201 v2 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter . There are two types of hardware for the PLA4201 v2: • One has an Ethernet port on the top an d a power plug at the bottom of the rear panel. • One h[...]

  • Page 8

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 8 data transfer r ates. The PLA4201 v2 uses 128-bi t Advanced Encryption Stan dard (AES) to ensure safe transfer of inf ormation. Figure 1 Expand Y our Network with the PLA4201 v2 Connect your PLA4201 v2 to an Internet gateway such as a modem and plug it into an o rdinary power outlet i[...]

  • Page 9

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 9 1.4.1 Passwords Y ou use two types of passwords in the HomePlug A V powerline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords. 1.4.2 Setting Up Security The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this feature if your [...]

  • Page 10

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4201 v2 PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 10 1.5 Multiple Networks Multiple powerline networks ca n coexist on a single powerline circuit. Y ou might want to implement multiple powerline networks in a small office en vironment where y ou have two separ ate Ethernet networks. 1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch[...]

  • Page 11

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 11 C HAPTER 2 Installing the Utility This chapter guides you through the installation of the configur ation utility for your PLA4201 v2. 2.1 Overview of the Inst allation Process The installation of the configur ation utility does the following: 1 Checks for and installs Microsoft’ s .NET Framework version 2.0 software o[...]

  • Page 12

    Chapter 2 Installing the Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 12 1 Insert the included CD-ROM into your comp uter’ 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 th e .NE T Framew ork version 2. 0. R eview Micr[...]

  • Page 13

    Chapter 2 Installing the Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 13 4 If you want the utility to be only availabl e to the currently logged in user , select Just m e . 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[...]

  • Page 14

    Chapter 2 Installing the Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 14 When you plug the PLA4201 v2 into an electric sock et, 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 PLA4201 v2 from a pre[...]

  • Page 15

    15 P ART II T echnical Reference[...]

  • Page 16

    16[...]

  • Page 17

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 17 C HAPTER 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button Use the RESET/EN CRYPT button to automatically set up a secure powerline connection between your powerline devices. 3.1 RESET/ENCR YPT Button Overview The RESET/ENCRYPT button allows you to set up a secure powerline connection with other HomePlug A V compliant powerline devices which [...]

  • Page 18

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Bu tton PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 18 2 Press the RESET/ENCRYPT button at the side of your powerline device for 0.5 to 3 seconds. The power ( ) light will blink as the powerline device tries to set up a connection. Figure 7 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location v arie s for each P owerli[...]

  • Page 19

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 19 5 Then repeat steps 2 and 3 in this section using any powerline device ( A or B ) you have connected using ENCRYPT and the powerline device y ou want to connect ( C ). Y ou must use the RESET/ ENCRYPT button on both devices. Figure 8 Adding More P owerline Adapters to Y our Network 6 I[...]

  • Page 20

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Bu tton PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 20 F or example, you hav e already set up a powerline network in y our home ( A ) which accesses a printer ( B ). Now you want a separate powerline network connection from your laptop to your printer ( C ). Figure 9 One Existing Powerline Network 1 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on ( A )[...]

  • Page 21

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 21 Congratulations. Y ou now have two separ ate powerline networks as shown abov e. If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both pow e rl i ne de vi c es do not light up, the pow e r li n e de v ic e s are not connected. Repeat the connecti on process, making certain you press the RESET/ENCRYPT but[...]

  • Page 22

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 22 C HAPTER 4 The Configuration Utility 4.1 Overview This chapter shows you how to use the Configuration Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network. The PLA4201 v2 is designed as a plug-and-play ne twork expanding solution. This means that once you complete your har[...]

  • Page 23

    Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 23 By default the PLA4201 v2s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV , this allows you to simply plug the devices in and not worry ab o ut setting up security . If you want to enhance the security on your powerline network, y ou can change the network name on th e powerline [...]

  • Page 24

    Chapter 4 The Con figuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 24 4.3 Configuration Screen Use the Config uration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline network, to configure your PLA4201 v2 and to set up a secure powerline network by changing the powerline network name. This screen opens up when you launch the utility . Figur[...]

  • Page 25

    Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 25 4.4 Firmware Screen Use the Firmware screen to update the firmware on the PLA4201 v2 directly connecte d to the computer running the configuration utility . Firmware is the software which is embedded in the PLA4201 v2. This software contains processing instructions for how the PLA4201[...]

  • Page 26

    Chapter 4 The Con figuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 26 Note: Be sure to upload the correct mode l firmw are as uploading the wrong model firmw are may damag e your de vice. Figure 14 Firmware Screen 4.5 Network Info Screen Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA4201 v2 is communicating with other powerline ad[...]

  • Page 27

    Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 27 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 4.6 Advanced Screen Note: This f eature is only available with the latest versio n utility . Go to the ZyXEL website to download the latest utility and firm ware for your Z yXEL HomePlug A V adapter . Y ou can configure the powe[...]

  • Page 28

    Chapter 4 The Con figuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 28 For example, if y ou have a file server on your home network to deliver music and movie files to computers in your home, you should set the priorit y of the powerline adapter connected to this server to Medium . If video traffic is delivered too slowly , quality problems may occur . [...]

  • Page 29

    Chapter 4 The Configuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 29 Use this screen to configure priority settings fo r tr affic from the powerline adapters on your network. Figure 17 Advanced Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 6 Advanced Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter This field identifi es which powerline ne tw[...]

  • Page 30

    Chapter 4 The Con figuration Utility PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 30 4.7 About Screen Use the About screen to view information regarding the configuration utility and firmw are version of the PLA4201 v2 you are connected to. Click the icon in the top right corner of the utility to view the About screen. Figure 18 About Scre en The following table desc[...]

  • Page 31

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 31 C HAPTER 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 5.1 Overview Use this tutorial to expand your existing powerline network. After setting up your first home powerline netwo rk (instructions for that are in the Quick Start Guide for your Z y XEL powerline adapter) you may w a nt to extend the network or create a new one by add[...]

  • Page 32

    Chapter 5 Powerlin e Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 32 5.3 Accessing Y our Powerline Adapter 1 Plug the powerline adapter you w ant to add to yo ur network into a power socket and, if n eeded, switch the power socket on. Figure 19 Plug Y our Powerline Adapter into a Power Socket 2 Connect the powerline adapter to your computer . 3[...]

  • Page 33

    Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 33 5.4 Adding a Powerline Adapter This section shows you how to add a new powerlin e adapter to expand yo ur existing network. The figure below shows the family computer with Internet access on a powerline network. Expand the network by adding a new power line adapter connected to[...]

  • Page 34

    Chapter 5 Powerlin e Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 34 3 Select your adapter by selecting Local and type the network name for your existing network in the Network Name field ( C ). Figure 24 Adding an Adapter to an Existing Network 4 Click Save and click OK on the pop-up. Figure 25 Network Name Pop-up 5 Y our new adapter will now [...]

  • Page 35

    Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 35 Internet access but with a media adapter such as the Z yXEL DMA-1100P y ou can use your TV to watch movies and play games which are stored on a computer . Figure 26 Add New Adapters to Make a Second Network 1 Connect your new powerline adapter and op en the configur ation utili[...]

  • Page 36

    Chapter 5 Powerlin e Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 36 3 After you have set up a new network, you are read y to connect each powerline adapter on your new network to devices, for example, a computer or a games co nsole. 5.6 S plitting a Network into T wo Networks This section shows you how to split your existing network into two n[...]

  • Page 37

    Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 37 • Then type the new network name in the Network Name field. Figure 29 Adding an Adapter to Y our New Network 4 Click Save. • If you do not type the DAK password or type it incorrectly either of the following pop-ups appear . Click OK and type the DAK Pas sword correctly in [...]

  • Page 38

    Chapter 5 Powerlin e Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 38 5 The settings for the adapter will now grey out and the adapter will disappear from the table after a few minutes. Figure 32 An Adapter on Y our New Network 6 Go ba ck to s te p 3 in this section to set the same, new Network Name for all remote adapters you want to add to y o[...]

  • Page 39

    Chapter 5 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 39 • Check you ha ve entered the correct network name for your networ k. • Check your powerline adapter is connected to the same electrical circuit as other powerline adapters on your network.[...]

  • Page 40

    Chapter 5 Powerlin e Network Setup Tutorial PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 40[...]

  • Page 41

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 41 C HAPTER 6 LEDs and Troubleshooting This chapter describes the behavior of the LEDs (lights) and offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter . 6.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA4201 v2. The following figure is the front panel of the PL A4201 v2. Use the lights to determine [...]

  • Page 42

    Chapter 6 LEDs and Troublesh ooting PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 42 The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA4201 v2 . 6.2 Power and Light Problems The PLA4201 v2 does not turn on. None of the lights turn on. 1 Make sure you are using the power cord included with the PLA4201 v2. 2 Make sure the power cord is connected to the [...]

  • Page 43

    Chapter 6 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 43 4 R emove the powerline adapter from the outlet. Then connect an electrical device that you know works into the same power outlet. This checks the status of th e power outlet. 5 If the problem continues, contact the v endor . The ETHERNET light does not turn on. 1 Check the hardware co[...]

  • Page 44

    Chapter 6 LEDs and Troublesh ooting PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 44 The POWER and HomePlug light bl ink at the same time. • Y ou have pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for more than three seconds. T ry setting up a connection again, this time pressing the RESET/ENCRYPT buttons on both devices for less than three seconds. 6.3 Configuration Utility Pro[...]

  • Page 45

    Chapter 6 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 45 3 Y our powerline adapters may be placed close to electrical devices such as electrical insect-killers which produce radio wa ves. These may interfere wi th the powerline signals. Move the adapters further awa y from such electrical devices. 4 Y our wiring may be old and/or low qu alit[...]

  • Page 46

    Chapter 6 LEDs and Troublesh ooting PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 46 The POWER lights on both devices blink, then many lig hts blink and the HomePlug light b links red. Do not worry , the connection process is proceeding normally . The POWER lights on both devices finished blin king, but only one devi ce’ s HomePlug light is on. One device may hav e [...]

  • Page 47

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 47 A PPENDIX A Legal Information Copyright Copyright © 2013 by Z yXEL Communications Corporation. The contents of this publication may not be repr oduced in any part or as a whole, tr anscribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into an y language, or transmitted in any form or by an y means, electronic, mechanical[...]

  • Page 48

    Appendix A Legal Information PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 48 1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver . 3 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiv er is connected. 4 Consult the dealer or an experienced r adio/TV technician for help. [...]

  • Page 49

    Appendix A Legal Informa tion PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 49 distributor for details about the W arranty P eriod of this product. During the warrant y period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product ha ve indications of failure due to faulty workman ship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective products [...]

  • Page 50

    Appendix A Legal Information PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 50[...]

  • Page 51

    Index PLA4201 v2 User’s Guide 51 Index Symbols .NET Framework 11 A about screen 30 Advanced Encryption Standard, see AES 7 AES 9 , 22 AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 7 applications 7 C certifications 47 notices 48 viewing 48 configuration screen 24 connections overview 8 copyright 47 D DAK 22 , 24 DAK (Data Access Password) 9 Data Access P ass[...]

  • Page 52

    PLA4201 v2 User’s Gui de 52 Index M MAC address 24 management multiple networks 9 overview 22 managing the device using the web configurator . See web configurator . multiple networks 10 N network example 22 network information 26 O other documentation 2 P Par ameter Information Block, see PIB 25 passwords 22 , 24 , 25 types of 9 PIB (P arameter [...]