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ZyXEL PLA4231 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Quick Start Guide www .zyxel.com PLA4231 500 Mbps P owerline Wireless N Extender V ersion 1.00 Edition 1, 12/2012 Copyright © 2012 Z yXEL Communications Corporation User’s Guide Default Login Details LAN IP Address http://192.168.1.2 P assword 1234[...]

  • Page 2

    PLA4231 User’s Gui de 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. Ever y effort has be en made to ens ure that the information in this manual is accurate.[...]

  • Page 3

    Table of Contents PLA4231 User’s Guide 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents ....................................... ..................................................... .................. ................... 3 Part I: Introduction ............... ............................................................ ................. 7 Chapter 1 Introduc[...]

  • Page 4

    Table of Contents PLA4231 User’s Gui de 4 Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility ..................................................... ................................. .. 27 5.1 Overview ................ ............. ............. ............ ................. ............. ............ ............. ..... ........................[...]

  • Page 5

    Table of Contents PLA4231 User’s Guide 5 9.1 Overview ................ ............. ............. ............ ................. ............. ............ ............. ..... ........................ . 59 9.2 What Y ou Can Do ........... ............. ............. ............. ............. ................ ............. ............. .. ....[...]

  • Page 6

    Table of Contents PLA4231 User’s Gui de 6 13.2 What Y ou Can Do ................ ................ ............. ............. ............. ............. ................ ...... ............. .... 87 13.3 General Screen ................ ............. ................ ............. ............. ............ ............. .........................[...]

  • Page 7

    7 P ART I Introduction[...]

  • Page 8

    8[...]

  • Page 9

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 9 C HAPTER 1 Introducing the PLA4231 1.1 Overview This chapter introduces the main applications an d features of the PLA4231 HomePlug AV compliant powerline adapter . In this User’s Guide the electrical wiring netw ork is referred to as the “powerline network” . The HomePlug A V standard specifies how network devices co[...]

  • Page 10

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231 PLA4231 User’s Gui de 10 expanded by plugging additional PLA4231s into other outlets in your home and connecting other computers or network devices (for example, a printer) to them. R efer to your Quick Start Guide for hardw are connection information. 1.3 W ays to Manage the PLA4231 •U s e t h e RESE T/ENCRYP [...]

  • Page 11

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231 PLA4231 User’s Guide 11 1.5.1 Powerline Passwords Y ou use two types of passwords in the Hom ePlug AV po werline network. The following table describes the differences between the passwords. 1.5.2 Setting Up Powerline Security The ENCRYPT feature automatically sets up security on your powerline network. Use this [...]

  • Page 12

    Chapter 1 Introducing the PLA4231 PLA4231 User’s Gui de 12 1.6 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 at e Ethernet networks. 1 Connect one powerline adapter to a router or switch on [...]

  • Page 13

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 13 C HAPTER 2 The WPS Button 2.1 WPS Overview Y our PLA4231 supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPS allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security , without having to conf[...]

  • Page 14

    Chapter 2 The WPS Button PLA4231 User’s Gui de 14[...]

  • Page 15

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 15 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 als[...]

  • Page 16

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Bu tton PLA4231 User’s Gui de 16 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 2 ENCRYPT Connection Procedure Note: The RESET/ENCRYPT button’s location v aries for each Powerline m[...]

  • Page 17

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button PLA4231 User’s Guide 17 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 3 Adding More Powerline Adapters to Y our Network 6 If yo[...]

  • Page 18

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Bu tton PLA4231 User’s Gui de 18 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 4 One Existing Powerline Network 1 Click the RESET/ENCRYPT button on ( A ) f[...]

  • Page 19

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Button PLA4231 User’s Guide 19 Congratulations. Y ou now have two separ ate powerline networks as shown above. If the HomePlug ( ) lights on both pow e r li n e d e v ic e s do not light up , the p ow e r li n e de v i c es are not co nnected. Repeat the connecti on process, making certain you press the RESET/ENCRYPT b[...]

  • Page 20

    Chapter 3 The RESET/ENCRYPT Bu tton PLA4231 User’s Gui de 20[...]

  • Page 21

    21 P ART II Configuration Utility[...]

  • Page 22

    22[...]

  • Page 23

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 23 C HAPTER 4 Installing the Powerline Configuration Utility This chapter guides you through the installation of the configur ation utility for your PLA4231. 4.1 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 vers[...]

  • Page 24

    Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Confi guration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 24 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 ver[...]

  • Page 25

    Chapter 4 Installin g the Po werline Configur ation Utility PLA4231 User’s Guide 25 4 If you want the utility to be only availabl e to the currently logged in user , select Just me . Otherwise, click Everyone to allow all users to use the configuration utility . Click Next to install the utility to the default folder , or click Browse to specify [...]

  • Page 26

    Chapter 4 Installing the Powerline Confi guration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 26[...]

  • Page 27

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 27 C HAPTER 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility 5.1 Overview This chapter shows you how to use the Configur ation Utility (or Utility) to secure, manage and set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your powerline network. The PLA4231 is designed as a plug-and -play networ k expanding solution. This means that once you compl[...]

  • Page 28

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Con figuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 28 By default the PLA4231s are all configured with the network name HomePlugAV , this allows you to simply plug the devices in and not worry about se tting up security . If you want to enhance th e security on your powerline network, you can change the network name on the [...]

  • Page 29

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Guide 29 5.3 Configuration Screen Use the Config uration screen to see which devices are recognized by your powerline network, to configure your PLA4231 and to set up a secure powerline network by changing the powerline network name. This screen opens up when you launch the utilit[...]

  • Page 30

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Con figuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 30 5.4 Firmware Screen Use the Firmware screen to update the firm ware on the PLA4231 directly connected to the computer running the configuration utility . Firmware is the software which is embedded in the PLA4231. This software contains processing instructions for how th[...]

  • Page 31

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Guide 31 Note: Be sure to upload the correct mode l firmware as uploading the wrong model firmw are may damag e your device . Figure 14 Firmware Screen 5.5 Network Info Screen Use the Network Info screen to see the rates at which a specific PLA4231 is communicating with other powe[...]

  • Page 32

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Con figuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 32 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 5.6 Advanced Screen Note: This f eature is onl y available with the lat est version utili ty . Go to the ZyXEL website to download the latest utility and firm ware for your Z yXEL HomePlug A V adapter . Y ou can c[...]

  • Page 33

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Guide 33 For example, if y ou have a file server on your home network to deliver music and mo vie 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 , qualit y problem[...]

  • Page 34

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Con figuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 34 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 [...]

  • Page 35

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Configuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Guide 35 5.7 About Screen Use the About screen to view information regarding the configuration utility and firmw are version of the PLA4231 you are connected to. Click the icon in the top right corner of the utility to view the About screen. Figure 18 About Sc reen The following t[...]

  • Page 36

    Chapter 5 Using the Powerline Con figuration Utility PLA4231 User’s Gui de 36[...]

  • Page 37

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 37 C HAPTER 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutorial 6.1 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 yXEL powe rline adapter) you ma y wa nt to extend the network or create a new one by adding[...]

  • Page 38

    Chapter 6 Powerline N etwork Setup Tutorial PLA4231 User’s Gui de 38 6.3 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 needed, 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 Us[...]

  • Page 39

    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutori al PLA4231 User’s Guide 39 6.4 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 a[...]

  • Page 40

    Chapter 6 Powerline N etwork Setup Tutorial PLA4231 User’s Gui de 40 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 ha[...]

  • Page 41

    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutori al PLA4231 User’s Guide 41 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 utility[...]

  • Page 42

    Chapter 6 Powerline N etwork Setup Tutorial PLA4231 User’s Gui de 42 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 console. 6.6 S plitting a Network into T wo Networks This section shows you how to split your existing network into two netw[...]

  • Page 43

    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutori al PLA4231 User’s Guide 43 • 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 Password correctly in the[...]

  • Page 44

    Chapter 6 Powerline N etwork Setup Tutorial PLA4231 User’s Gui de 44 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 c k t o s t e p 3 in this section to set the same, new Network Name for all remote adapters you want to add to y [...]

  • Page 45

    Chapter 6 Powerline Network Setup Tutori al PLA4231 User’s Guide 45 • 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 46

    Chapter 6 Powerline N etwork Setup Tutorial PLA4231 User’s Gui de 46[...]

  • Page 47

    47 P ART III W eb Configurator[...]

  • Page 48

    48[...]

  • Page 49

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 49 C HAPTER 7 Introducing the Web Configurator 7.1 Overview This chapter describes how to access the PLA4231 W e b Configurator and provides an ov erview of its screens. The W eb Configurator is an HTML -based management interface that allows easy setup and management of the PLA4231 via Internet browser . Us e Internet Explor[...]

  • Page 50

    Chapter 7 Introducing the Web Configu rator PLA4231 User’s Gui de 50 Figure 34 Login screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. 7.2.1.1 Weather Edit Y ou can change the temper ature unit and select the location for which you w ant to know the weather . Click the icon to change the weather display . Figure 35 Change W eather T[...]

  • Page 51

    Chapter 7 Introducin g the Web Configurator PLA4231 User’s Guide 51 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 7.2.1.2 Time/Date Edit One timezone can cov er more than one country . Y ou can choose a particular country in which the PLA4231 is located and have the PLA4231 display and use the current time and date for its logs. Click [...]

  • Page 52

    Chapter 7 Introducing the Web Configu rator PLA4231 User’s Gui de 52 The following table describes the labels in this screen. Note: The management session automa tically ti mes out when the time period set in the Administrator Inactivity Timer field expires (default fiv e minutes; go to Chapter 13 on page 87 to change this). Simply log back into [...]

  • Page 53

    Chapter 7 Introducin g the Web Configurator PLA4231 User’s Guide 53 • A - title bar • B - navigation panel • C - main window 7.3.1 T itle Bar Click Logout at any time to exit the W eb Configurator . Click About to open the about window, which provides information of the boot module and driver vers ion s. 7.3.2 Navigation Panel Use the menu [...]

  • Page 54

    Chapter 7 Introducing the Web Configu rator PLA4231 User’s Gui de 54 7.3.3 Main Window The main window displays information and configurat ion fields. It is discussed in the rest of this document. Firmware Upgrade Use this screen to upload firmware t o your PLA4231. Backup/ Res t o r e Use this scre en to back up and r estore the config uration o[...]

  • Page 55

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 55 C HAPTER 8 Dashboard The Dashboard screens display when you log into the PLA4231, or click Dashboard in the navigation menu. Use the Dashboard screen to look at the current status of the device, system resources, and interfaces. The Dashboard screens also provide detailed information about system statistics, associated wir[...]

  • Page 56

    Chapter 8 Dashboa rd PLA4231 User’s Gui de 56 The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 13 The Dashboard Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Refresh Interv al Select a number of second s or None from the drop-down list box to refresh all screen statistics automaticall y at the en d of every ti me interv al or to not refresh the screen[...]

  • Page 57

    Chapter 8 Dashboard PLA4231 User’s Guide 57 Status For the LAN ports, this fiel d displays Down (line is down) or Up (line is up or connected). For t he WLAN, it displays Up when the W LAN is enabled or Down when the WLAN is disabled. Rate For the LAN ports, this displ ays the port speed or N/A when the line is disconnected. For the WLAN, it disp[...]

  • Page 58

    Chapter 8 Dashboa rd PLA4231 User’s Gui de 58[...]

  • Page 59

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 59 C HAPTER 9 Monitor 9.1 Overview This chapter discusses read-only information re lated to the device state of the PLA4231. Note: T o access the Monitor screens, you can also click the links in the Summary table of the Status screen to view the packets sent/ received as well as the status of cli ents connected to the PLA4231[...]

  • Page 60

    Chapter 9 Monito r PLA4231 User’s Gui de 60 The following table describes the labels in this screen. Y ou can c onfigure which lo gs to display in the Vi ew Log screen. Go to the L og Setting screen and select the logs you wish to display . Click Apply to save y our settings. Click Cancel to start the screen afresh. Figure 41 Monitor > Log Set[...]

  • Page 61

    Chapter 9 Monitor PLA4231 User’s Guide 61 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 9.5 WLAN S t ation St atus Click the WLAN Station Status (Details...) hyperlink in the Dashboard screen or Monitor > WLAN Station Status . View the wireless stations that are currently associated to the PLA4231 in the Association List . Associati[...]

  • Page 62

    Chapter 9 Monito r PLA4231 User’s Gui de 62[...]

  • Page 63

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 63 C HAPTER 10 Wireless LAN 10.1 Overview This chapter discusses how to configure the wire less network settings in your PLA4231. See the appendices for more detailed information about wireless networks. The following figure provides an example of a wireless network. Figure 44 Example of a Wireless Network The wireless networ[...]

  • Page 64

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 64 •U s e t h e Advanc ed screen ( Section 10.7 on page 73 ) to configure wireless advanced features, such as set the R TS/CTS Threshold and HT ph ysical mode. •U s e t h e QoS screen ( Section 10.8 on page 73 ) to enable Wifi MultiMedia Quality of Service (WMMQoS). This allows the PLA4231 to aut[...]

  • Page 65

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 65 Y ou can use the MAC address filter to tell the AP which wireless clients are allowed or not allowed to use the wireless network. If a wireless client is allowed to use the wireless network, it still has to have the correct settings (SSID , channel, and security). If a wireless client is not allowed[...]

  • Page 66

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 66 10.4 General Wireless LAN Screen Use this screen to enable or disable the WLAN, enter the SSID , select the channel and configure wireless security settings. Note: If you are confi guring the PLA4231 from a computer connected to the wireless LAN and you change the PLA4231’ s SSID , channe l or s[...]

  • Page 67

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 67 10.5 Wireless Security The screen varies depending on what y ou select in the Security Mode field. 10.5.1 No Security Select No Security to allow wireless clients to communicate with the access points without any data encryption. Operating Channel This displays t he channel th e PLA4231 is current l[...]

  • Page 68

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 68 Note: If you do not enable any wireless s ecurity on your PLA4231, y our network is accessible to any wireless networking device that is within r ange. Figure 46 Network > Wireless LAN > Security: No Security The following table describes the labels in this screen. 10.5.2 WEP Encryption WEP [...]

  • Page 69

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 69 Figure 47 Network > Wireless LAN > Security: Static WEP The following table describes the wireless LAN security labels in this screen. T a ble 20 Network > Wireless LAN > Security: Static WEP LABEL DESCRIPTION Security Mode Select Static WE P to enable data enc ryption. PassPhrase Enter [...]

  • Page 70

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 70 10.5.3 WP A-PSK/WP A2-PSK Select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK from the Security Mod e list. Figure 48 Network > Wireless LAN > Security: WPA2-PSK Hex Select this option in order to enter hexadecimal characters as a WEP key . The preceding "0x", that ide ntifies a hexadecimal key , is entere[...]

  • Page 71

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 71 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 10.6 MAC Filter The MAC filter screen allows you to configure the PLA4231 to give exclusive access to devices (Allow) or exclude devices from accessing the PL A4231 (Deny). Every Ethernet device has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address.[...]

  • Page 72

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 72 Figure 49 Network > Wireless LAN > MAC Filter The following table describes the labels in this menu. T a ble 22 Network > Wireless LAN > MAC Filter LABEL DESCRIPTION MAC Address Filter Select to turn on ( Enable ) or off ( Disable ) MAC address filtering. Filter Action Define the filte[...]

  • Page 73

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 73 10.7 Wireless LAN Advanced Screen Use this screen to allow wireless adv anced features, such as the output power , and RTS/CTS Threshold. Click Network > Wireless LAN > Advanc ed . The screen appears as shown. Figure 50 Network > Wireless LAN > Advanced The following table describes the [...]

  • Page 74

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 74 Click Network > Wireless LAN > QoS . The following screen appears. Figure 51 Network > Wireless LAN > QoS The following table describes the labels in this screen. 10.9 WPS Screen Use this screen to enable/disable WPS, view or generate a new PIN number and check current WPS status. T o [...]

  • Page 75

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 75 Figure 52 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 25 Network > Wireless LAN > WPS LABEL DESCRIPTION WPS Setup WPS Select Enable to turn on the WPS feat ure. Otherwise, select Disable . PIN Code Select Enable and click Apply to allo w [...]

  • Page 76

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 76 10.10 WPS S t ation Screen Use this screen when you want to add a wireless station using WPS. T o open this screen, click Network > Wireless LAN > WPS Station tab. Note: After you click Push Button on this screen, y ou have t o press a similar button in the wireless station uti lity within 2[...]

  • Page 77

    Chapter 10 Wireless LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 77 Figure 54 Network > Wireless LAN > Scheduling The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 27 Network > Wireless LAN > Scheduling LABEL DESCRIPTION Wireless LAN Scheduli ng Select Enable to activate the wireless LA N scheduling feature. Se lect Disable to turn it off [...]

  • Page 78

    Chapter 10 Wi reless LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 78[...]

  • Page 79

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 79 C HAPTER 11 LAN 1 1.1 Overview This chapter describes how to configure LAN settings. A Local Area Network (LAN) is a shared communication system to which many computers are attached. A LAN is a computer network limited to the immediate area, usually the same b uilding or floor of a building. Th e LAN screens can help you c[...]

  • Page 80

    Chapter 11 LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 80 Figure 56 LAN and WAN IP Addresses The LAN parameters of the PLA4231 are preset in the factory with the following values: • IP address of 192.168.1. 2 with subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (24 bits) 1 1.3.1 LAN TCP/IP The PLA4231 has built-in DHCP server capability that assigns IP addresses and DNS servers to[...]

  • Page 81

    Chapter 11 LAN PLA4231 User’s Guide 81 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 1 1.5 IP Alias Screen Use this screen to have the PLA4231 apply IP alias to create LAN subnets. Click LAN > IP Alias . Figure 58 Network > LAN > IP Alias T a ble 28 Network > LAN > IP LABEL DESCRIPTION Obtain an IP Address Automatically [...]

  • Page 82

    Chapter 11 LAN PLA4231 User’s Gui de 82 The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 29 Network > LAN > IP Alias LABEL DESCRIPTION IP Alia s Check this t o enable IP alias. IP Address T ype the IP alias address of your PLA4231 in dotted decimal notation. IP Sub net Mask The subnet mask specifies the network number portio[...]

  • Page 83

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 83 C HAPTER 12 HomePlug 12.1 Overview This chapter describes how to configure powerline settings. See Chapter 5 on page 27 for more information about powerline network security . 12.2 What Y ou Can Do Use the HomePlug screen ( Section 12.3 on page 83 ) to secure, manage and set up Qualit y of Service (QoS) on your powerline n[...]

  • Page 84

    Chapter 12 Ho mePlug PLA4231 User’s Gui de 84 The following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 30 Configuration Screen LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Refresh Interv al Select a number of seconds or Non e from the drop-down list bo x to update the powerline network inform ation automati cally at the end o f every time interv al or to no[...]

  • Page 85

    Chapter 12 HomePlug PLA4231 User’s Guide 85 Centr al Coordin ator MAC The Centr al Coordinator of the powerl ine network is the powerl ine adapter which keeps track of which devices are part of the n etw ork as well as sy nchronizes comm unication within the powerline network. If the Central Coordinator is remov ed from the powerline network then[...]

  • Page 86

    Chapter 12 Ho mePlug PLA4231 User’s Gui de 86[...]

  • Page 87

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 87 C HAPTER 13 Maintenance 13.1 Overview This chapter provides information on the Maintenance screens. 13.2 What Y ou Can Do •U s e t h e General screen ( Section 13.3 on page 87 ) to set the timeout period of the management session. •U s e t h e Password screen ( Section 13.4 on page 88 ) to change your PLA4231’ s syst[...]

  • Page 88

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Gui de 88 The following table describes the labels in this screen. 13.4 Password Screen It is strongly recommended that you change y our PLA4231's password. If you forget your PLA4231's password (or IP ad dress), you will need to reset the device. See Section 13.8 on page 93 for details Click Mainte[...]

  • Page 89

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Guide 89 Figure 62 Maintenance > Time he following table describes the labels in this screen. T a ble 33 Maintenance > Time LABEL DESCRIPTION Current Time and Date Current Time This field displays t he time of your PLA4231. Each time you reload this page, the PLA4231 sy nchronizes the time wi th the tim[...]

  • Page 90

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Gui de 90 13.6 Firmware Upgrade Screen Find firmware at www .zyxel.com in a file that (usually) uses the system model name with a “*.bin” extension, e.g. , “PLA4231.bin” . The upload proce ss uses HTTP (Hypertext T ransfer Protocol) and may take up to two minutes. After a su ccessful upload, the syste[...]

  • Page 91

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Guide 91 Figure 63 Maintenance > Firmware Upgr ade The following table describes the labels in this screen. Note: Do not turn off the PLA4231 while firmware upload i s in progress! After you click Upload , w ait two minutes before lo gging into the PLA4231 again. The PLA4231 automatically restarts in this [...]

  • Page 92

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Gui de 92 13.7 Configuration Backup/Restore Screen Backup configuration allows y ou to back up (save) the PLA4231’ s current configuration to a file on your computer . Once your PLA4231 is configur ed and functioning properly , it is highly recommended that you back up your configuration file before making [...]

  • Page 93

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Guide 93 Note: If yo u uploaded the default configurat ion file you may need to change the IP address of your computer to be in the sa me subnet as that of the default PLA4231 IP address (192.168.1.2). 13.8 Rest art Screen System restart allows you to reboot the PLA4231 without turning the power off . Click M[...]

  • Page 94

    Chapter 13 Maintenance PLA4231 User’s Gui de 94[...]

  • Page 95

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 95 C HAPTER 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting This chapter describes the behavior of the LEDs (lights) and offers some suggestions to solve problems you might encounter . 14.1 LEDs The following sections describes the lights on the PLA4231. The following figure is the front panel of the PLA4 231. Use the lights to d etermine if the[...]

  • Page 96

    Chapter 14 LEDs a nd Troubleshootin g PLA4231 User’s Gui de 96 The following table describes the behavior of the lights on the PLA4231. 14.2 Power and Light Problems The PLA4231 does not turn on. None of the lights turn on. 1 Make sure the PLA4231 is plugged in to an appropriate power source. T a ble 36 PLA4231 LIGHT S ICON COLO R STATUS DESCRIPT[...]

  • Page 97

    Chapter 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4231 User’s Guide 97 2 Make sure the power button at the side of the PLA4231 is pushed in. 3 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. 4 If the problem continues, contact the v [...]

  • Page 98

    Chapter 14 LEDs a nd Troubleshootin g PLA4231 User’s Gui de 98 7 If your powerline network is using electrical wiri ng (not coaxial cable), check y ou do not have a power meter between powerline adapters . P owerline signals cannot pass this. The POWER and HomePlug light bl ink at the same time. • Y ou have pressed the RESET/ENCRYPT button for [...]

  • Page 99

    Chapter 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4231 User’s Guide 99 2 Y our powerline adapters may be located close to large appliances such as refriger ators or air- conditioners that cause interference with the po werline signal. Move the adapters further aw ay from such appliances to reduce interference. 3 Y our powerline adapters may be placed close [...]

  • Page 100

    Chapter 14 LEDs a nd Troubleshootin g PLA4231 User’s Gui de 100 • If that does not work, try again with both devices connected to a power strip next to each other . If they now connect, then the devices were not on the same electrical circuit before. The POWER lights on both devices blink, then many lights blink and the HomePlug light b links r[...]

  • Page 101

    Chapter 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4231 User’s Guide 101 What factors may cause intermi ttent or unstabled wireless connection? How c an I solve this problem? The following factors may cause interference: • Obstacles: walls, ceilings, furniture, and so on. • Building Materials: metal doors, aluminum studs. • Electrical devices: microwav[...]

  • Page 102

    Chapter 14 LEDs a nd Troubleshootin g PLA4231 User’s Gui de 102 I forgot the password. 1 The default password is 1234 . 2 If this does not work, you ha ve to reset the device to its factory defaults. See Section 1.7 on page 12 . I cannot see or access the Login screen in the W eb Configurator . 1 Make sure you are using the corr ect IP address. ?[...]

  • Page 103

    Chapter 14 LEDs and Troubleshooting PLA4231 User’s Guide 103 2 This can happen when you fail to log out properly from your last session. T ry logging in again after 5 minutes. 3 Disconnect and re-connect the power adaptor or cord to the PLA4231. 4 If this does not work, you ha ve to reset the device to its factory defaults. See Section 1.7 on pag[...]

  • Page 104

    Chapter 14 LEDs a nd Troubleshootin g PLA4231 User’s Gui de 104[...]

  • Page 105

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 105 A PPENDIX A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions In order to use the web configur ator you need to allow: • W eb browser pop-up windows from your device. • Jav aScript (enabled by default). • Jav a permissions (enabled by default). Note: The screens used below belong to Intern et Explorer versi on 6, 7 an[...]

  • Page 106

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Gui de 106 Figure 70 Internet Options: Privacy 3 Click Apply to save this setting. Enable Pop-up Blockers with Exceptions Alternatively , if you only want to allow pop-up windows from your device, see the following steps. 1 In Internet Explorer , select Tools , Internet Op [...]

  • Page 107

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScrip t and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Guide 107 Figure 71 Internet Options: Privacy 3 T ype the IP address of your device (the web page that you do not want to have blocked) with the prefix “http://” . For example, http://192.168.167.1. 4 Click Add to move the IP address to the list of Allowed sites . Figu[...]

  • Page 108

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Gui de 108 5 Click Close to return to the Privacy screen. 6 Click Apply to save this setting. JavaScript If pages of the we b configurator do not display properly in Interne t Explorer , check that Jav aScript are allowed. 1 In Internet Explorer , click Tools , Internet Opt[...]

  • Page 109

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScrip t and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Guide 109 Figure 74 Security Settings - Java Scripting Java Permissions 1 From Internet Explorer , click Tools , Internet Op tions and then the Se curity tab. 2 Click the Custom Level... button. 3 Scroll down to Microsoft VM . 4 Under Java permissions make sure that a safe[...]

  • Page 110

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Gui de 11 0 Figure 75 Security Settings - Java JA V A (Sun) 1 From Internet Explorer , click Tools , Internet Op tions and then the Ad vanced tab . 2 Make sure that Use Java 2 for <applet> under Java (Sun) is selected. 3 Click OK to close the window. Figure 76 Java (S[...]

  • Page 111

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScrip t and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Guide 111 Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 2.0 screens are used here. Screens for other v ersions may vary slightly . The steps below apply to Mozilla Firefox 3.0 as well. Y ou can enable Java, Ja vascript and pop-ups in one screen. Click Tools, then click Options in the sc[...]

  • Page 112

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Gui de 11 2 Opera Opera 10 screens are used here. Screens for o ther versions may v ary slightly . Allowing Pop-Up s From Opera, click Tools , then Preferences . In the Genera l tab, go to Choo se how you prefer to handle pop-ups and select Open all pop-ups . Figure 79 Oper[...]

  • Page 113

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScrip t and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Guide 11 3 Figure 80 Opera: Enabling Java T o customize Jav aScript behavior in the Oper a browser , click JavaScript Options . Figure 81 Opera: JavaScript Options Select the items you want Opera’ s JavaScript to apply .[...]

  • Page 114

    Appendix A Pop-up Windows, JavaScript and Java Permissions PLA4231 User’s Gui de 11 4[...]

  • Page 115

    PLA4231 User’s Guide 11 5 A PPENDIX B Legal Information Copyright Copyright © 2012 by ZyXEL Communi cations Corporat ion. Th e co n te n t s o f th i s pu b li c a t io n ma y n o t be r e pr o d uc e d i n an y pa r t or a s a w h ol e , t ra n s cr i be d , s to r ed i n a r e tr i e va l s y st e m, t r anslated into any language, or tr ansmi[...]

  • Page 116

    Appendix B Legal Information PLA4231 User’s Gui de 11 6 注意 ! 依據 低功 率 電波 輻 射性電機管 理 辦法 第十二條 經型 式認證合格之低功 率 射頻電機，非經許可，公司 、商號或使用 者均 不 得擅自變 更 頻 率 、加大功 率 或變 更 原設計之特性及功能。 第十四條 低功 率 射[...]

  • Page 117

    Appendix B Legal Informa tion PLA4231 User’s Guide 11 7 Declaration of Conformity with Regard to EU Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE Directive) Compliance I nformation for 2.4GHz and 5GH z Wireless P roducts R elev ant to the EU an d Other Count ries Following the EU Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE Directive) National Restrictions This prod uct may [...]

  • Page 118

    Appendix B Legal Information PLA4231 User’s Gui de 11 8 Das Produkt kann i n allen EU Staaten o hne Einschränkun gen eingeset zt werden (sowie i n anderen Staaten die d er EU Direktive 19 95 /5/CE folgen) mit Außnahme der folgenden aufgeführten Staaten: In the majority o f the EU an d other Euro pean countrie s, the 2, 4- and 5-GHz ban ds have[...]

  • Page 119

    Appendix B Legal Informa tion PLA4231 User’s Guide 11 9 List of national codes Safety Warnings • Do NOT u se this product near w ater , for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool. • Do NOT expose your device to dampness, d ust or corrosive liquids. • Do NOT s tore things on the device. • Do NOT install, use, or service this de[...]

  • Page 120

    Appendix B Legal Information PLA4231 User’s Gui de 120[...]

  • Page 121

    Index PLA4231 User’s Guide 121 Index Symbols .NET Framework 23 A about screen 35 Advanced Encryption Standard, see AES 9 AES 11 , 27 AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 9 applications 9 C certifications 11 5 notices 11 6 viewing 11 6 channel 64 Configuration restore 92 configuration screen 29 connections overview 9 copyright 11 5 CPU usage 56 D DA[...]

  • Page 122

    PLA4231 User’s Gui de 122 Index requirements 23 InstallShield wizard 24 introduction 9 IP Address 82 IP alias 80 L LAN 79 LAN overview 79 LAN setup 79 LAN TCP/IP 80 Language 93 LED 95 ETHN 95 LINK 95 PWR 95 LINK LED 95 Link type 56 Local Area Network 79 local vs. remote adapter 29 Log 59 M MAC 71 MAC address 29 , 64 MAC address filter 64 MAC addr[...]

  • Page 123

    Index PLA4231 User’s Guide 123 Reset the device 12 R estore configuration 92 Ro a m i n g 73 RTS / C T S T h r e s h o l d 64 , 73 S Scheduling 76 security 10 , 11 , 27 passwords 11 Service Set 66 Service Set IDentification 66 Service Set IDentity . See SSID . SSID 56 , 64 , 66 starting the utility 28 Status Screens 55 Ethernet 55 system statisti[...]

  • Page 124

    PLA4231 User’s Gui de 124 Index[...]