This article explains Powerline (PLA) technology, including troubleshooting connection issues, compatible powerline adapters, upgrading PLA, inter-phase data connections, data connections via electricity meters, the impact of electrical consumers, tips for error limitation, and bandwidth improvement strategies.
PLA-400-Serie, 200 Mbit / s, ab 2007
PLA4205-Serie, 500 Mbit / s, ab 2012
PLA5205-Serie, 600 Mbit / s, ab 2013
PLA5206-Serie, 1000 Mbit / s, ab 2015
PLA5456-Serie, 2000 Mbit / s, ab 2016
PLA6457-Series 2400 Mbit / s, ab 2019
Disclaimer: End-of-Life Product Notice We regret to inform you that the product "Zyxel PLA series" has reached the end of its useful life. As a result, technical support for this device may be limited. Please be aware that any manipulation or use of a device that is already end-of-life is entirely at your own risk. You can find a list of obsolete devices, including their retirement and end-of-support dates, at the link below. This page also provides the latest updated version for your device: End of Life
Compatible Powerline-Adapters
Firmware Updating
To ensure optimal performance and security of your Powerline Adapter, it's important to keep its firmware up to date.
- For very old devices, for example PLA5206 you need to use a special application “Upgrade tool 1.0.2.15.0306”
- For newer devices, e.g. PLA6457, it is necessary to use the Web interface. More details on how to do this are described in the user manual.
Can't assign IP address
Why does my PLA5236 assign IP addresses to my device?
This is the PLA5236 design. If no DHCP OFFER packet is detected, the PLA5236's DHCP server activates.
Example: PLA5236---[LAN]---Laptop
Without a router (DHCP server), the PLA5236 assigns IP addresses to connected devices. Conversely, if a router with DHCP is detected, the PLA5236 disables its DHCP server.
Example: Router (DHCP server)---[LAN]---PLA5236---[LAN]---Laptop
In this case, the router assigns the IP address to the laptop.
Problems and Solutions
Inter-Phase Data Connection
In apartments, homes, or offices, electrical loads are typically distributed across three phases. Powerline adapters may need to communicate over different phases (L1, L2, L3). Powerline technology uses high-frequency signal crosstalk to transmit data between phases, which requires parallel power lines over a short distance. Poor conditions can reduce speed or cause interruptions.
If transmission works well on the same floor but not from the cellar to the first floor, it is likely due to different phases being used. An electrician can use phase couplers to improve transmission. Phase couplers enable high-frequency signal connections between phases.
Data Connection via Electricity Meter
Apartments and shared areas often have independent electricity meters. The powerline signal can be dampened depending on the electrical installation and meter design. If damping prevents effective Powerline use, an electrician can install signal couplers to improve transmission. Signal couplers connect high-frequency signals through attenuating components like electricity meters, fuses, or filters.
Influences of Electrical Consumers
Devices with electric motors (vacuum cleaners, blowers, washing machines), switched-mode power supplies (phones, notebooks, PCs), or power controls (dimmers) generate high-frequency interference. These disturbances can affect Powerline signal transmission if they reach the power grid.
Tips for error limitation
Compatibility
Older powerline adapters (pre-PLA-400 models) use different technology and are incompatible with newer models, though they can coexist without interference. Models PLA-400, PLA4205, and above are compatible and can be mixed, but the speed will be limited to the slowest adapter. Mixed connections can benefit from the stability of current models.
Network Password
Powerline adapters communicate only with compatible adapters sharing the same network password, which may be referred to as the network name or Network Membership Name (NMK). Factory default passwords are:
- PL-100 Series: HomePlug (not compatible with current adapters)
- PLA-400, PLA42x5, PLA52x5 Series: HomePlugAV
To ensure security and prevent data exposure, set an individual network password for all communicating adapters. Current generation adapters provide a key for automatic key exchange. Connect the adapters to a common socket and initiate the key exchange using this key. Refer to the Quickstart Guide for LED signaling information. Software is often not included with these models.
Exclude Interference from Other Consumers
If you experience poor signal strength or insufficient bandwidth, check for interference from other electrical devices: Unplug all electrical devices from the mains, as switching them off may not disconnect the interfering power supply. Identify the interfering device and try operating it or the powerline adapter in a different socket. Use high-quality network filters for devices causing interference.
Improving Bandwidth
To enhance bandwidth, follow these tips:
Reposition some devices and the powerline adapter. Directly connect the powerline adapter and route as many devices as possible through a mains filter.
These steps can improve connection stability and bandwidth.
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