Actiontec MegaPlug AV 200 Mbps Ethernet Adapter

Although the QuickStart Guide doesn't mention it, there is software that comes with the kit.   Most users won't use the software, but it's included on a CD that comes in the box.  The CD also contains Acrobat Reader and the full manual, in PDF form.

The only Actiontec software on the CD is the Actiontec Megaplug AV Configuration Utility.  This utility is used to change the encryption key that's used on the Megaplug network.  Of course, the kit comes pre-configured (or it wouldn't work out of the box), but if you want to change it to something more customized for your use, this is where you would do it.

Once you insert the CD, it will prompt the install the utility (compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista).  It takes almost no time to run and once installed, launches immediately.  You then see the configuration screen above.  It's very simple, as you can see.  You enter a new encryption key, and hit "Save Key".  You have to do this for both Adapters, which means you have to connect them both, one at a time, to the Ethernet port on a PC and then run the utility.  As we said, all of this is probably not necessary for many home users.  However, it's a nice feature, should you have more stringent security concerns and the encryption algorithm utilized is a robust 128-bit AES link-level implementation.