PLA4215 to PLA5256 handshake???

Twelvetoedtom

Have been using the Zyxel PLA4215 for years but had one go bad on me so replaced with the cheaper and faster PLA5256. Upon my initial hookup with the first new PLA5256 I was able to connect with the PLA4215 still but upon moving my connection I can't get them to play nice together anymore. Have done all the obvious troubleshooting and am at the point where I'm willing to ask for a more knowledgeable opinion of the situation. Currently have the 2 PLA5256s connecting perfectly together but the PLA4215 isnt wanting to work with the other 2 whatsoever. Any assistance is greatly appreciated, would assume they weren't compatible if it weren't for the fact I have already had them connect the first time. Thanks in advance.

#PLA_October

Ijnrsi

Sorry for my mistake.
The firmware upgrade tool is here: ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA5206/software/
And you can refer the release note of the upgrade tool: ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA5206/software/PLA5206_PLA5206_FW_upgrade_tool_1.0.2.15.0306(Windows)_2.pdf

But PLA4215 is Atheros chip since 2011 and PLA5256 is broadcom since 2015, there are 4 years gap, if the device still not works well, that I guess this might the compatible case as Broadcom doesn't include the old chip model to compatible with.
 

Ijnrsi

Hi,
Maybe this is caused by using old firmware, check Zyxel official FTP site, and there are some softwares to upgrade PLA4215 and PLA5256's firmware, I think you can upgrade firmware and try again.
ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA4215/software/
ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA5256/software/

Twelvetoedtom

How do I go about installing the newer firmware? Mine never allows me to retrieve the IP of my adapter.

Ijnrsi

Sorry for my mistake.
The firmware upgrade tool is here: ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA5206/software/
And you can refer the release note of the upgrade tool: ftp://ftp2.zyxel.com/PLA5206/software/PLA5206_PLA5206_FW_upgrade_tool_1.0.2.15.0306(Windows)_2.pdf

But PLA4215 is Atheros chip since 2011 and PLA5256 is broadcom since 2015, there are 4 years gap, if the device still not works well, that I guess this might the compatible case as Broadcom doesn't include the old chip model to compatible with.