Sierra Wireless 555 User Manual
AirCard® 555 Wireless Network Card
User Guide
2130142
Rev 3.0
Preface
Important Notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans-
mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data
may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost.
Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when
wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless network card are
used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the
Sierra Wireless network card should not be used in situations
where failure to transmit or receive data could result in
damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including
but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property.
Sierra Wireless, Inc. accepts no responsibility for damages of
any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or
received using the Sierra Wireless network card, or for failure
of the Sierra Wireless network card to transmit or receive such
data.
Safety and Hazards Do not operate the Sierra Wireless AirCard
network card in areas where blasting is in progress, where
explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical
equipment, life support equipment, or any equipment which
may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such
areas, the Sierra Wireless network card MUST BE POWERED
OFF. The Sierra Wireless network card can transmit signals
that could interfere with this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless network card in any
aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In
aircraft, the Sierra Wireless network card MUST BE
POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless network
card can transmit signals that could interfere with various
onboard systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the
aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless network
cards may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the
Sierra Wireless network card while in control of a vehicle.
Doing so will detract from the driver or operator's control and
operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces,
operating such communications devices while in control of a
vehicle is an offence.
®
555 wireless
Limitation of
Liability
Rev. 3.0 Dec.01 3
The information in this manual is subject to change without
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Sierra Wireless, Inc. SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSE-
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Patents Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the
QUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA
WIRELESS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE
OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
following US patents: 5515013, 5617106, 5629960, 5682602,
5748449, 5845216, 5847553, 5878234, 5890057, 5929815, 6169884,
6191741, 6199168, D367062, D372248, D372701, D416857,
D442170 and other patents pending.
Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of
the following United States Patents and/or their counterparts
in other nations:
4901307 5490165 5056109 5504773
5101501 5506865 5109390 5511073
5228054 5535239 5267261 5544196
5267262 5568483 5337338 5600754
5414796 5657420 5416797 5659569
5710784 5778338
Copyright ©2001 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless and the Red Swoosh design are trademarks of
Sierra Wireless, Inc. Heart of the Wireless Machine
AirCard
Quick 2 Net
nications. Other trademarks are the property of the respective
owners. All product specifications are subject to change
without notice.
®
are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
SM
is a service mark of Verizon Wireless Commu-
®
and
Comments Your comments and suggestions on improving this documen-
tation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your
feedback to
Consult our web site for up-to-date product descriptions,
documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
documentation@sierrawireless.com. Thank you.
www.sierrawireless.com
4 2130142
Preface
Technical Support For technical support of this product, contact Verizon Wireless
at 1-800-922-0204.
Rev. 3.0 Dec.01 5
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
6 2130142
Table of Contents
Introducing the AirCard® 555 Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The AirCard 555 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Account Activation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card . . . . . . 21
Installation and Use on Notebook PCs
Installation on Notebook PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
AirCard Software Installation Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Windows 95 Pre-Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installation Procedures for Windows 95, 98, Me, and 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installation Procedures for Windows XP & NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Venturi Software Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Card Insertion and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Inserting the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Removing the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Account Configuration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The Watcher Window and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Components of the Watcher Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Minimize, Toggle Full/Compact, and Close Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
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AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide
Call Status Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Indicator Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Taskbar Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Dial-Up Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Incoming Data Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Quick 2 Net Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Express Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Voice Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
The Dial Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
The Scratch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Outgoing Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Incoming Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
The Watcher Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
The View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Toggle Full/Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The Tools Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Mobile Messenger… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Phone Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Call Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Dial-Up Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
KeyGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Activation Wizard… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Options… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
8 2130142
Table of Contents
The Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Help Topics… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
About Watcher… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
The Network Adapter Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Windows 95, 98, NT and Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Switching Primary Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Windows 2000 and XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
On-Line Help and Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Closing the Network Adapter Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Problem Causes and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Reinstalling the AirCard Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Windows 95/98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Resolving Resource Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Windows 95/98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Installation and Use on Handheld and Pocket PCs
Installation on Handheld and Pocket PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Software Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
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AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide
Card Insertion and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Inserting the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Removing the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Account Configuration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
The Watcher Window and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Components of the Watcher Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
The Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Call Status Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Indicator Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
The Minimize, Toggle Full/Compact, and Close Boxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Taskbar Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dial-Up Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Incoming Data Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Quick 2 Net Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Express Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Voice Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
The Dial Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
The Scratch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Outgoing Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Incoming Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
The Watcher Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
The View Menu (Handheld PCs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
10 2130142
Table of Contents
Toggle Full/Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
The Tools Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Mobile Messenger… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Phone Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Call Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Dial-Up Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
KeyGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Activation Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Options… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
The Admin Menu (Pocket PCs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
About Watcher… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Administration > Activation Wizard… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
The Help Menu (Handhelds PC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Help Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
About Watcher … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Problem Causes and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Uninstalling the AirCard Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
LED Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Radio Frequency and Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Regulatory Information
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Index
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
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AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide
12 2130142
AirCard 555 Basics
1: Introducing the AirCard® 555
Network Card
• A Network Card, a
Modem, and a Phone
• Package Contents
• About this Guide
The AirCard® 555 wireless network card fits into a standard
Type II PC card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and
functions as a wireless network card, a modem, and a mobile
phone. This card allows you to connect to the Internet, send
and receive e-mail, connect to a corporate network, and make
phone calls, without the need of a network cable or phone line.
Basics
AirCard 555
Note: Do not insert the AirCard
into your PC card slot prior to
installing the software. It is
important to install the software
and driver in the correct order.
See Chapter 3 (notebook PCs)
or Chapter 10 (Handheld and
Pocket PCs) for detailed procedures.
Note: The Venturi compression
software that allows for dial-up
data transmission speeds of 56
kbps is available for notebook
PCs running Windows 95, 98,
NT, 2000, and Me only.
The AirCard 555 functions in notebook PCs with these
Windows® operating systems: 95, 98, NT, 2000, Me, and XP.
The AirCard 555 also functions in Handheld and Pocket PCs
with the Windows CE 3.0 operating system.
The AirCard 555 operates over a type of wireless network
called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). This network
technology has many features beyond providing a wireless
link, including:
• SMS (Short Messaging Service), which allows you to
send and receive short messages using the AirCard
• Quick 2 Net, which provides a direct Internet connection
Use of the AirCard 555 requires that you have an account that
gives you access to a CDMA network.
Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio
frequency bands. As a dual band product, the AirCard 555
operates on two of these bands, providing a wide coverage
area.
The AirCard operates on the original CDMA network (IS 95A)
that provides data transmission speeds of up to 14.4 kbps
(kilobits per second) or 56 kbps where Venturi compression is
in use. The AirCard also runs on the newer 1xRTT network
technology that provides data transmission speeds up to 144
kbps. The AirCard 555 provides all the advantages of 1xRTT
where it is available while allowing you to use the older
CDMA IS 95A standard where 1xRTT has not yet been implemented. The benefits to you are that you can use the AirCard
in any area that has coverage (assuming there are no account
restrictions) and you will be able to take advantage of the
fastest possible data transmission speed.
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 15
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Note: More information about
CDMA networks is available on
the CDMA Development Group
web site, www.cdg.org.
A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone
On notebook PCs, during 1xRTT connections, the AirCard 555
is a true network card, functioning just like the network cards
familiar to most corporate computer users. Once installed and
configured, the AirCard connects instantly to the CDMA
network with a few mouse clicks. You can just insert the
AirCard 555, click a few buttons, launch your Internet
browser, and you’re ready to web surf.
As a modem, the AirCard 555 allows you to dial up any other
modem, or send and receive faxes. You can also connect a
headset to the AirCard 555 and use it as a phone.
Package Contents
Your AirCard 555 package contains the following components:
• AirCard 555 wireless network card
• Antenna
• Installation CD containing the AirCard software and this
user guide
• Quick reference card
If you want to use the AirCard as a phone, a headset is
necessary. See the Sierra Wireless web site,
www.sierrawireless.com, for a listing of approved headsets
that will work with the AirCard.
About This Guide
This user guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to install and use your network card.
• Section 1 (which you are reading) gives you an overview
of the AirCard 555, providing the background information that is the basis for understanding the following
sections.
• Section 2 provides step-by-step instructions on installing,
configuring, and using the AirCard 555 on notebook PCs.
• Section 3 provides step-by-step instructions on installing,
configuring, and using the AirCard 555 on Handheld and
Pocket PCs.
• Section 4 provides electrical, radio frequency, and other
parameters of the AirCard 555 for those who require
technical information.
• Section 5 provides regulatory information.
16 2130142
Installation and Use on
Notebook PCs
2: Getting Started
• The AirCard 555
Software
• Account Activation and
Configuration
• Care and Maintenance
Before you can begin using the AirCard 555 wireless network
card, you must:
1. Install the AirCard 555 software.
2. Activate an account and configure the AirCard to use your
account, unless the AirCard has been pre-activated.
This section provides an overview of this process.
The AirCard 555 Software
The AirCard comes with this software:
• An application called Watcher that you use to manage the
AirCard and monitor your connections
• An application called the Network Adapter Manager that
allows you to switch between the AirCard 555 and other
network cards (for notebook PCs only)
• The driver software that forms the interface between the
network card and your Windows operating system
• Venturi compression software that increases data
throughput, effectively increasing the data transmission
speed (for notebook PCs only)
Basics
AirCard 555
Note: When you have the
Venturi software installed and
enabled, the compression will
automatically be used where it is
available on the network. In
areas where the Venturi server is
implemented, you should notice
an increase in the speed of your
dial-up data connections.
The Watcher software (and on notebook PCs, the Network
Adapter Manager) should be installed before you insert the
AirCard 555 for the first time. The Venturi software should
only be installed after the driver is installed. Detailed instructions are provided in Chapter 3.
Account Activation and Configuration
Companies that operate CDMA networks and provide access
to these networks are called service providers. You must have an
account with a CDMA service provider to use the AirCard 555.
The process of setting up an account is called activation.
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 19
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
If you purchased the AirCard from a service provider, you
may already have an account. (That is, your network card is
pre-activated.) Otherwise, you can refer to the Sierra Wireless
web site, www.sierrawireless.com, for a list of service
providers.
When selecting a service provider, it is important to consider
the following:
• Coverage
Note: Most service providers
have coverage maps on their
web sites.
Note: The fee for service is
usually higher when you are
roaming (connecting to a
network other than the one
belonging to your service
provider).
There are CDMA networks, that operate in the frequency
bands supported by the AirCard 555, throughout North
America and parts of Latin America, Asia, New Zealand
and Australia. However, each service provider operates a
network that covers a limited geographical area within the
overall CDMA coverage area. Most service providers have
“roaming” agreements with other service providers, so
that they can offer service outside of the coverage area of
their own networks. For example, assuming you live in
Vancouver and travel frequently to Seattle, you can obtain
an account with a Vancouver service provider that has a
roaming agreement with a service provider in Seattle. You
would then have local service in Vancouver, and roaming
service in Seattle. (Most service providers charge more for
roaming service than local service.)
Select a service provider that gives you network coverage
in all areas you intend to use the AirCard 555.
• Pricing
Each service provider has its own pricing options. There
are flat rate accounts which provide you a maximum number of minutes of network usage for a fixed monthly fee.
There are accounts for which you are charged for network
usage by the minute or by the amount of data transmitted.
You may want to shop around to find the best value.
Your service provider will activate your account. To do so
your service provider requires from you:
• The billing information used to collect payment for your
network usage
• The ESN (electronic serial number) assigned to your
modem during the manufacturing process. (This number
is printed on a label on the AirCard and can be displayed
in Watcher.)
20 2130142
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Note: You can use the Lock
Code feature to prevent others
from using your account should
your AirCard be stolen. See
page 79 (notebook PCs) or
page 159 (Handheld and Pocket
PCs) for instructions on using
this feature.
You require from your service provider:
• A phone number for your AirCard
• An activation code that gives you access to the window in
which the phone number is entered
• A SID (System Identifier) that identifies your home
network area and is used in conjunction with your phone
number to identify your account when you connect to the
CDMA network
Unless your AirCard has been pre-activated, Watcher will
automatically detect that no account has been configured
when you run it for the first time. Watcher will then run the
Activation Wizard to guide you through the activation and
configuration process.
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card
As with any electronic device, the AirCard must be handled
with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines
in using and storing the AirCard:
• Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard. This may
cause the AirCard to become jammed inside the card slot.
• Optimal signal strength is usually obtained when the
antenna is perpendicular to the modem. The antenna
should bend easily at the hinge. Do not forcefully bend the
antenna.
• When storing or transporting your PC in a case (such as a
notebook case), remove the AirCard antenna and store it in
a compartment where it cannot be crushed or broken.
• The AirCard should fit easily into your PC slot. Forcing
the AirCard into a slot may damage connector pins.
• Protect the card from liquids, dust, and excessive heat.
• When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard in
a safe place.
Basics
AirCard 555
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 21
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
22 2130142
3: Installation on Notebook PCs
• System Requirements
• AirCard Software
Installation Procedures
• Venturi Software
Installation Procedures
• Card Insertion and
Removal
• Account Configuration
Procedures
This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to making
the AirCard operational on a notebook PC. The basic steps are:
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Note: Do not insert the
AirCard into your PC card slot
beofre installing the software.
1. Insert the AirCard installation CD into your CD-ROM
drive and install Watcher and the Network Adapter
Manager.
2. Insert the AirCard into the PC card slot and install the
AirCard driver from the CD.
3. Install the Venturi software from the AirCard installation
CD.
4. If the AirCard has not been pre-activated, use the
Activation Wizard to configure the AirCard.
Before you begin the installation process, ensure your PC is
running a supported operating system and meets the
hardware requirements described below.
System Requirements
The AirCard 555 wireless network card is supported on:
• Windows 95 OSR2 and higher
• Windows 98 / 98 SE
• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1
• Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
• Windows Me
• Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
To install the AirCard, you require these system resources:
Table 3-1: System Resource Requirements
Card Slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) Slot
Communications Ports 1 Available
Disk Drive CD-ROM
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 23
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Table 3-1: System Resource Requirements
I/O Resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O Space
Memory 32 MB
Disk Space 7 MB
AirCard Software Installation Procedures
This section provides detailed installation instructions.
Proceed to the heading that corresponds to your operating
system.
Windows 95 Pre-Installation Procedures
Note: Windows system files may be required to complete installation
of the AirCard 555 driver. These files are located on the Windows CD
and may be stored on your hard drive in CAB files. Ensure you have
your Windows CD, or know the location of the .CAB files before
proceeding.
Depending on how Windows 95 was installed on your PC and
what devices have since been installed, your PC card
(PCMCIA) slots may or may not have been enabled and the
TCP/IP stack may or may not be installed. Since the AirCard
requires these, this section guides you through these steps:
1. Verifying that the PC card slots are enabled
2. Verifying that TCP/IP is installed
Verifying That the PC Card Slots Are Enabled
1. Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Settings >
Control Panel
2. Double click the PC card icon.
3. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties window is displayed,
the slots are enabled and you can proceed to the section
“Verifying That TCP/IP Is Installed”.
4. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard is displayed, the slots
are not yet enabled, and the wizard guides you through
the enabling process. (Generally it is sufficient to click
at each window.) Click
click
Yes when prompted to restart the PC.
.
Next
Finish on the final window and
24 2130142
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Verifying That TCP/IP Is Installed
1. If the Control Panel is not already open, select Start >
Settings > Control Panel
to open it.
2. Double click the Network icon.
3. Look for “TCP/IP” next to any listing on the Configuration
tab. If TCP/IP is listed, you can close the window and
proceed to the section “Installing Procedures for Windows
95, 98, Me, and 2000”.
4. If TCP/IP is not listed, click the Add... button to open the
Select Component Type window.
5. Select Protocol in the component type list and click the
Add... button to open the Select Network Protocol window.
6. Select Microsoft under Manufacturers and TCP/IP under
Network Protocols, then click the
OK button.
7. Verify that a listing for TCP/IP appears in the Network
window and then click the
OK button to close the window.
8. If you are prompted that your network is not complete,
make the selections appropriate to your network configuration.
9. If you are prompted for the Windows CD, replace the
AirCard installation CD with the Windows 95 CD, or enter
the path to the .CAB files.
10. Click Yes at the prompt to restart your PC. Once the PC
has restarted, proceed to the next section.
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Note: A driver is software that
forms the interface between a
device (such as the AirCard) and
the operating system on your PC
(such as Windows 98).
Note: Users of Windows 2000
must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the
AirCard software.
Installation Procedures for Windows 95, 98, Me, and 2000
Follow these steps to install Watcher, the Network Adapter
Manager, and the AirCard driver.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.
2. If the CD does not auto-start, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
3. From the CD start-up window, select notebook installation
and documentation
launch the InstallShield Wizard.
4. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
wizard noting the following:
· You must click Yes to indicate your acceptance of the
terms of the license agreement to proceed with the
installation.
and then notebook software installation to
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 25
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
· Using the default settings for the Destination Location
and Program Folder is recommended unless you have
special requirements and an advanced understanding of
PC configuration. (The Destination Location dictates
where the software is installed. The Program Folder
dictates the name assigned to the software in the Add/
Remove Programs in the Control Panel.)
· A check box allows you to choose to display release
notes. The release notes list known issues in the software
and are displayed in the Windows Notepad. (If you
choose to display them, when you are finished reading,
use the close box in the upper right corner of the
window to close the Notepad.)
· A check box allows you to choose to have a desktop
shortcut for Watcher. This gives you the option of
launching Watcher by double clicking an icon on your
desktop (as well as from the Start menu).
· Click Finish to close the last screen of the wizard.
Note: Do not forcefully connect
the antenna, or forcefully insert
the AirCard. This may damage
connector pins. See page 34 for
instructions on removing the
AirCard.
5. If your operating system is Windows 2000, you are
prompted that the driver files will be copied to your
notebook. Click
OK. Click Yes on the Digital Signature Not
Found window each time it appears.
6. Click OK when you are prompted to insert the AirCard.
Attach the antenna and insert the AirCard into your PC
card slot.
7. Click OK when you are notified that the installation is
complete. If your operating system is Windows 95,
Windows 98, or Windows Me, restart your PC from the
Start menu.
On completion of this step, Watcher, the Network Adapter
Manager, and the AirCard driver are installed and you can
proceed to install the Venturi compression software. This is
described in the “Venturi Software Installation” section on
page 33.
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Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Installation Procedures for Windows XP and NT
Note: Users of Windows NT
must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the
AirCard software. Users of
Windows XP may require administrative privileges, depending on
the XP installation.
Follow these steps to install Watcher and the Network Adapter
Manager.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.
2. If the CD does not auto-start, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
3. From the CD start-up window, select notebook installation
and documentation
and then notebook software installation to
launch the InstallShield Wizard.
4. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
wizard noting the following:
· You must click Yes to indicate your acceptance of the
terms of the license agreement to proceed with the
installation.
· Using the default settings for the Destination Location
and Program Folder is recommended unless you have
special requirements and an advanced understanding of
PC configuration. (The Destination Location dictates
where the software is installed. The Program Folder
dictates the name assigned to the software in the Add/
Remove Programs in the Control Panel.)
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
· A check box allows you to choose to display release
notes. The release notes list known issues in the software
and are displayed in the Windows Notepad. (If you
choose to display them, when you are finished reading,
use the close box in the upper right corner of the
window to close the Notepad.)
· A check box allows you to choose to have a desktop
shortcut for Watcher. This gives you the option of
launching Watcher by double clicking an icon on your
desktop (as well as from the Start menu).
· Click Finish to close the last screen of the wizard.
5. If you are running Windows XP, a window indicates that
the driver files will be copied to your notebook. Click
and click
Continue Anyway on the Software Installation
OK
window each time it appears. A window prompts you to
insert your AirCard 555 to install the drivers. Click
OK.
Follow the driver installation instructions for your operating
system.
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 27
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Windows XP Driver Installation
Note: Do not forcefully connect
the antenna, or forcefully insert
the AirCard. This may damage
connector pins. See page 34 for
instructions on removing the
AirCard.
1. Attach the antenna to the AirCard and, with the label
facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC card
slot. Windows should detect that a new device has been
inserted and launch the wizard that guides you through
the driver installation.
2. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) on the
first window of the Found New Hardware Wizard and
click
Next to proceed.
3. Select the Search for the best driver in these locations radio
button, and the
then enter
your CD-ROM drive. Click
Include this location in the search check box,
d:\Drivers\WinXP where d is the drive letter of
Next to proceed to the next
window.
4. If a warning appears stating that AirCard 555 has not
passed Windows Logo testing, click
Continue Anyway.
5. Click Finish and repeat steps 1 to 4 as prompted.
6. Click OK when prompted that the AirCard 555 has been
successfully installed.
On completion of this step, the driver is installed and you can
proceed to install the Venturi software. This is described in the
“Venturi Software Installation” section on page 33.
Windows NT Driver Installation
Since Windows NT does not have the “Plug and Play” feature
included in other Windows operating systems, installing the
AirCard driver requires more steps. Installation involves:
• Verifying that your PC card slots are enabled
• Checking whether Networking is installed
• Installing the network card driver (procedures depend on
whether or not Networking is already installed)
• Installing the modem driver
• Verifying that RAS (Remote Access Service) is installed
Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack after you
install the AirCard driver. Ensure you have your Service Pack CD
before you begin. (Version 6a is supported.)
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Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Note: Windows system files may also be required to complete the
installation. These files are located on the Windows NT CD and may
also be stored as CAB files on your hard drive. If the .CAB files are
not available to you, the recommendation is to copy the Windows NT
driver from the AirCard CD to a directory on your hard drive. The
Windows NT driver is located on the AirCard installation CD in the
directory \Drivers\WinNT.
Windows NT Users: Your P C
must be off whenever you insert
or eject the AirCard.
1. If your PC is on, close any Windows programs that are
running and shut down the PC.
2. Attach the antenna to the AirCard, and with the label
facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC card
slot. Turn on your PC.
3. If the AirCard installation CD is not already in your CD-
ROM drive, insert it.
4. If the CD start-up menu is displayed, use the exit option in
the lower left corner of the screen to exit the menu.
Verifying That the PC Card Slots Are Enabled:
5. Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Settings >
Control Panel
from the taskbar.
6. Double click the PC Card icon.
7. If a window titled PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties appears,
the slots are already enabled. Close this window and
proceed to the next section.
8. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard appears, the slots are not
yet enabled, and the wizard guides you through the installation process. (Generally it is sufficient to click
each window.) Click
Finish on the final window and you
should be prompted to restart your PC. Click
Next at
Yes and
allow the PC to shut down. Then restart it.
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Determining Whether Networking is Installed:
1. If the Control Panel is not open, select Start > Settings >
Control Panel
.
2. Double click the Network icon.
3. If the Network window opens, networking is already
installed. Proceed to the section “Installing the Network
Card Driver When Networking Is Already Installed” on
page 31.
4. If a dialog box appears, prompting you to install
Networking, the component has not yet been installed.
Proceed to the section “Installing the Network Card Driver
When Networking Has Not Been Installed” that follows.
Rev 3.0 Dec.01 29
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Installing the Network Card Driver When Networking Has
Not Been Installed:
1. Click Yes at the prompt, “Do you want to install it now?”
to launch the wizard that installs Networking.
2. Click the check boxes on the first window of the wizard so
that
Wired to the network: is checked and Remote access to the
network:
is NOT checked. Click Next to proceed.
3. Click the Select from list... button to open the Select
Network Adapter window.
4. Click the Have Disk... button to open the Insert Disk
window.
5. If you have copied the driver from the AirCard installation
CD to your hard drive, enter the path to the driver and
click
OK to open the Select OEM Option window.
6. If you are installing the driver from the AirCard instal-
lation CD, enter
for your CD-ROM drive and click
d:\Drivers\WinNT where d is the drive letter
OK to open the Select
OEM Option window.
7. If Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is highlighted, click OK. The
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 should appear in the Network
Setup Wizard under Network Adapters. Otherwise click
Cancel and repeat the previous two steps.
8. Click Next to display a list of network protocols.
9. Ensure TCP/IP Protocol is checked (as well as any other
protocols appropriate to your network configuration) and
click
Next to display a list of network services.
10. Select the services appropriate to your network configu-
ration and click
Next. (For the purpose of installing the
AirCard 555, it does not matter what selections you make
in this window.)
11. Click Next.
12. If the Windows NT Setup window appears, system files
are required to install the components you checked. Either
insert the Windows NT CD and enter your CD-ROM drive
letter, or enter the path to the .CAB files. Click
Continue.
Note: Use the Windows NT
Diagnostics window to locate an
available IRQ and I/O space.
Make note of the Com Port that
you use to install the network
card driver. You must enter the
same Com Port when installing
the modem driver.
13. Use the drop down menus to select an I/O Port, Interrupt,
Memory, and Com Port, noting that the AirCard 555
requires 1 IRQ and 40 bytes of I/O Space. Click
Continue.
14. If the Windows NT Setup window appears again, enter the
path to your CD-ROM drive or the CAB files.
15. Click Yes at the DHCP prompt to proceed to a display of
network bindings. (DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol is required by the AirCard 555 regardless of your
network configuration.)
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