Sierra Wireless AirCard 710 User Manual

2130135

Rev B

PRE-DRAFT 15/10/01

AirCard

®

710

Wireless Network Card

User Guide

Preface

Rev. B Oct. 2001 3

Important Notice

Becauseof thenatureof wireless communications, transmission 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
butnotlimited 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 theSierra Wireless network card to transmit or receive such
data.

Safety and Hazards

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless AirCard 710 wireless network card in areas
where blasting is in progress, where explosive atmospheres may be present, or
nearmedical 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 ce ll ul ar phon es w h ile t he
airc raf t is on the gr o un d an d the door
is open. Sierra Wireless network
cards may be used at this time.

Thedriveror operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless
network card while in control of a vehicle. Doingso will detract from the
driver or operator's control and operation of thatvehicle. In some states and
provinces, operatingsuch communications devices while in control of a
vehicle is an offence.

FCC RF Exposure
Information

In August1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United
States with its action in Report and Order FCC 96-326 adopted an updated
safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic
energy emitted by FCC regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are consistent
with the safety standard previously set by both U.S. and international
standards bodies. The design of this wir eless network card complies with the
FCC guidelines and these international standards.

Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized antennas,
modifications, or attachments could impair callquality, damage the phone, or
resultin violation of FCC regulations.

This device has been tested for FCC RF exposure requirements in a laptop
PC. To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements the AirCard 710 PCS
GSM modem card must be operated with a minimum separation distance of
2 cm (0.8 inches) between the user/nearby persons and the antenna

.

For more informationabout RF exposure, please visit the FCC web site at

www.fcc.gov

.

Limitation of
Liability

Theinformation in this manual is subjectto changewithoutnotice 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-
QUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT

AirCard 710 Wireless Netw ork Card - User Guide

4 2130135

NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED
PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
ANY SIERRAWIRELESS,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.

Patents

[NOTE: WHAT ARE PROPER PATENTS TO LIST HERE? - Derek]

Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the 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.

Copyright

© 2001 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

Sierra Wireless and the SierraWireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless,
Inc. Heart of the Wireless Machine

®

and AirCard®are registered trademarks
of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Other trademarks arethe property of the respective
owners.All product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Other trademarks are the property ofthe respective owners.

Contact
Information

Your comments and suggestions on improving this documentation are
welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your feedback to

documen-

[e-mail]

. Thank you.

Consultour web site for up-to-date product descriptions , d ocumentation,
application notes, firmwareupgrades, troubleshooting tips, andpress releases:

www.sierrawireless.com

Sales Desk: phone: [phone]

hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time

e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support: phone: [phone]

hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time

e-mail: [e-mail]

address: Sierra Wireless, Inc.

13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4

fax: [phone]

web: www.sierrawireless.com

Rev B Oct. 2001 5

Table of Contents

Introducing the AirCard® 710 Wireless Network Card .....................1

About the AirCard® 710 Wireless Network Card ........................1

Supported Computer Platforms and Wireless Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone ..............................3

How Circuit Mode and Packet Mode Data Connections Differ . . . . . . . . . 3

Connection Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................4

Package Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 5

HowToUseThisGuide............................................. 5

Getting Started ....................................................... 7

The AirCard® 710 Software. . . . . . . . . . ................................7

Account Activation and Configuration ................................7

Choosing a GSM Wireless Service Provider ........................8

SIM Card Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 9

Inserting a SIM Card . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................10

Removing a SIM Card . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................10

Setting Up the AirCard Network Card With Your Service Provider . . . . 11

Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card . . . . . . 12

Installation on Notebook PCs . . . . . . . . . . ...............................15

Notebook PC System Requirements . . ...............................15

Software Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................16

Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................18

Windows98,Me,2000,andXP...................................18

Windows 95 Driver Installation . . . ...............................21

Windows NT Driver Installation . . . ...............................23

Account Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................28

Activation and Configuration Methods ............................28

Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................28

Inserting and Removing the AirCard Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Inserting the AirCard 710 PC Card . ...............................29

Removing the AirCard 710 PC Card ..............................30

AirCard 710 Wireless Netw ork Card - User Guide

6 2130135

The Watcher Window and Indicators . . . . . . . ............................33

Launching the Watcher Program . . . . . . . . ............................33

Launching Watcher on Notebook PCs ............................33

Menus and Window Controls . . . . . . . . . . . ............................34

TheMenuBar ................................................. 34

The Minimize, Toggle Full/Compact and Close Boxes ...............35

Connection Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 35

Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................35

Call Status Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 37

Indicator Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 38

Taskbar Status Area Icons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................39

Data Connections Through GSM and GPRS . ............................41

Dial-Up Circuit Mode Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................42

Initiating a Dial-Up Data Call . . . . . . . . ............................42

Closing a Dial-Up Data Call . . . . . . . . . ............................43

Incoming Data Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 43

Packet Mode Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................43

Initiating a Packet Mode Connection . ............................43

Closing a Packet Mode Connection . . ............................43

GSM Voice Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................45

The Dial Pad .....................................................46

The Scratch Pad ..................................................47

Making a Voice Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 48

Initiating a Voice Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................48

AnsweringaVoiceCall .........................................48

Ending a Voice Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................48

Watcher Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 51

TheViewMenu...................................................51

Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 51

Docking ......................................................51

Toggle Full/Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 51

Contents

Rev B Oct. 2001 7

TheToolsMenu................................................... 53

SMS Manager… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................53

Phone Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 59

Call Log ......................................................59

Connection Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................61

KeyGuard .....................................................63

Options… .....................................................63

Administration > Activation Wizard… ............................81

Administration > Modem Update… ..............................81

TheHelpMenu ...................................................81

Help Topics… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................81

About Watcher… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................83

Network Adapter Manager (for Multiple Network Cards) ..................85

How Windows® Works With Network Interface Cards..................85

Windows95,98,NTandMe.........................................86

Switching Primary Cards . . . . . . . . ...............................86

Windows2000andXP.............................................87

Stopping a Network Card . . . . . . . . ...............................88

Pop-Up Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................88

Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................88

VersionInformation ............................................88

Closing the Network Adapter Manager ...........................88

AirCard 710 PC Card:

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................91

LED Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................91

Radio Frequency and Electrical Specifications ........................92

Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . ...............................92

AirCard 710 PC Card:

Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............................93

AirCard 710 Wireless Netw ork Card - User Guide

8 2130135

Rev B Oct. 2001 1

AirCard 710

Basics

1: Introducing the AirCard® 710

Wireless Network Card

• A bout the AirCard®
710 Wireless Network
Card

• A Network Card, a
Modem, and a Phone

• P ackage Contents

• How To Use This
Guide

About the AirCard®710 Wireless
Network Card

The Sierra Wireless AirCard®710 wirelessnetwork card lets
your Microsoft

®

Windows®–based notebook PC connect to the
Internet and other networks without wires, usin g cellular
telephone radio frequencies and theGSM (Global System for
Mobile Communications) digital telephone infrastructure.

The AirCard PC 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 or fax calls, without
needing a network cable or phone line.

When packet mode service is available (see “How Circuit
Mode and Packet Mode Data Connections Differ ” on page 3),
the AirCard 710 network card provides an “always-on” data
connection, just like an Ethernet card or other wired network
adapter.

AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide

2 2130135

Note: Do not insert the AirCard
710 wireless network card into a
PC Card slot until afte r

you have
installed the software from the
AirCard 710 CD-ROM.

The AirCard network card includes its own retractable
antenna, and a connector for a standard c e llular telephone
headset for voice calls. It draws electricity from your
computer’s PC Card slot, so it does not need its own battery
power.

Supported Computer Platforms and
Wireless Networks

Note: If you have more than one
type of supported computer, you
can move the AirCard 710
network card from one notebook
PC to another at any time—as
long as you have installed the
proper softwar e and drivers on
each computer.

Windows Computer Platforms

The AirCard 710 wireless
network card functions in notebook PCs running Windows 95,
98, 98 SE, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. For more details, see
“Notebook PC System Requirements” on page 15.

North American GSM Wireless Networks

The AirCard 710
network card operates over a type of wireless network called
GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), supported
by a number of wireless carriersin North America and around
the world.

This network technology has many features beyond providing
a wireless link, including SMS(Short Messaging Service, also
known as text messaging) which allows you to exchange brief
text messages with others on the GSM network, whether they
are using a wireless network card on their computers, or
simply an SMS-capable mobile GSM telephone.

To use the AirCard 710 network card, you must have an
account that gives you access to a GSM network running on
North American PCS (Personal Communications System)
radio channels. For technical details, see “Radio Frequency
and Electrical Specifications” on page 92.

Note : Eve r y GSM network worldwid e operates on one of three r adio
frequency bands. The AirCard 710 network card operate s only in the
1900 MHz PCS band used in North America. Sierra Wireless also
manufactures the AirCard 750 wireless network card, which supports
all three bands and works anywhere worldwide with GSM coverage.

Like GSM mobile phones, the AirCard 710 network card
requires a SIM card (also known as a “smart card” or “smart
chip”), provided by your wireless service provider, in order to
function. See “SIM Card Information” on page 9.

Introduction

Rev B Oct. 2001 3

AirCard 710

Basics

Note: More information about
GSM networks is available on
the GSM Development Group
web site, www.cdg.org.

A Network Card, a Modem, and
a Phone

The AirCard 710 wireless network card operates in three
different modes, depending on the services y ou need to use
and their availability in your current area:

Network Card (Packet Mode)

Where

packet mode

service is
available (see the next section), the AirCard 710 wireless
network card is a true network card that works just like the
network cards familiar to most corporate computer users (such
as Ethernet andToken Ring cards).

Modem (Circuit Mode)

When acting as a modem (in

circuit

mode

), the AirCard 710 network card allows you to dial up any
other modem (such as an Internet service provider for dial-up
Internet access) or receive faxes.

Phone (Voice Mode)

You can also connect a handset to the

AirCard 710 network card and use it as a phone in

voice mode

.
In this mode, your computer acts like a mobile phone handset,
but with some different and often more flexible features. See
the chapter “GSM Voice Connections” on page 45.

How Circuit Mode and Packet Mode Data
Connections Differ

While the AirCard 710’s voice mode works much like a mobile
telephone, there are several differences between the card’s two
data modes:

•

Circuit mode connections

(also known as

circuit-switched data,

or CSD) require the AirCard network card to dial a
telephone number and make a connection like a traditional
computer modem, using the GSM digital cellular network
just as traditionalmodems use telephone wires. They work
just like voice phone calls: the connection between your
AirCard network card and the other modem consumes a
complete

circuit

on the telephone network, which remains

open as long as the connection is open.
When you are finished with a CSD call, as with a voice call,

you disconnect from the network. Wireless service provid-
ers typically charge for circuit mode connections by con-
nection time—per minuteor per second, just like voice
calls. You are charged whenever you are connected, even if
you are not transmitting any data.

•

Packet mode data connections

, on the other hand, allow the
AirCard network card to connect instantly to the GSM
network with a few mouse clicks, using a protocol called

AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide

4 2130135

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Like Internet
connections over cable modems, digital subscriber lines
(DSL), or high-bandwidth corporate connections, GPRS
connections do not consume an entire data circuit—they
break up their data into small chunks called

packets,

which
share data circuits with other packetsfromother users,
and find their way across the network to be reassembled at
their destination. Such connections are known as

packet-

switched data.

The Internet is a packet-switched network.

To connect to the Internet or your corporate network in
packet mode, you simply insert the AirCard 710 PC Card,
click a few buttons, and launch your network software—
such as a web browser, e-mail client, file transfer applica-
tion, or other program. A packet mode connection behaves
as an “always on” connection—you do not need to dial up
each time you connect. Since GPRS efficiently shares radio
and network resources with other GSM users, wireless ser-
vice providers typically charge for packet mode data by
the amount of information transmitted, not by connection
time, so you can remain connected indefinitely.

In general, packet mode service is more economical, faster, and
more convenient for most users. However, since it requires
service providers to install GPRS technology at each cellular
radio tower, it is not available everywhere that GSM coverage
is. (For information about service providers and GSM
coverage, see “Choosing a GSM Wireless Service Provider”on
page 8.)

Since the AirCard 710 network card supports both circuit and
packet modes, it provides all the advantages of GPRS packet
data where it is available, while allowing you to use circuit-
switched connections where GPRS has not yet been imple-
mented. The benefits to you are that you can use the AirCard
network card in anyarea that has 1900 MHz GSM coverage
(assuming there are no account restrictions) and you will be
able to take advantage of the fastest possible data transmission
speed.

Connection Speed

The speed of your wireless network connection depends on a
number of factors, including:

•

Whether you have a circuit mode (CSD) or packet mode
(GPRS) dataconnection.

•

How your service provider has configured its GSM data
network.

•

How many people are using GSM data and voice services
in your current area.

Introduction

Rev B Oct. 2001 5

AirCard 710

Basics

Circuit mode data connections

(see “Dial-Up Circuit Mode Calls”
on page 42) have a maximum data throughput of 9.6 kilobits
per second (kbps), usable for basic e-mail and web browsing
applications.

GPRS packet mode data connections

(see “Packet Mode Connec-
tions” on page 43) are generally much faster, but can vary
considerably depending on network configuration and
congestion. The theoretical maximum for GPRS packet mode
connections is 171.2 kbps, while in real-world situations, the
actual maximum throughput is about 115 kbps, which is
comparable to high-speed Internet connections such as cable
modems and digital subscriber lines (DSL).

Package Contents

Your AirCard 710package contains the following components:

•

AirCard 710 wireless network card with retractable
antenna

•

CD containing the AirCard software and this user guide in
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format

•

Quick reference card

Depending on your wireless service provider and the retailer
who supplied your AirCard 710 wireless network card, the
package may also include:

•

SIM card, also known as a “smart card” or “smart chip”

If you want to use the AirCard 710 network card as a phone, a
headset is necessary. Any standard headset with a 2.5 mm jack
should work.

How To Use This Guide

This user guide is designed to provide you with all theinfor-
mation you need to install and use your network card.

•

All users should read “Introducing the AirCard® 710
Wireless Network Card” (this chapter), and “Getting
Started” on page 7, which give you an overview of the
AirCard 710 network card, providing the background
information to understand the following sections.

•

Depending on what type of computer you are using and
its operating system,you will need to read the appropriate
section of one of the next three chapters. “Installation on
Notebook PCs” on page 15, “Installation on Handheld
PCs” on page 33, or “Installationon Pocket PCs” on page

41. Each provides step-by-step instructions on installing

AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide

6 2130135

and configuring the AirCard 710 network card on the
various supported computer platforms.

•

Everyone should look over “The Watcher Window and
Indicators”on page 33,“DataConnections Through GSM
and GPRS” on page 41, “GSM Voice Connections” on page
45, and“Watcher Menu Options” on page 51. Those
chapters describe how to use the Watcher software to
control your AirCard 710 network card.

•

If you use a notebook computer, “ Network Adapter
Manager (for Multiple Network Cards)” on page 85
describes how the Sierra Wireless Network Adapter
Manager program allows you to switch from one network
card to another, if you have more than one insta lled.

•

“AirCard 710 PC Card: Technical Specifications”onpage
91 provides electrical, radio frequency, and other infor-
mation about the AirCard 710 for those who require
technical details, while“ AirCard 710 PC Card: Regulatory
Information” on page 93 provides information on various
regulatory approvals.

Rev B Oct. 2001 7

AirCard 710

Basics

2: Getting Started

• The AirCard® 710
Software

• Acco unt Activation and
Configuration

• S IM Card Information

• Care and Maintenance
of Your Air Card 710
Wireless Network Card

Before you can begin using the AirCard®710wireless network
card, you must:

1.

Ensure that you have a SIM card (also known as a “smart
card” or “smart chip”), and insert it into the slot in your
AirCard PC Card. A SIM card should eitherbe included
with your AirCard package, or obtained from your
wireless service provider.

2.

Install the AirCard 710 software.

3.

Activate an account and configure the AirCard network
card to use your account, unless it has been preactivated.

This section provides an overview of this process.

The AirCard®710 Software

The AirCard 710 wireless network card comes with this
software:

Note: You must run Watcher
anytime you use the
AirCar d 710 network card.

•

An application calledWatcher that you use to manage the
AirCard and monitor your wireless connections

•

An application called the Network Adapter Manager that
allows you to switch between the AirCard 710 network
card and other network cards

•

The driver software thatforms the interface between the
network card and your Windows

®

operating system

Detailed installation instructions are provided in the next
chapter.

Note: Install the AirCard
software from the CD before
inserting the AirCard PC Card
into your computer, using the
instructions in the installation
chapter appropriate for your
computer and operating system.

Account Activation and
Configuration

Companies that operate GSM networks and provide access to
these networks are called wireless serviceproviders. They are
often subsidiaries of or otherwise related to traditional
telephone and telecommunications companies. You must have

AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide

8 2130135

an account with a GSM service provider to use the AirCard710
network card. The process of settingup an account is called
activation.

Choosing a GSM Wireless Service
Provider

If you purchased the AirCard 710 wireless network card from
a service provider, you may already have an account and a
SIM card (see the next section).Ifso, your network card is
preactivated—you need only insert the SIM card and install
the software and drivers to start using your card. Otherwise,
you can refer to the Sierra Wireless web site,

www.sierrawireless.com

, for a list of service providers.

When choosing a service provider, consider the following
criteria:

•

Basic GSM Coverage

Note: Most service p roviders
have coverage maps on their
web sites, and their retailers
usually have printed coverage
maps available.

There are GSM networks that operate in the frequency
bands supported by the AirCard 710 wireless network card
(the 1900 MHz radio channels known as the PCS band)
throughout North America and in some other parts of the
world. Other GSM operators, such as those in Europe, may
use other frequency bands not supported by the AirCard
710 network card. (Sierra Wireless also manufactures the
AirCard 750 wireless network card, which supports all cur-
rent GSM radio frequencies worldwide.)

Each service provider operates a network that covers a lim-
ited geographical area within the overall GSM 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, if you live in Vancouver and travel frequently to
Los Angeles, you can obtain an account with a Vancouver
service provider that has a roaming agreement with a ser-
vice provider in Los Angeles. You would then have local
service in Vancouver, and roaming service in Seattle. (Most
service providers chargemore for roaming service than
local service.)

Select a service provider that gives you network coverage
in all areas you intend to use the AirCard 710 network
card.

•

GPRS Coverage

Support for the high-speed packet mode data features of
the AirCard 710 network card requires that your service
provider offer General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). To do