Sony ERA-201D1 User Manual

AIBO Wireless LAN Card

Operating Instructions

ERA-201D1

4-652-247-21(1)

Safety Information

WARNING

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Regulatory information

This product has been tested and found to conform to the following standards. ETS300-328 ETS300-826 EN60950/92+A1/93+A2/95+A4/97+A11/97

We, Sony Corporation, hereby declare that AIBO Wireless LAN Card, model ERA-201D1 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located on the card. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to the model and serial number whenever you call upon your Sony dealer. Model No. ERA-201D1 Serial No. ___________

Customer Support

How can you contact the AIBO Customer Link? In the United States:

1-800-427-2988 Email address: aibosupport@info.sel.sony.com

In Europe:

English line: +44(0)-20-7365-2938 German line: +49(0)-69-9508-6310 French line: +33(0)-1-5569-5118 Email address: aibo@sonystyle-europe.com

“AIBO,” the AIBO logo, “OPEN-R,” and the OPEN-R logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “Memory Stick,” “ Corporation. In this manual, the “” mark and “” mark have been omitted.

,” and “ ” are trademarks of Sony

http://www.aibo.com/

Table of Contents

Overview ..........................................................................................5

System requirements ................................................................. 6

Installing the LAN card into AIBO ..................................................7

Making network settings ................................................................12

Network setting procedure ...................................................... 12

Network configuration and settings......................................... 13

AIBO’s network settings ......................................................... 19

Changing AIBO’s network settings ......................................... 20

Precautions .....................................................................................23

Safety ....................................................................................... 23

Installation ............................................................................... 23

Moisture condensation............................................................. 24

Cleaning................................................................................... 24

Troubleshooting .............................................................................25

Specifications .................................................................................27

Glossary .........................................................................................28

Overview

The AIBO Wireless LAN Card ERA-201D1 (referred to as the “LAN card” hereafter), when installed in the AIBO ERS-210, enables AIBO to communicate with a PC equipped with a wireless LAN card. When a wireless LAN access point is used, communication with AIBO is possible from a PC connected to a wired LAN network.

Wired LAN

Access point

Wireless LAN

The concurrent use of AIBO-dedicated wireless LAN applications on the PC and AIBO-ware* “Memory Stick” in AIBO makes it possible to enjoy AIBO to its full potential through wireless LAN communication.

* AIBO-ware is a programme which is capable of running AIBO and is

manufactured by Sony Corporation or other third parties.

System requirements

The wireless LAN card must be used in conjunction with the following:

• “AIBO” ERS-210

• AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” for wireless LAN communication

• AIBO-dedicated wireless LAN application software for operation on the PC

• A personal computer running AIBO-dedicated PC application software and capable of being connectable to a wireless LAN

• An IEEE802.11b-compatible wireless LAN card or an IEEE802.11bcompatible access point (to allow wireless communication from a PC connected to a wired LAN)

• A Web browser (installed on the PC for changing AIBO’s network settings)

Installing the LAN card into AIBO

Press the pause button on AIBO’s chest to make it pause.

Chest light

Note

While AIBO is accessing the “Memory Stick,” the battery pack lock indicator appears red. Do not remove the “Memory Stick” during this time to prevent damaging AIBO. The battery pack is locked until the data-saving procedure is complete. Removing it forcibly may damage AIBO.

Grasp AIBO by the body, turn it upside down, and then open its stomach cover.

Notes

• Lift AIBO by the body, and not by its extremities.

• Do not touch the charging terminal with your hand. Doing so may soil the terminal and cause poor contact.

Slide the lock lever and remove the battery pack.

Check that the battery pack lock indicator appears white.

Lock lever

Note

When the battery pack lock indicator appears red, the battery pack is locked. Removing it forcibly at this time may damage AIBO.

Insert and press the pin supplied with AIBO into the release holes for AIBO’s left front and left hind legs, and remove them.

The PC card insertion slot appears.

This side

With the aerial on the LAN card oriented towards the right, push the LAN card firmly into the slot.

Note

When you insert the LAN card, push the base of the aerial or both ends of the card. Pushing the projecting part of the aerial may damage it.

Fold down the ejection button so that it is flat against the core unit of AIBO.

Replace the left front and left hind legs.

Re-insert the battery pack until it clicks into place, and close the stomach cover.

Press the point indicated by an arrow.

Place AIBO on the floor as shown below.

Making network settings

For explanation of network-related terms, see “Glossary” on page 28.

Network setting procedure

The procedure outline of network settings for AIBO is as follows:

Check your network configuration (page 13)

Change the network settings of the devices within the network except AIBO so

that they can communicate with AIBO in its settings before change (page 13)

To restore the previous network

settings

Change AIBO’s network settings

using the Web browser on the PC

(page 20)

Restore the network settings of all

devices except AIBO

Check the connection of AIBO and

other devices

End

To use the new network settings

Check the connection of AIBO and

the PC

End

Network configuration and settings

Depending on the devices within the network, select one of the following four types of wireless LAN network configuration and make settings accordingly.

a) There is an access point and communication is conducted

through the access point from a wireless LAN-enabled PC

Access point

AIBO and the PC can communicate with each other through the access point.

Settings for the access point

Set the following items for the access point so that it can communicate with AIBO in its default settings.

SSID: AIBONET WEP key: AIBO2 Wireless channel: any channel between 1 and 11 LAN address: 10.0.1.1 LAN subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 DHCP server function: ON (whenever possible)

Settings for the PC

Set the following items for the PC.

SSID: AIBONET WEP key: AIBO2 Communication mode: infrastructure mode (access point mode) IP address: When the DHCP server is available, set this item to “Acquire the

IP address automatically.” Otherwise, set it to “10.0.1.101”.

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Note

You may find it impossible to set the SSID for some access points currently available in market. When you use one of these, first change the LAN network configuration as described in c) or d) below so that communication is conducted through the access point from a PC and AIBO, then change AIBO’s network settings so that they correspond with the settings on the access point. And then, restore the previous LAN network configuration.

b) There is an access point and communication is conducted

through the access point from a PC connected to the wired LAN network and devices within the wireless LAN network

AIBO and the PC can communicate with each other through the access point.

Access point

Wired LAN

Settings for the access point

Set the following items for the access point so that it can communicate with AIBO in its default settings.

Operation mode: Bridged mode or ISDN router mode SSID: AIBONET WEP key: AIBO2 Wireless channel: any channel between 1 and 11 IP address: 10.0.1.1 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Settings for the PC

Set the following items for the PC.

IP address: 10.0.1.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Notes

• You may find it impossible to set the SSID for some access points currently available in market. When you use one of these, you cannot change the settings for AIBO through a PC connected to the wired LAN network. Use a PC which is connectable to the wireless LAN network.

• Changing the settings for the access point or the PC connected to the wired LAN network may affect other operating devices connected to the same network. In such case, disconnect the access point and the PC to which the settings are made, then change AIBO’s network settings. And then, restore the previous LAN network configuration.

c) An access point is not used, all personal computers are equipped

with wireless LAN cards, and at least one of the PCs is set to IBSS Peer-to-Peer mode.

To confirm that the PC is properly set to IBSS Peer-to-Peer mode, refer to the operation manual supplied with the wireless LAN card for the personal computer.

PC (IBSS Peer-toPeer mode)

Settings for the PC

Set the following items for the PC in IBSS Peer-to-Peer mode so that it can communicate with AIBO in its default settings.

SSID: AIBONET WEP key: AIBO2 Wireless channel: any channel between 1 and 11 IP address: 10.0.1.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Communication mode: IBSS Peer-to-Peer mode

Note

The settings above can be changed after you change the settings for AIBO.

d) An access point is not used, all personal computers are equipped

with wireless LAN cards, and none of the PCs is set to IBSS Peerto-Peer mode

Set AIBO and the PC to ad hoc demo mode.

PC (ad hoc demo mode)

Settings for the PC

Set the following items for the PC in ad hoc demo mode so that it can communicate with AIBO in its default settings.

WEP key: AIBO2 Wireless channel: 3 IP address: 10.0.1.101 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Communication mode: ad hoc demo mode

Note

The settings above can be changed after you change the settings for AIBO.

AIBO’s network settings

Settings must be made for AIBO on the following items. Once the communication has been established, you can change the settings according to your network environment. For the explanation on items below, see “Glossary” on page 28.

Item Description Default setting

Hostname

IP Address IP address 10.0.1.100 Subnet Mask Subnet mask value 255.255.255.0 IP Gateway Gateway address 10.0.1.1

The name of AIBO to be used for wireless LAN communication. Up to 8 alphanumeric characters can be entered.

AIBO

SSID The name of the wireless LAN

network to be used. Up to 32 alphanumeric characters can be entered.

WEP key The character string to be used as

the key for encrypting data transmitted over the wireless LAN. Input five alphanumeric characters. Do not enter if data need not be encrypted.

AIBONET

AIBO2

Item Description Default setting

Operating mode

Specify infrastructure mode or ad hoc demo mode.

See below*.

Wireless channel Specify this item when ad hoc demo

* First, AIBO searches for an access point whose SSID and WEP key settings are

identical with those on AIBO. If an applicable access point is found, AIBO starts up in infrastructure mode. If not, AIBO starts up in ad hoc demo mode.

mode is selected. A number from 1 to 11 can be entered for this LAN card.

Changing AIBO’s network settings

You will need a PC installed with a Web browser and capable of being connected to a wireless LAN network to change AIBO’s wireless LAN settings.

Set up the access point and the personal computer.

For details on how to make the respective settings, refer to the operation manual supplied with each product. For details on the settings a) to d), see pages 13 to 18.

Insert AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” for wireless LAN communication into AIBO and press the pause button on its chest to start it.

For details on how to insert a “Memory Stick” into AIBO, refer to the operating instructions supplied with AIBO.

Start up the Web browser on the personal computer and open the following URL for setting AIBO.

http://10.0.1.100/SETUP.HTM

Set the network-related items for AIBO (page 19, 20).

Click the “Change Settings” button.

Once you click the button, all settings made in step 4 are entered. Be sure to check each setting before you click the “Change Settings” button. If you made a mistake, reset the items (page 22) and repeat steps 1 to 5 to enter the correct settings.

Press the pause button on AIBO’s chest to pause AIBO.

The settings made will be applied next time you start up AIBO.

Restore the previous network environment.

Verify that you can communicate with AIBO from the PC.

If you made a mistake on the settings/ If AIBO does not operate after you have changed the settings

Press AIBO’s pause button to make it pause, remove the wireless LAN card from AIBO, and then start up AIBO again. When you start up AIBO without the LAN card, all network-related settings are reset. Do the procedure again to re-enter the settings.

Precautions

Safety

Do not drop or cause a mechanical shock to the wireless LAN card, as this may damage the card.

Installation

Do not place the wireless LAN card where it will be exposed to the following conditions:

• Direct sunlight or extreme heat. (Use this LAN card within 5°C and 35°C.)

• In the car parked in the sun or on the dashboard of a car, especially in summer.

• Magnetic location (near magnet, speaker, or TV).

• Excessive dust.

• Unstable or inclined surface.

• Location subject to severe vibrations.

• High humidity or poor ventilation.

• Near obstacles which may block radio waves, such as metal or concrete walls.

Moisture condensation

If the LAN card is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside or on outside surface of the card, causing damage. If moisture condensation has occurred, wait for a few hours before using the LAN card.

Cleaning

Clean the casing with a soft cloth, lightly moistened with water or a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine as it may damage the finish of the casing.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any of the following difficulties, use this troubleshooting guide to remedy the problem. Should the problem persist, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the card or the AIBO Customer Link (refer to the “AIBO” ERS-210 Operating Instructions).

x Wireless communication

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The PC cannot communicate with AIBO.

The wireless LAN card is not inserted into AIBO correctly.

c Check that the wireless LAN card is inserted

correctly (page 7). The network settings are incorrect. c Make network settings again (page 12).

Data transmission is slow. There is radio interference from another access

You have forgotten the WEP key.

point or a wireless LAN device. c Change the wireless channel setting. There are too many clients logging through the

access point. c Try accessing later.

There is no way to find out the current WEP key.

c Remove the LAN card from AIBO and restart

it to restore the default network settings, then

make the network settings again (page 22).

Symptom Cause/Remedy

No communication occurs even when the access point (or the PC with the wireless LAN card) is located within 50 meters of AIBO.

The effective communication distance depends on the location and the surrounding conditions.

c Move AIBO and the PC closer to the access

point.

x AIBO

Symptom Cause/Remedy

AIBO does not turn on after you insert the wireless LAN card.

The wireless LAN card is not inserted into AIBO correctly.

c Check that the LAN card is inserted correctly

(page 7).

AIBO does not operate. The wireless LAN card is not inserted into

AIBO correctly. c Change the wireless channel setting (page 20). AIBO’s internal battery pack is drained. c The inserted LAN card consumes certain

amount of the power of AIBO’s internal battery pack. Charge the battery pack.

Specifications

Power requirements

3.3 V

Power consumption

330 mA (max. during transmission), 240 mA (max. during reception)

Connector Type-II PC card slot Dimensions Approx. 90 × 12 × 53 mm

(w/h/d) Mass Approx. 35 g Protocol TCP/IP Standards IEEE802.11b/IEEE802.11 Frequency band

2.4 GHz

Wireless channels

1 to 11 Modulation method

DS-SS (conforming to

IEEE802.11) Operating temperature

5°C and 35°C (without

condensation) Storage temperature

–20°C and 60°C (without

condensation)

Supplied accessories

Operating Instructions

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Glossary

Access point

A networking device with both wireless communication interface and telephone line or Ethernet interface, which bridges across the wireless LAN and wired LAN. For wireless communication, SSID, wireless channels to be used, and WEP key must be specified for the access point.

Ad hoc demo mode

A transmission method for devices equipped with a wireless LAN card (for example, a PC and AIBO), which does not require the access point. In ad hoc demo mode, you must specify wireless channel and WEP key for both AIBO and a personal computer. When you select ad hoc demo mode, you cannot specify SSID.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server

When you construct a network using TCP/IP, an IP address must be specified for all the devices within the network.

When a DHCP server is included within the network, it assigns an IP address automatically for all devices. The access point or Windows NT/2000 server can serve as the DHCP server.

IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) Peer-to-Peer mode

When you set at least one PC within the wireless LAN network to IBSS Peer-toPeer mode, all devices within the network can communicate with each other without an access point. The only difference between IBSS Peer-to-Peer mode and ad hoc demo mode is that SSID can be specified for the IBSS Peerto-Peer mode while it cannot be specified for the ad hoc demo mode. When there is no access point within the network, at least one personal computer must be set to IBBS Peer-to-Peer mode and the rest of the personal computer and the wired LAN devices must be set to infrastructure mode.

IEEE802.11b

A standard for wireless LAN network which uses the 2.4 GHz band for communication. Maximum transmission rate is 11 Mbps. This LAN card conforms to IEEE802.11b.

Infrastructure mode

Also referred to as “Access point mode.” This mode is used when a device equipped with a wireless LAN card communicates with the access point. In this mode, the wireless channel specified by the access point is used for communication. For AIBO, you must specify SSID and WEP key which matches those on the access point.

IP address

Number used for identifying the device within the TCP/IP network. An IP address consists of four numbers each of which is from 0 to 255. Example: 192.168.1.1

10.0.1.1

LAN (Local Area network)

A relatively small network usually constructed using the Ethernet, with transmission rate from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. When an access point is used, a wireless LAN and wired LAN can be connected.

SSID (Service Set ID)

Also referred to as “access point ID” or “group name.” The SSID is specified through the access point or the personal computer which is set to IBSS Peer-toPeer mode, and is used for communication within wireless LAN network as the network name. The SSID can be entered using up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Subnet mask

An IP address consists of four numbers each of which is from 0 to 255 (see IP address). For more efficient operation, an IP address is divided into two components: network component and host component. The subnet mask is the value set for dividing the IP address into the network segment and host segment. In subnet mask, the digits specified as “1” (in binary code) determines network component.

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