Sony PCWA-A100 - Wireless Lan Access Point, PCWA-A500 - Wireless Lan Access Point Getting Started
Getting started
You can build a Wireless LAN environment that connects up to 49 computers (a maximum 16 is recommended) by connecting the Wireless
LAN Access Point PCWA-A100 (called the Access Point below) a computer in which the Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C100 is inserted.
While enabling the sharing of files between all computers connected over the same Wireless LAN, it is also possible for multiple of computers
within the same LAN system to connect to the Internet, if the Access Point is connected to a telephone line, an ISDN router, cable modem or to
an xDSL modem. Furthermore, you can build a Wireless LAN environment between computers that are installed with the Wireless LAN PC Card
without having to use the Access Point. (This is called peer-to-peer connection.)
Note
For best results in viewing this help file, use Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or later. Some graphics may not display properly if you are using an
earlier version.
Page 1
Overview
Wireless LAN Utilities
The setup process
Before making settings (Important precautions)
Page 2
Wireless LAN Utilities
There are four types of softw are in the Wireless LAN Utilities. They are described below .
Wirele ss Palette
This is the softw are that displays the status of communications betw een the computer mounted w ith the Wireless LAN PC Card and the Access Point. If there are
multiple Access Points, you can use it to sw itch the Access Point connection. Normally, it displays the status of communications in the status area of the taskbar.
Bas ic Acces s Point Setup Utility
This is the softw are to set the Access Point to connect to the Internet. The basic settings for connection are completed w hen using this softw are.
Custom Acce s s Point Setup Utility
This is the softw are for making detailed settings for the Access Point. You can also make detailed settings for Internet connections.
Acces s Point Firm w are Upgrade Utility
This is the softw are for updateing Access Point firmw are.
If the Access Point Setup Utility and Access Point firmw are versions is incompatible, update the Wireless LAN Utilities, or update the Access Point firmw are.
Refer here for details on checking and updating versions.
Note
If you are using Window s 2000, there are restrictions to user rights. See Privileges of Window s 2000 Users for details.
Roles of the Wireless Palette and the Access Point Setup Utilities
(1) Use the Wireless Palette to make settings required for communications betw een the computer and the Access Point.
(2) Use the Basic Access Point Setup Utility or the Custom Access Point Setup Utility to make settings required for connection betw een the Access Point and the
Internet Service Provider (ISP). The utility must be used on one of the computers on the w ireless LAN.
Page 3
The setup process
The setup process w ill vary depending on the w hether or not your Access Point and Wireless LAN PC Card have been used. Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card
Operating Instructions for details.
Note
Using an Access Point Setup Utility prior to version 2.0.1 to set to an Access Point w hose firmw are version is later than 3.7 and w ill result in abnormal operation.
Before using your existing Access Point Setup Utility, confirm the Access Point Setup Utility version and the Access Point firmw are version to update them as
necessary.
Refer here for details on checking and updating the version.
Flow of settings
If the Access Point has not been used:
Connect the Acce ss Point to a pow er source.
Refer to the Wireless LAN Access Point Operating Instructions for details.
If the Wireless LAN PC Card has not been used:
1.
Inse rt the Wirele s s LAN PC Card into your com pute r.
2.
Install the Wire le s s LAN PC Card driver.
Note
If you are using a computer that has multiple Ethernet interfaces, you must stop using an Ethernet interface other than the Wireless LAN PC Card.
Refer to When using a computer that has an Ethernet interface other than the Wireless LAN PC Card for details.
3.
Setup the Window s-base d environment.
Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions for details.
4.
Install the acce s s ory software.
Refer to the Wireless LAN Access Point Operating Instructions for details.
Register the Access Point to the Wireless Palette for each computer connected to the Wireless LAN.
Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions for details.
Make the settings for the Access Point using the Basic Access Point Setup Utility.
Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions for details.
Hint
You can make detailed settings for the Access Point if you use the Custom Access Point Setup Utility.
Page 4
Before making settings (Important precautions)
Check the version
When using a computer that has an Ethernet interface other than the Wireless LAN PC Card
Privileges of Window s 2000 users
Page 5
Check the version
Us ing an Access Point Setup Utility prior to ve rsion 2.0.1 to s e t to an Access Point w hose firm w are version is later than 3.7 w ill result in
abnormal operation. Before using your existing Access Point Setup Utility, alw ays confirm the follow ing:
The version of the Access Point Setup Utility.
The firmw are version of the Access Point.
Checking the Access Point Setup Utility version
1.
From the Start m enu, s e le ct VAIO, Wireless LAN, then Cus tom Acce ss Point Setup Utility or Bas ic Acce s s Point Setup Utility.
Either the Custom Access Point Setup Utility or the Basic Access Point Setup Utility starts.
2.
Check the version that is displayed in the title bar.
Checking the Access Point firmware version
1.
Right-click the Wire le s s Palette in the s tatus area of the tas kbar.
2.
Select the Ve rsion from the m e nu that is displayed.
If the combination of the Access Point Setup Utility and Access Point firmw are versions is incompatible, update the Wireless LAN Utilities, or update the Access
Point firmw are.
From the Start menu, select VAIO, Wireless LAN, Access Point Firmw are Upgrade, then Manual. Refer to the Upgrade Utility Help file for details.
Page 6
When using a computer that has an Ethernet interface other than the Wireless LAN PC Card
When using the Wireless LAN PC Card, you must stop the use of Ethernet interfaces other than the Wireless LAN PC Card.
When running the Window s 98 Second Edition
When running the Window s Me
When running the Window s 2000
When running the Windows 98 Second Edition:
1.
From the Start m enu, s e le ct Settings, the n Control Pane l.
2.
Double-click Sys te m .
3.
Select the De vice M anage r tab and then double-click Ne twork adapte rs.
4.
Double-click the netw ork adapte r that you w ant to s top.
5.
Select the che ck box for "Dis able in this Hardw are Profile" in the dialog box that is displayed, then click OK.
An "X" w ill appear for the device that has been stopped.
6.
Click OK.
The System Properties dialog box closes.
When running the Windows Me:
1.
From the Start m enu, s e le ct Settings, the n Control Pane l.
2.
Double-click Sys te m . (If all of the control panel options are not displaye d, click "vie w all Control Panel Options", the n double -click
System .)
3.
Select the De vice M anage r tab and double-click Ne twork adapters.
4.
Double-click the netw ork adapte r that you w ant to s top.
5.
Select the che ck box for "Dis able in this Hardw are Profile" in the dialog box that is displayed, then click OK.
An "X" w ill appear for the device that has been stopped.
6.
Click OK.
The System Properties dialog box closes.
When running the Windows 2000:
1.
From the Start m enu, s e le ct Settings, the n Control Pane l.
2.
Double-click Sys te m .
3.
Select the Hardw are tab and then click the De vice M anager.
The Device Manager w indow is displayed.
4.
Double-click Ne twork adapters.
5.
Double-click the netw ork adapte r that you w ant to s top.
6.
Select "Do not use this device (disable )" from the De vice usage drop-dow n m enu, the n click OK.
An "X" w ill appear for the device that has been stopped.
7.
Click .
The Device Manager w indow closes.
Page 7
Privileges of Windows 2000 users
With Window s 2000, functions that can be performed depend on the user's privilege level.
Privilege Level Function
Administrators Installation of driver: Yes
Installation of Wireless LAN Utilities: Yes
Execution of Wireless LAN Utilities: Yes
Pow er Users
(Standard users) Installation of driver: Yes
Installation of Wireless LAN Utilities: Yes
Execution of Wireless LAN Utilities: Yes w ith restrictions *1
Users
(Restricted users) Installation of driver: No
Installation of Wireless LAN Utilities: No
Execution of Wireless LAN Utilities: Yes w ith restrictions *2
*1
Registration of the Access Point is not possible with the Wireless Palette.
Even if the Encryption Key is changed with the Access Point Setup Utility, that setting is not reflected at the client.
*2
You can only check the electric wave status with the Wireless Palette.
You cannot run the Basic Access Point Setup Utility or the Custom Access Point Setup Utility.
Page 8
Configuring the Access Point
Note
Before configuring the Access Point, do the follow ing:
1.
Connect the Acce ss Point to a pow er source.
Refer to the Wireless LAN Access Point Operating Instructions for details.
2.
Inse rt the Wirele s s LAN PC Card, and ins tall the driver and other softw are s upplie d w ith the Wire le ss LAN PC Card to your com puter.
Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions manual for details.
3.
Establish a connection to the Acce s s Point using the Wire le s s Palette.
Refer to the Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions manual for details.
Follow the task sequence below to configure the Access Point using the Custom Setup Utility.
1.
Procee d to Loading the Access Point configuration to load the current configuration from the Acce s s Point.
2.
Procee d to Se tting com m on param e ters to specify com m on param ete rs.
3.
Procee d to Se tting m ode-depe ndent param e ters to specify m ode -depe ndent paramete rs. [Ke yw ord] Configuring the Wire le s s LAN
Acces s Point Configuring the Access Point
Page 9
Loading the Access Point configuration
Select the Access Point you w ant to configure to load its configuration. Make sure your computer can communicate w ith the Access Point using the Wireless
Palette. You may also load the configuration file stored in the hard disk.
1.
Click the Start button on the task bar.
The Start menu appears.
2.
From the Start m enu, s e le ct VAIO, Wireless LAN, then Cus tom Acce ss Point Setup Utility.
The Custom Access Point Setup Utility appears.
3.
Verify that the ID dis played in the Acce s s Point ID box is the s am e as the Acce s s Point ID that you w ant to s e t, then ente r the pas s w ord
for setting the acce s s point in the Pas s w ord box and click SCAN.
The passw ord box contains the initial value "public". The Access Point ID is a six-digit number on the label attached on the bottom of the Access Point unit. If
the Access Point ID displayed is different from the one on the label, enter the correct ID.
Note
If an error message appears, click OK.
Verify the follow ing and repeat step 2.
o
The Wireless LAN PC Card is inserted in your computer.
o
The Wireless LAN PC Card driver is installed.
o
The Access Point is pow ered.
o
The Access Point ID is the same as the one displayed.
o
The passw ord is correct.
o
The Wireless LAN PC Card and the Access Point are placed close enough to communicate w ith each other (w ithin approximately 100 m (330 feet)).
o
The Wireless Palette displays the communication status to the Access Point.
Forgot your password?
You can check your passw ord using the follow ing steps if it w as changed after you uploaded the settings.
o
Us e the Explorer to open the folde r to w hich the Acce ss Point Setup Utility w as installed (norm ally it is : C:\Program
Files \Sony\WirelessLAN) on the com pute r to w hich the Access Point Setup Utility w as set.
o
With a text e ditor s uch as Notepad, open the file of the file nam e calle d "Acce ss Point ID+conf" to w hich you tried to connect.
If the Access Point ID is "22a224", the filename w ill be "22a224conf". The Access Point ID and passw ord are listed in that file. Input the passw ord that you
confirmed into the Access Point Setup Utility startup screen.
How ever, the Encryption Key is not saved. If "-------" is displayed in the Encryption Key item, it means that that Encryption Key has not been changed since
the last time.
Also, you can return the passw ord setting to its original status (unset) by resetting the softw are. Read Reset mode and Softw are Reset mode for details on
how to reset the softw are.
Hint
You may also click LOAD to load the configuration file from the hard disk. How ever, you must enter the Encryption Key again because it is not saved.
Communication betw een the Access Point and the Wireless LAN PC Card begins and the "Selection of connection mode and setup of common parameters"
dialog box appears. Proceed to Setting common parameters and to Setting mode-dependent parameters.
Page 10
Page 11
Setting common parameters
Specify the common parameters required for building a w ireless LAN (Local Area Netw ork).
This dialog box includes the follow ing parameters. When you are done, go to Setting mode-dependent parameters.
Channel Number
Select a channel number (1 through 11) from the drop-dow n menu.
Note
Assign a unique channel to each Access Point. If an error occurs due to the close proximity of another w ireless LAN or Access Point, try another
channel.
Encryption Key
You may encrypt w ireless communications to protect against unauthorized reception. Enter any five alphanumeric characters to set the Encryption Key.
Notes
Write dow n the Encryption Key and keep it in a secure location.
The last five digits of the Access Point ID are set as the initial value for the Encryption Key. We strongly recommend that you change this to
prevent unw arranted use from an outside party.
Closed Wireless System
Check this option to shield the Access Point from computers on other w ireless LANs.
System Administrator Name
Enter the name of your system administrator. You may enter up to 63 alphanumeric characters including symbols.
Hint
System Administrator may be left blank.
System Placement Location
Enter a location for your system. You may enter up to 127 alphanumeric characters including symbols.
Hint
System Placement Location may be left blank.
Setup Passw ord
You can use the passw ord for setting the Access Point for each Access Point. You can enter a maximum of 31 English characters and symbols (ASCII
characters). "public" is input as the initial value.
Note
We strongly recommend that you change the passw ord to prevent settings changes by an outside party. Make a note of the passw ord to w hich you
change so that you w ill not forget it.
Page 12
Setting mode-dependent parameters
Select a destination to specify the connection mode you w ant to use, then specify parameters specific to the connection mode of your choice.
Select a destination from Connection Mode and click NEXT. The w indow that appears depends on your selection.
Phone
Select this option to connect the Access Point to the telephone line.
For further steps, proceed to Setting up dial-up connection.
Cable Modem (Router Mode)
Select this option to connect the Access Point to the cable or xDSL modem.
For further steps, proceed to Setting up cable connection.
LAN (Bridge Mode)
Select this option to connect the Access Point to the ISDN router. This mode is also recommended for connecting the Access Point to the existing LAN,
such as the corporate LAN. Consult your netw ork administrator to identify the correct connection mode.
For further information on the operation, proceed to Setting up ISDN connection.
Local Only
Select this option for standalone use of the Access Point, w hen you do not w ant to connect it to any external w ired netw ork such as the Internet.
For further information, proceed to Setting up local connection.
Page 13
Setting up dial-up connection
Selecting Phone for Connection Mode in Setting mode-dependent parameters displays the Enter Phone Connection Parameters dialog box.
Notes
In the Phone mode, the Access Point serves as the DHCP server for both Ethernet and w ireless netw orks.
Never connect the Access Point in the Phone mode to any existing Ethernet netw ork w ith the DHCP server.
Consult w ith your netw ork administrator before connecting the Access Point to the existing Ethernet netw ork.
1.
Click the Dialup Se tup tab.
This dialog box is for assigning functions to the Access Point for dialing up the ISP.
Account ID
Enter the account ID for connecting to the ISP.
Passw ord
Enter the passw ord for connecting to the ISP.
Passw ord (re-enter)
Enter the passw ord for connecting to the ISP once again.
Phone Number 1
Enter the telephone number of the ISP.
Phone Number 2
Enter the alternate telephone number to use w hen a call to Phone Number 1 is not completed.
(This item does not necessarily need to be entered.)
DNS Server 1
Enter the primary DNS server address if the ISP provides it.
DNS Server 2
Enter the secondary DNS server address if the ISP provides it.
Dialing Mode
Specify the telephone line type. Select Tone or Pulse.
Hangup After
Enter the length of time you w ant to allow for inactive communication before hanging up. You may specify up to 2550 seconds (42 minutes and 30
seconds) in units of 10 seconds. The factory default setting is 120 seconds (2 minutes).
Automatic Connection
Check this option to configure the Access Point to automatically make a dial-up attempt w hen connection to the Internet is needed.
Page 14
Notes
o
If Automatic Connection is checked, an intentional connection attempt may be made depending on the computer settings.
o
The dial-up connection takes some time to be established, which may cause a time-out message depending on your e-mail
or browser application. If a time-out message appears, try sending/receiving mail or reloading the Web page again.
o
Note that automatic disconnection may not work due to unexpected packets sent from the Internet. Click Disconnect to
disconnect the connection when you are through with the Internet access.
Dial Tone Detect
When you select "Yes", it waits for the dial tone of the telephone line to connect the dial-up.
Note
To hear the tone signal when you lift the telephone receiver, select "Yes", and select "No" not to hear the dial tone.
2.
Click the IP Setup tab.
This dialog box is for assigning an IP address to the Access Point.
Hint
The Local IP Address and Local Subnet Mask are assigned by default. There is no need to change them.
Local IP Address
Enter the IP address of the Access Point.
Local Subnet Mask
Enter the subnet mask of the Access Point.
3.
Click the DHCP Server Setup tab.
This dialog box is for specifying functions of the Access Point acting as the local DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.
Size of IP Address Pool
Enter the number of IP addresses that the DHCP server holds. This number should be larger than the number of clients
(computers) in your wireless LAN. In most cases, enter the recommended maximum number of clients (16).
You may specify up to 49 clients. The access speed declines as more clients are added to the LAN.
Lease Time
Enter the valid time period of IP addresses assigned by the DHCP server. You may specify up to 720 minutes.
Hint
To save the parameters you have entered the Access Point configuration file on the hard disk, click SAVE CONFIG.
The file may be loaded by clicking LOAD on the "Selection of connection mode and setup of common parameters" dialog box. See
Loading the Access Point configuration.
4.
Click NEXT.
A screen appears asking you to confirm the mode you have selected.
5.
Click UPLOAD.
The configuration you have made is registered in the Access Point.
Note
If an error message appears, re-enter the correct data.
6.
When the Wireless Access Point Setup - Finish Screen appears, wait about 30 seconds.
Note
The link test is disabled for 30 seconds after the configuration is uploaded because the Access Point is automatically restarted.
You may start the link test when the Power indicator on the Access Point turns green.
7.
Click LINK TEST.
Page 15
The link test between the Access Point and the client is performed using your new configuration.
8.
Click FINISH when the message "Link established with Access Point" is displayed.
The Custom Setup Utility closes.
Note
If an error message appears, open the Custom Access Point Setup Utility and check the configuration.
Page 16
Setting up cable connection
Selecting Cable Modem for Connection Mode in Setting mode-dependent parameters displays the Setup of Cable Modem Connection Mode dialog box.
Hints
The Access Point acts as a NAT router w hen Cable Modem is selected for Connection Mode.
Select this mode w hen connecting the Access Point to a DSL modem if your DSL provider does not use PPPoE for connection.
1.
Click the IP Se tup tab.
This dialog box is for entering the information required for configuring a WAN (Wide Area Netw ork) and assigning local IP addresses.
Static IP Address (WAN-side)
Check this option if the IP address to be used on the computer is specified in your cable modem contract, then fill in the follow ing fields.
If this option is left unchecked, the IP address is automatically assigned w hen connection to the ISP is established.
Hint
Ask your ISP (cable TV company) for more information.
WAN IP Address
Enter the IP address of the WAN.
WAN Subnet Mask
Enter the subnet mask of the WAN.
Default Router
Enter the IP address of the default router.
DNS Server 1
Enter the primary DNS server address.
DNS Server 2
Enter the secondary DNS server address.
Local IP Address
Enter the IP address of the LAN.
Hint
The Local IP Address is assigned by default. There is no particular need to change them.
Local Subnet Mask
Enter the subnet mask of the LAN.
Hint
The Subnet Mask is assigned by default. There is no particular need to change them.
Page 17
DHCP Client ID (Required by some ISPs)
With some cable operators, an identifier called a DHCP Client ID w ill be requested upon IP address acquisition by the client. In these cases, type the ID
specified from the cable operator. You may enter up to 63 alphanumeric characters including symbols.
Hint
When you directly connect your computer to a cable modem, enter the DHCP Client ID in the Computer name text box of the Window s Netw ork dialog
box.
2.
Click the DHCP Se rver Setup tab.
This dialog box is for specifying functions of the Access Point acting as the DHCP server for the w ireless LAN.
Size of IP Address Pool
Enter the number of IP addresses that the DHCP server holds. This number should be larger than the number of clients (computers) in your w ireless
LAN. Normally, enter the recommended maximum number of clients, 16.
You may specify up to 49 clients. The more clients you specify, how ever, the more the access speed tends to decline.
Lease Time
Enter the valid time period of IP addresses assigned by the DHCP server. You may specify up to 720 minutes.
Hint
To save the parameters you have entered the Access Point configuration file on the hard disk, click SAVE CONFIG.
The file may be loaded by clicking LOAD on the "Selection of connection mode and setup of common parameters" dialog box. See Loading the Access
Point configuration.
3.
Click NEXT.
A screen appears asking you to confirm the mode you have selected.
4.
Click UPLOAD.
The configuration you have made is registered in the Access Point.
Note
If an error message appears, re-enter the correct data.
5.
When the Wire le ss Access Point Se tup - Finis h Screen appe ars, w ait about 30 s econds.
Note
The link test is disabled for 30 seconds after the configuration is uploaded because the Access Point is automatically restarted.
You may start the link test w hen the Pow er indicator on the Access Point turns green.
6.
Click LINK TEST.
The link test betw een the Access Point and the client is performed using your new configuration.
7.
Click FINISH w hen the m e s s age "Link establishe d w ith Acce ss Point" is dis playe d.
The Custom Access Point Setup Utility closes.
Note
If an error message is displayed, open the Custom Access Point Setup Utility and check the configuration.
Page 18
Setting up LAN connection
Selecting LAN for Connection Mode in Setting mode-dependent parameters displays the Setup of LAN Connection Mode dialog box.
Hints
The Access Point acts as a bridge w hen LAN is selected for Connection Mode.
Select this mode w hen connecting the Access Point to a DSL modem if your DSL provider does not use PPPoE for connection. Refer here for the
procedure.
1.
Click the IP Se tup tab.
This dialog box is for assigning information such as the IP address of the Access Point.
Static IP Address
Check this option if your ISDN router is not DHCP-compliant or the DHCP is not used, then fill in the follow ing fields.
IP Address
Enter the IP address of the Access Point.
Subnet Mask
Enter the subnet mask of the Access Point.
Default Router
Enter the IP address for the default router.
Hints
Refer to the manual that comes w ith your ISDN router for details.
To save the parameters you have entered the Access Point configuration file on the hard disk, click SAVE CONFIG.
The file may be loaded by clicking LOAD on the "Selection of connection mode and setup of common parameters" dialog box. See Loading
the Access Point configuration.
2.
Click NEXT.
A screen appears asking you to confirm the mode you have selected.
3.
Click UPLOAD.
The configuration you have made is registered in the Access Point.
Note
If an error message appears, re-enter the correct data.
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