Sony PCWA-C100 Operating Instructions

4-658-604-11(1)

Operating Instructions

Wireless LAN PC Card

PCWA-C100

For Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Editon

Microsoft

Windows® XP Professional

Users

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located at the back side. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. PCWA-C100 Serial No.______________

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your warranty.

FCC ID: IMRWLPCE24H Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation. The radiated output power of the Wireless LAN PC Card* is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the Wireless LAN PC Card* shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.

* FCC ID of the Wireless LAN PC Card is

IMRWLPCE24H.

NOTE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

This device compiles with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

NOTE:

Install and connect the Access Point by following descriptions in its Operating Instructions manual before using it.

About the supplied software

SUPPLIED SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT.

• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the software or the software manual in whole or in part, or renting the software without the permission of the copyright holder.

• In no event will SONY be liable for any financial damage or loss of profits, including claims made by third parties, arising out of the use of the software supplied with this product.

• In the event a problem occurs with this software as a result of defective manufacturing, SONY will replace it at SONY’s option or issue a refund; however, SONY bears no other responsibility.

• The software provided with this product cannot be used with equipment other than that which is designated for use with.

• Please note that, due to continued efforts to improve quality, the software specifications may be changed without notice.

Program © 2000 2001 Sony Corporation, © 2000 Lucent Technologies, Copyright 1998 by Carnegie Mellon University. CMU DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, IN NO EVENT SHALL CMU BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE. Documentation © 2001 Sony Corporation

Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Me, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of America and other countries. MMX and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Safety Information WARNING

• Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.

• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony Wireless LAN PC Card to rain or moisture.

NOTES:

• The Sony supplied software may show screens slightly different from those included in this manual.

• This manual is written based on the assumption that you are familiar with basic operations of the Windows operating system. For computer operations, refer to manuals that come with your computer.

• In this manual, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition is referred to as Windows 98 Second Edition.

• In this manual, Microsoft Windows Me is referred to as Windows Me.

• In this manual, Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition are referred to as Windows XP.

Table of contents

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

What you can do with your Wireless

LAN PC Card ................................ 5

Task flow....................................... 7

System requirements ..................... 8

About this manual..................................9

Opening the Help files .................. 9

Unpacking............................................11

Getting started

Indicators ............................................. 12

Inserting the Wireless LAN

PC Card........................................... 13

To remove the Wireless LAN

PC Card ....................................... 14

Software setup

Setting up the connection environment..

To establish communication with

the Access Point .......................... 15

To set the computer name and

workgroup ................................... 17

Installing software ............................... 19

Registering your Wireless LAN Access Point/ Wireless LAN PC

Card ............................................. 20

To modify the installed

software ....................................... 20

To start the software.................... 21

To uninstall software................... 21

NOTES:

• The illustrations in this manual may differ from the actual software.

• Explanations in this manual assume that you are familiar with basic operations of Windows. For how to use your computer and operating system, please refer to their respective manuals.

Wireless LAN connection

Verifying communication with the

Access Point....................................23

Setting up the Access Point ................. 24

Phone mode

(PCWA-A100 only) .................... 27

Cable Modem, LAN, and

Local Only................................... 28

DSL Modem (PPPoE) mode ....... 29

Transferring files using drag and drop

(WirelessCapsule)........................... 31

Operation on the sending

computer...................................... 31

Operation on the receiving

computer...................................... 33

Connecting to the Internet ................... 34

Phone mode

(PCWA-A100 only) .................... 34

LAN (ISDN Router).................... 35

Cable Modem/DSL Modem

(PPPoE) ....................................... 36

Additional information

Confirm your Access Point

firmware version ............................. 37

Precautions .......................................... 38

Safety...........................................38

Installation................................... 38

Operation..................................... 38

Cleaning ...................................... 38

Specifications ...................................... 39

Getting Help ........................................ 39

Glossary ............................................... 40

Troubleshooting................................... 42

Limited Warranty Statement ............... 45

Overview

What you can do with your Wireless LAN PC Card

You can build a Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) using the Wireless LAN PC Card, PCWA-C100. The Wireless LAN PC Card can be used with or without the Wireless LAN Access Point, PCWA-A100/A200 (hereinafter referred to as the Access Point). With the Access Point, you can build a wireless LAN between multiple computers that are equipped with the Wireless LAN PC Card and gain access to the Internet. You can achieve direct communication (Peer to Peer mode) between computers without using the Access Point.

z Tip

Although you can connect up to 49 client computers to a wireless LAN, the maximum recommended number is 16 or less.

Communication through the Access Point

Direct communication between computers (Peer to Peer mode)

z Tip

For details about peer-to-peer connections with Windows XP, see the Wireless Palette Help or Windows Help.

About the supplied software

The Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following software:

• Wireless Palette: You can see the status of communications between the computer

mounted with the Wireless LAN PC Card and the Access Point, and transfer files using this software.

• Basic Access Point Setup Utility (Basic Setup Utility): You can set up the Access Point for Internet access. This dialog-driven

utility covers basic setups for Internet access.

• Custom Access Point Setup Utility (Custom Setup Utility): You can make advanced configurations of the Access Point. You can

specify optional features for Internet access with this utility.

• Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility: This is the software for upgrading Access Point firmware. If you are using an old version, some functions will be unavailable. For

example, the DSL Modem (PPPoE) mode cannot be selected, and roaming cannot be used. In this case, it is recommended that you upgrade both your Access Point firmware and Wireless LAN Utility.

See page 37 for how to check the version. For procedures for upgrading the Access Point firmware, see the Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility Help.

Task flow

To build a wireless LAN environment, you must configure both the Access Point and the Wireless LAN PC Card.

Required tasks depend on the state of your Access Point and Wireless LAN PC Card. The table below lists the states of the Access Point and Wireless LAN PC Card, and the tasks required for building a wireless LAN environment.

Wireless LAN PC Card

New In use

Access Point

New

In use

1. Connect the Access Point. (*1)

2. Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a computer. (*2)

3. Establish communication with the Access Point. (*3)

4. Set up the computer name of your computer. (*4)

5. Install the software. (*5)

6. Configure the Access Point using the Basic Setup Utility. (*6)

1. Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a computer. (*2)

2. Establish communication with the Access Point. (*3)

3. Set up the computer name of your computer. (*4)

4. Install the software. (*5)

1. Connect the Access Point. (*1)

2. Establish communication with the Access Point. (*3)

3. Configure the Access Point using the Basic Setup Utility. (*6)

• To communicate with an Access Point previously used in another wireless LAN environment from a computer containing the Wireless LAN PC Card.

1. Establish communication with the Access Point. (*3)

*1 See “Connections” on page 13 in the Access Point Operating Instructions manual. *2 See “Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card” on page 13 and following sections in this

manual.

*3 See “To establish communication with the Access Point” on page 15 and succeeding

sections in this manual. For further information, see the Wireless Palette Help file. *4 See “To set up the computer name and workgroup” on page 17 in this manual. *5 See “Installing software” on page 19 in this manual. *6 See “Setting up the Access Point” on page 24 and following sections in this manual.

System requirements

• A computer satisfying the following requirements. CPU: MMX RAM: With Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, or Windows

CD-ROM drive Default built-in PCMCIA Type II slot

• Operating system: For best results, use a computer with one of the preinstalled operating systems below.

– Windows 98 Second Edition, English version – Windows Me, English version – Windows 2000, English version – Windows XP, English version

(Does not operate under the Windows 98, 95 or 3.1 versions or under the Windows NT version. Operation is not guaranteed under all upgraded environments. This does not apply to computers upgraded to Windows XP with a valid upgrade from your computer maker.)

• Display: SVGA (800 × 600 pixels) and above, [supports High Color (16 bit) and above]

Pentium® 233 MHz and above

2000: 64 MB or more With Windows XP: 128 MB or more

Notes

• We do not assure trouble-free operation for all computers satisfying the system requirements.

• The Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A100/A200 is required to gain access to the Internet.

• An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.

About this manual

Note

When using the Access Point, connect and configure the Access Point as explained in the operating instructions included with the Wireless LAN Access Point.

This manual explains the operation of the Wireless LAN PC Card and the installation and setup of the supplied software. For details on using the Wireless Palette and the Custom Access Point Setup Utility software supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card, refer to the software's Help files.

The Wireless LAN PC Card has three Help files:

• Wireless Palette Help

• Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help

• Upgrade Manual

The Upgrade Manual explains procedures for upgrading the Access Point's firmware, the Wireless LAN PC Card Driver, and the Basic/ Custom Access Point Setup Utility.

Opening the Help files

• Wireless Palette Help – With the Wireless Palette running, click the Wireless Palette icon

(reception level indicator icon) on the taskbar, and select Help from the menu displayed.

• Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help – Start the Custom Access Point Setup Utility, and click Help.

• Upgrade Manual (Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility Help) – Start the Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility, and click Help.

Selecting a topic from the contents

From the Contents list, select the desired topic.

Searching using a Keyword

1 To search using a Keyword, select the Index tab from the

Help dialog box.

The Keyword list appears.

2 Enter the keyword you want to apply, or scroll down the

Keyword list.

3 Select a topic, then click Display.

Topics related to the Keyword appear.

Unpacking

Your Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items.

• Wireless LAN PC Card

• PC card case

• CD-ROM (Setup disc)

• Operating Instructions

• END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

• Other printed materials

Indicators

1 DATA indicator

Lights while data exchange is in progress.

2 LINK indicator

Lights while your computer is connected to the wireless LAN.

Description on the indicators

DATA LINK Description

Flashing (green) Lit (green) Normal communications. Fast Flashing Lit (green) Peer to Peer mode

(green) Off Lit (green) The PC card is powered, but no

Flashing at 10 sec intervals The PC card is operating, but no connection is established.

Off The PC card is powered off.

communication is taking place.

Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card

This section explains how to insert and remove the Wireless LAN PC Card from your computer.

You do not need to turn off your computer when inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card.

1 Remove the PC card slot protector from the computer.

(Some computers contain the PC card slot protector to prevent damage to the slot while not in use.)

2 Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the PC card slot.

Push the Wireless LAN PC Card into the slot until it is firmly seated. Inserting the card will extend the eject button.

If the card does not fit easily, do not force it in. Take the card out and try reinserting.

Insert the card in the direction of the arrow.

Getting started

To the PC card slot.

Notes

• Do not install the PC Card Driver that is included in the 1WinMe, 2Win2k or 3Win98

folder of the CD-ROM supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card. Windows XP has a suitable device driver for the Wireless LAN PC Card, and it is automatically installed when you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into your computer.

• If your computer has two PC card slots, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the top

slot. Inserting it into the bottom slot blocks the top slot with its antenna.

• Before using the Wireless LAN PC Card, turn off System Suspend mode or System

Hibernation mode using the PowerPanel software.

• While the computer is in System Suspend mode or System Hibernation mode, the

Wireless LAN PC Card may not be recognized when it is removed and reinserted.

To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card

1 Close the software that uses the Wireless LAN. 2 Stop PC Card Services on the taskbar. 3 Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card, following the

instructions in your computer's manual.

Setting up the connection environment

Perform the following procedure to set up a wireless LAN environment with the Access Point.

1 Establish communication with Access Point (page 15).

Register the Access Point on each computer in the wireless LAN and establish wireless communication with the Access Point. (Make settings 1 to 4 on every computer in the wireless LAN).

2 Set the computer name and workgroup name (page 17).

Set the computer name and workgroup name for every computer used in the wireless LAN.

3 Install the software (page 19).

Install the required software.

4 Verify communication with the Access Point (page 23).

Use Wireless Palette to verify communication with the Access Point.

5 Make the Access Point settings (page 24).

Use the Basic Setup Utility or Custom Setup Utility to make the Access Point settings. Make these settings from any one of the computers in the wireless LAN.

Software setup

To establish communication with the Access Point

On every computer you want to connect to the wireless LAN, establish communication with the Access Point.

Before establishing a wireless LAN environment:

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