Sony PCWAC300S Users Manual
4-674-967-11(1)
Operating Instructions
Wireless LAN PC Card
(IEEE 802.11g: 2.4 GHz/54 Mbps)
PCWA-C300S
© 2003 Sony Corporation
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the back of the unit. 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-C300S
Serial No.______________
CAUTION
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your warranty.
FCC ID: AK8PCWAC300S
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.
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.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Sony
Model No: PCWA-C300S
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,
Oradell, NJ 07649 USA
Telephone: 201-930-6972
This phone number is for FCC-related matters only.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)This equipment may not cause harmful interference, and
(2)this equipment 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.
Safety Information
WARNING
•Opening the product, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the warranty.
•Do not use this product on hospital premises. Doing so may cause medical devices to malfunction.
•If using the product near a pacemaker, make sure it is at least 9 inches (22 cm) away from the pacemaker.
•Do not use this product in an aircraft, as doing so could cause the aircraft's equipment to malfunction. Make sure you remove the equipment from the PC card slot before carrying your computer onto an aircraft.
•Do not apply unnecessary physical strain on the product when it is inserted in your computer as this could damage the product and/or your computer.
•This product is meant for use in the USA and Canada only.
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FCC RF Exposure
Install and connect this product by following descriptions in its Operating Instructions before using it.
This equipment generates and radiates radio frequency energy.
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) for this device was measured in accordance with
FCC OET Bulletin 65. Supplement C and guidelines established in IEEE C95.1-1991.
In order to comply with FCC RF exposure limits please maintain at least 4 mm spacing between the user and the antenna of this device while
it is in use.
This product can only be used with desktop computers and laptop (notebook) computers with side mounted PCMCIA slots.
This device cannot be used with other types of host devices, such as PDAs.
Users are not permitted to make changes or modify the system in any way.
For customers in Canada
•This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
•Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
•To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.
•The term “IC” before the equipment certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifications were met.
Pour les utilisateurs au Canada
•Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
•L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux conditions suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et (2) l'utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu, même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif.
•Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une licence, il doit être utilisé à l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l'objet d'une licence.
•Le terme “IC” avant le muméro d’homologation ne signifie seulement que les normes d’Industrie du Canada ont été respectées.
About the supplied software
THE SUPPLIED SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE ENDUSER 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 © 2001, 2002, 2003 Sony Corporation,
© 2000-2003 Atheros Communications, Inc., All
Rights Reserved
Documentation © 2003 Sony Corporation
Sony, VAIO, 
, and 
are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of America and/or other countries.
MMX and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Ehternet is a registered trademark of Xerox Co., Ltd.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
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Table of contents |
|
Overview ................................................ |
5 |
Capabilities ..................................... |
5 |
System requirements ...................... |
8 |
Documentation and Help file ................ |
10 |
Getting started |
|
Unpacking ............................................. |
12 |
Supplied software ......................... |
12 |
Installing the supplied software ............ |
13 |
Making Access Point Connection |
|
Settings ............................................ |
20 |
Windows Me or Windows 2000 .. |
20 |
Windows XP ................................ |
24 |
Removing the Wireless LAN PC Card and |
|
Precautions When Inserting it .......... |
28 |
To remove the Wireless LAN PC |
|
Card .......................................... |
28 |
If your computer has two PC Card |
|
slots ........................................... |
28 |
Wireless LAN connection |
|
Checking the communication status ..... |
29 |
Checking the wireless signal |
|
strength ..................................... |
29 |
Checking network information .... |
29 |
Using the Wireless Panel ...................... |
30 |
Opening the Wireless Panel ......... |
30 |
Additional information |
|
Manually installing, verifying, and |
|
removing the supplied software ....... |
31 |
Installing the Wireless LAN PC Card |
|
driver manually ......................... |
31 |
Installing the Wireless Panel |
|
manually ................................... |
39 |
Connecting to the Access Point with |
|
Wireless Panel |
|
(Windows Me/2000) ................. |
41 |
Verifying Wireless LAN PC Card |
|
driver installation ...................... |
42 |
Uninstalling the Wireless LAN PC |
|
Card driver ................................ |
50 |
Uninstalling the Wireless Panel ... |
53 |
Precautions ........................................... |
56 |
Specifications ....................................... |
57 |
Getting help .......................................... |
57 |
Glossary ................................................ |
58 |
Troubleshooting .................................... |
60 |
•In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition is referred to as Windows Me.
•In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is referred to as Windows 2000.
•In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition are referred to as Windows XP.
Notes
•The user interface of the Sony supplied software may differ slightly from that shown 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.
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Overview
Capabilities
The Wireless LAN PC Card (IEEE 802.11g: 2.4 GHz/54 Mbps) PCWAC300S is a PC Card type wireless network card. With this card, you can build a wireless LAN, allowing multiple computers to communicate and exchange data without needing any physical connection. The supplied Wireless Panel software lets you easily configure the card for multiple networks. For example, you can store different settings required for networking at the office and at home, or quickly switch between Access Point (Infrastructure) Network connection mode and Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) Network connection mode. This greatly facilitates use of the card in various environments and for a range of applications.
z Hints
•The network mode can easily be switched using the supplied Wireless Panel software.
•To use the card in Access Point Network connection mode, an IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11b compliant Wireless LAN Access Point* (available separately) is necessary.
With Windows Me or Windows 2000:
Access Point (Infrastructure) Network |
Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) Network |
connection mode |
connection mode |
*If using the separately available Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A320, also refer to the documentation supplied with the unit.
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With Windows XP:
Available Wireless Networks
Windows XP Service Pack 1:
Available Wireless Networks
6
Accessing the Internet from various points within your home (Access Point Network connection mode)
With a separately available Access Point you can easily build a wireless network. By connecting a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router to the Access Point, you can access the Internet from the living room, bedroom, or any other convenient location in the house. Equipping multiple computers with a Wireless LAN PC Card also allows you to exchange files between the computers via the Access Point.
ADSL modem etc.
z Hint
The illustration above gives an example of a system configuration using the Access Point Network connection mode. Two computers equipped with Wireless LAN PC Cards establish communications with the Wireless Broadband Router PCWA-AR300. The Wireless Broadband Router is connected to the ADSL modem, therefore it is possible to access the Internet through this wireless connection.
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Direct communication between computers (Peer to Peer Network connection mode)
The Peer to Peer Network connection mode enables computers equipped with Wireless LAN PC Cards to communicate directly. This allows file sharing in locations where the Wireless LAN Access Point is not present.
System requirements
To use the supplied software, the following system requirements must be met:
Windows PC:
–128 MB RAM or more
–Card Bus compliant PC Card slot
–CD-ROM drive (for software installation)
Operating system:
–Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition
–Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional
–Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
–Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
Display:
High color (16 bit color) or higher, 800 × 480 pixels or higher
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Notes
•Correct operation is not assured for all computers, even if satisfying the above system requirements.
•Correct operation in an OS upgrade environment is not assured, except for factory provided Windows XP upgrade packages for Sony VAIO series computers.
•For Internet access via the wireless LAN, an IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11b compliant Wireless LAN Access Point (available separately) is necessary.
•An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.
Precaution when using the PCWA-C300S
Because of the particular shape of the PCWA-C300S, it may not be possible to insert it into all computers.
1The PCWA-C300S has an antenna protruding up 0.4 in. (9 mm). If obstructions 0.6 in. (15 mm) in length or more come in contact with it when you insert the PCWA-C300S into the PC card slot, you cannot fully insert the wireless LAN PC card into the slot.
2If the PC card slot of your computer is more than 3.3 in. (85 mm) in length, you cannot fully insert the PCWA-C300S into the slot.
The antenna is obstructed. The PCWA-C300S cannot be inserted.
Computer
Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C300S
The PC card slot is longer than
3.3 in. (85 mm). The PCWA-C300S cannot be inserted.
Computer
Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C300S
For details, visit http://www.sony.com/wirelesslansupport
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Documentation and Help file
This product comes with the following documentation and help files.
Operating Instructions (this document)
Explains how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card and how to configure all settings of the card.
Quick Start Guide
This document explains how to install software required to use the Wireless LAN PC Card (IEEE 802.11g: 2.4 GHz/54 Mbps) PCWAC300S. The document also contains answers to frequently asked questions and common problems.
Wireless Panel Online Help
This is the Online Help of the supplied Wireless Panel software. Refer to it for instructions on how to use the software.
Access the Wireless Panel Online Help as follows.
Access from the Easy Installation Wizard
1On the main menu of the Easy Installation Wizard, click “Documents”.
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2 On the screen that opens, click “Wireless Panel Online Help”.
■ Access from Wireless Panel
1Install the Wireless Panel software, following the instructions in this manual.
2Start the Wireless Panel.
3Right-click the Wireless Panel icon on the taskbar and click Help on the shortcut menu.
z Hint
You can also access Help by clicking 
on the Wireless Panel title bar.
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Unpacking
Your Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items:
• Wireless LAN PC Card |
• CD-ROM (Setup disc) |
|
|
• |
Quick Start Guide |
|
• |
Operating Instructions |
|
• |
Warranty card |
Supplied software
The supplied CD-ROM contains the following software.
Wireless LAN PC Card driver
This device driver is necessary to the operation of the Wireless LAN PC Card.
Wireless Panel
Wireless Panel is a utility software that lets you configure the computer for the wireless LAN and monitor the communication status. The software is also used to switch between networks.
Normally, the Wireless Panel appears as an icon in the taskbar, which shows the communication status.
When using the card for the first time, see page 13 for information on how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver and the Wireless Panel.
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Installing the supplied software
This section explains how to use the supplied CD-ROM to install the Wireless LAN PC Card device driver and Wireless Panel. You must insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into your computer before installing the device driver and Wireless Panel.
The installation procedures are performed with an easy-to-use wizard. Before you start, verify the following.
•The wizard located on the CD-ROM supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card. Make sure that your CD-ROM drive is ready for use.
•When using the Wireless LAN PC Card in Access Point Network Connection mode, you must install the Access Point and make the necessary settings before proceeding. For details about these procedures, refer to your Access Point user’s guide.
Notes
•To install the supplied software on a computer running Windows 2000, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. To install the supplied software on a computer running Windows XP, log on with a user account with administrator access privileges. You cannot install the software or modify settings when logged on with any other account.
•To change any of the Wireless Panel settings on a computer running Windows 2000, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. You cannot modify settings when logged on with any other account.
•Exit all other Windows programs.
tedstar Getting
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Important
Computer Firewall Functions
When using Windows XP’s “Internet Connection Firewall”
Enabling the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall” may prevent you from being able to access your computer through wireless communication. (This function is inactive under Windows XP default settings.) Because of this function, you may not be able to connect to your network when you change your Access Point settings. If this happens, deactivate the “Internet Connection Firewall” function, connect to the network, and then reactivate the function. For details, refer to Windows XP Help.
Note
Network security is an important issue. You are urged to consider carefully how best to protect your computer.
When using a personal firewall function provided by virus scanning or network security software
Virus scanning and network security software sometimes includes a function called a “personal firewall” that is designed to prevent illegal access by outside entities. Depending on the software, the security level of this function may be initially set to a high level. If this high security level setting is left in effect, it may be impossible for an outside entity to access your computer. This can cause problems such as not being able to connect to the network when changing the Access Point’s settings. In this event, lower the security level in order to permit the network connection. For details, refer to the manuals provided with your software.
Notes
•Pay special attention to security issues.
•For questions regarding firewall functions, please contact your firewall software manufacturer.
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1 When using the Wireless LAN PC Card in Access Point Network Connection mode, turn on the Access Point.
2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.
The Easy Installation Wizard starts automatically.
z Hint
If the Easy Installation Wizard does not appear when you insert the supplied CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive, double-click “Setup.exe” ( 
) on the CD-ROM. Depending on the settings of your computer, the file name may be “Setup”.
3 When the following message appears, click “OK”.
4 Click the button that corresponds to your type of CD-ROM drive.
tedstar Getting
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If you are using an external CD-ROM drive, follow the instructions on the screen and copy the contents of the CD-ROM to your hard disk. When the copy is complete, click “Main Menu”.
The Main Menu of the Easy Installation Wizard appears.
5 Click “Install Driver”.
The following screen appears.
Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card and follow the instructions on the screen to install the device driver.
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6 Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the PC card slot.
You do not need to turn off your computer when you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card.
tedstar Getting
Insert in arrow direction
To PC Card slot
Notes
•If your computer has two PC Card slots, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the top slot. If inserted into the bottom slot, the antenna of the Wireless LAN PC Card will block the top slot. See section “If your computer has two PC Card slots” on page 28.
•Depending on the depth and configuration of PC card slots on your computer, you may not be able to insert the Wireless LAN PC Card.
Push the Wireless LAN PC Card into the slot until it is firmly seated. If the card does not fit easily, do not force it in. Take the card out and try reinserting it.
When you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card, the device driver installed automatically. When installation is complete, proceed to step 7.
17
7 When installation is complete, the following screen appears. Click “Continue”.
8 Click “Install Software Utility”.
The utility installation starts.
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9 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
tedstar Getting
This completes the installation of the software.
Once Wireless Panel is installed, 
appears on the Windows taskbar.
What to do next
Make Access Point connection settings.
When using Windows Me or Windows 2000, proceed to page 20. When using Windows XP, proceed to page 24.
z Hint
When using Windows XP, click “Main Menu” as necessary to return to the first screen of the wizard, or click 
to close the Easy Installation Wizard.
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