Sony PCWA-C300S User Manual

4-674-967-11(1)

Operating Instructions

© 2003 Sony Corporation

Mode d’emploi

Wireless LAN PC Card

(IEEE 802.11g: 2.4 GHz/54 Mbps)

PCWA-C300S

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not

expose the unit to rain or moisture.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: Sony
Model No: PCWA-C300S
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,

Oradell, NJ 07649 USA
Telephone: [phone]
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 made for use in the USA and
Canada only.

2

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 (0.16 in.) 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 the
Eco Info logo 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.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their
respective owners.

3

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

operating system ....................... 20

Windows XP operating system .... 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 operating system)............. 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.

4

Overview

Capabilities

The Wireless LAN PC Card (IEEE 802.11g: 2.4 GHz/54 Mbps)
PCWA-C300S 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 the Windows Me or Windows 2000 operating system:

Access Point (Infrastructure) Network
connection mode

Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) Network
connection mode

*

If using the separately available Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A320, also refer to
the documentation supplied with the unit.

5

With the Windows XP operating system:

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.

7

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

– 128 MB RAM or more
– Card Bus compliant PC Card slot
– CD-ROM drive (for software installation)

❑Operating system:

– Microsoft
– Microsoft
– Microsoft
– Microsoft

❑Display:

High color (16-bit color) or higher, 800 × 480 pixels or higher

®

-compatible PC:

®

Windows® Millennium Edition

®

Windows® 2000 Professional

®

Windows® XP Home Edition

®

Windows® XP Professional

8

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 operating system 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.

1 The 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.

2 If 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.

For details, visit

http://www.sony.com/wirelesslansupport

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

9

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)
PCWA-C300S. 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
1 On the main menu of the Easy Installation Wizard, click

“Documents”.

10

2 On the screen that opens, click “Wireless Panel Online Help”.

■ Access from Wireless Panel
1 Install the Wireless Panel software, following the instructions in this

manual.

2 Start the Wireless Panel.
3 Right-click the Wireless Panel icon on your Windows operating

system taskbar and click Help on the shortcut menu.

z Hint

You can also access Help by clicking on the Wireless Panel title bar.

11

Unpacking

Your Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items:

• Wireless LAN PC 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 on your Windows
operating system taskbar, which shows the communication status.

• CD-ROM (Setup disc)

• Quick Start Guide

• Operating Instructions

• Warranty card

12

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.

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 the Windows 2000 operating
system, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. To install the supplied
software on a computer running the Windows XP operating system, 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 the Windows 2000
operating system, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. You cannot
modify settings when logged on with any other account.

• Exit all other Windows operating system programs.

Getting started

13

Important

Computer Firewall Functions

When using the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall” function

Enabling the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall” function may prevent
you from being able to access your computer through wireless communication. (This
function is inactive under the Windows XP operating system 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.

14

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”.

Getting started

3 When the following message appears, click “OK”.

4 Click the button that corresponds to your type of CD-ROM

drive.

15

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.

16

Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card and follow the instructions on the
screen to install the device driver.

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.

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.

Getting started

17

7 When installation is complete, the following screen appears.

Click “Continue”.

8 Click “Install Software Utility”.

18

The utility installation starts.

9 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the

installation.

This completes the installation of the software.

Getting started

Once Wireless Panel is installed,
system taskbar.

appears on your Windows operating

What to do next

Make Access Point connection settings.
When using the Windows Me or Windows 2000 operating system, proceed

to page 20.
When using the Windows XP operating system, proceed to page 24.

z Hint

When using the Windows XP operating system, click “Main Menu” as necessary to return
to the first screen of the wizard, or click to close the Easy Installation Wizard.

19

Making Access Point Connection Settings

After installing the necessary software, you must make the necessary
settings to establish a connection with the Access Point.

If you want to establish a connection in Peer to Peer Network connection
mode, refer to the Wireless Panel Help for details about the necessary
settings.

Windows Me or Windows 2000 operating system

1 Click “Connect to Access Point”.

20

The following screen appears.

2 Make the appropriate settings.

1

2

1Network Name (SSID)

This is a unique ID used to identify wireless networks. The setting
can be made individually for Access Point Network connection
mode and Peer to Peer Network connection mode. When connecting
to an existing network, consult your network administrator
regarding the proper settings. When changing an existing Network
Name, you can use up to 32 alphanumeric characters (including
symbols).

z Hints

• Opening the “Network Name” drop-down list will show the Network Names
of any Access Points within range. You can then select a Network Name from
the list.

• When using the Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A320, the default
Network Name (SSID) of the Access Point is shown on the ID label of the
Access Point. For details on the position of the label and other information,
refer to the manuals provided with the Access Point.

2WEP

If Data Encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point to which
you connect, select this item. When this item is selected, you also
need to enter the encryption key (WEP key) in the “Key” and
“Confirm key” fields.
The data encryption function serves to prevent unauthorized access
to the network. For security reasons, it is strongly recommended
that you enable this feature. The setting can be configured
individually for Access Point Network connection mode and Peer to
Peer Network connection mode. When connecting to an existing
network, consult your network administrator regarding the proper
settings. For information on how to control this setting at the Access
Point, refer to the manuals of the Access Point.

Getting started

21

Key

If data encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point, enter the
encryption key (WEP key) here. Because this key functions as a
password that enables communication with the network, the key
entered here must be exactly the same as that set for the Access
Point. Only computers for which the key has been configured
correctly can join the network. The number of characters depends
on the “ASCII/Hex” and “Length” settings (see table below).

ASCII Hexadecimal

Permissible characters Alphanumeric characters 0 to 9, A to F, a to f
Maximum number 5 or 13 characters 10 or 26 characters

of characters

Confirm key

Re-enter the encryption key that you entered in the “Key” box.

z Hint

This product supports a function called “roaming” which allows the creation of a
wireless network with multiple Access Points for wider coverage. When using
this function, configure all Access Points to the same Network Name (SSID) and
Data Encryption (WEP) settings.

3 When you are done, click “Next”.

The following screen appears.

22

4 Make sure that the settings are correct, and then click

“Connect”.

Wait until the Wireless LAN PC Card connects to the Access Point.

When the Wireless LAN PC Card establishes the connection with the
Access Point, the following screen appears.

Getting started

This completes the Access Point connection settings procedure.

z Hint

You can change the connection settings and network connection mode from
Wireless Panel. For details about how to use Wireless Panel, refer to the Wireless
Panel Help.

23

Windows XP operating system

After installing the necessary software, you must make the necessary
settings to establish a connection with the Access Point.

If you want to establish a connection in Peer to Peer Network connection
mode, refer to the Wireless Panel Help for details about the necessary
settings.

Note

Before configuring the Wireless LAN PC Card

Perform the following steps to confirm that the “Use Windows to configure my wireless
network settings” check box is selected. This option is selected by default.

1 Click “Start”, “Control Panel”, and double-click “Network

Connections”.

zHint

If “Network Connections” is not displayed, click “Switch to Classic View”.

2 Right-click “Wireless Network Connection *” (“*” is a

number that differs according to the computer settings),
and click “Properties” on the shortcut menu.

3 Click the “Wireless Network” tab.
4 Confirm that the “Use Windows to configure my wireless

network settings” check box is selected. If not, select it.

24

1 Click “Start”, point to “Connect To”, and click “Show all

connections”.

The “Network Connections” window appears.

2 Right-click “Wireless Network Connection *” (“*” is a number

that differs according to the computer settings), and click
“View Available Wireless Networks” on the shortcut menu.

The “Connect to Wireless Network” dialog box appears.

z Hints

• If the computer is not connected to a wireless network, an “x” is shown for the
“Wireless Network Connection *” icon in the “Network Connections” window.

• If you have installed Windows XP Service Pack 1, see page 26.

3 From the “Available Wireless Networks” list in the “Connect

to Wireless Network” dialog box, select the Access Point to
which you want to connect.

z Hint

The “Available Wireless Networks” list shows the names of Access Points within
communication range of the computer. When using the Wireless LAN Access Point
PCWA-A320, the default Network Name (SSID) of the Access Point is shown on
the ID label of the card. For details on the position of the label and other
information, refer to the manuals of the Access Point. Because the Network Name of
an Access Point may have been changed, consult your network administrator if you
are not sure.

Getting started

4 If Data Encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point,

enter the encryption key (WEP key) in the “Network key”
field.

The key entered here must be exactly the same as that set for the
Access Point. Permissible characters and their maximum number are
detailed below.

ASCII Hexadecimal

Permissible characters Alphanumeric characters 0 to 9, A to F, a to f
Maximum number 5 or 13 characters 10 or 26 characters

of characters

25

z Hints

• ASCII and hexadecimal characters are automatically identified.

• The data encryption (WEP) function serves to prevent unauthorized access to the

network. When the function is enabled, only computers configured with the
correct encryption key (WEP key) can join the network. For security reasons, it is
strongly recommended that you enable this feature. The setting can be made
individually for Access Point Network connection mode and Peer to Peer Network
connection mode. When connecting to an existing network, consult your network
administrator regarding the proper settings. For information on how to control this
setting at the Access Point, refer to the manuals of the Access Point.

❑ When using Service Pack 1

If you installed Windows XP Service Pack 1, steps 3 and 4 must be
performed as follows.

3 From the “Available Wireless Networks” list in the

“Connect to Wireless Network” dialog box, select the
Access Point to which you want to connect.

4 Depending on the Data Encryption (WEP) settings of the

Access Point, proceed as follows.

• Data Encryption (WEP) at selected Access Point is
enabled

Enter the encryption key (WEP key) in the “Network key” field.
(The input is shown only as asterisks.) For verification, the same
string must be entered once more in the “Confirm network key”
field.

26

• Data Encryption (WEP) at selected Access Point is
disabled

Select the “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network,
even though it is not secure” check box. (For security reasons,
enabling data encryption is recommended.)

5 Click “Connect”.

Connection to the Access Point is established.
If the Access Point has already been configured, the setup procedure is

now complete.
If you want to change the Access Point settings, refer to the manuals of

the Access Point for information on how to proceed.

Getting started

Note

To use an Access Point to connect to the Internet, you must change the Access Point
default settings.

z Hint

For additional information on the wireless network capabilities of the Windows XP
operating system, refer to Windows XP “Help and Support”. (Click “Start”, and
click “Help and Support”, enter “wireless” into the Search field, and click the green
arrow icon.) You may also wish to consult the Windows XP operating system
documentation.

27

Removing the Wireless LAN PC Card and Precautions When Inserting it

This section explains how to remove the Wireless LAN PC Card and
outlines precautions when inserting the card in a computer with two card
slots arranged one above the other.

z Hint

You do not need to turn off your computer when you insert or remove the Wireless LAN
PC Card.

To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card

1 Quit any software accessing the wireless LAN (e.g. Internet

Explorer).

2 Click on your Windows operating system taskbar.
3 Click “Safely remove Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”

or “Stop Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” on the
shortcut menu that appears.

If your computer has two PC Card slots

Notes

• When using a computer which has two PC Card slots arranged vertically (one above the
other), 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.

• If you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a slot other than the one you usually use,
the computer treats the card as a new device and automatically begins installing device
drivers for it. Completing the driver installation makes it possible to use the Wireless
LAN PC Card in that slot. Installation is performed automatically by the installation
wizard. (For instructions on how to uninstall the Wireless LAN PC Card driver, see
page 50.)

z Hint

If you are using the Windows Me or Windows 2000 operating system, you can register up
to 32 networks for each PC card slot. However, you have to register each network
individually. You cannot share the settings across slots.

28

Checking the communication status

Checking the wireless signal strength

The communication status is shown by the signal level indicator on your
Windows operating system taskbar.

Signal level indicator

Meaning of indicator appearance

Excellent

Good

Poor

Out of range

Wireless LAN connection

Card not inserted
(Wireless LAN PC Card is not inserted or not

recognized correctly)
Peer to Peer

(Communicating in Peer to Peer Network connection
mode)

Checking network information

To obtain information about the network to which you are connected,
proceed as follows.

Double-click the signal level indicator on your Windows operating system
taskbar.

The Wireless Panel main screen appears, and information about the
network connection is shown. For details, refer to the Wireless Panel Help.

29

Using the Wireless Panel

The Wireless Panel is a software application that shows information about
the communication status of the computer connected to the wireless
network. Normally, the Wireless Panel runs in the background and only
shows the radio signal condition by means of the signal level indicator on
your Windows operating system taskbar. The main screen of the Wireless
Panel contains more detailed information. When running under operating
systems other than Windows XP, communication setup and network
switching are also performed using the Wireless Panel.

Notes

• To use the Wireless Panel under the Windows 2000 operating system to modify
communication settings, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. You
cannot modify settings when logged on with any other account.

• On a computer running the Windows XP operating system, communication setup and
network switching are not performed with the Wireless Panel but with built-in
functions of the Windows XP operating system. However, the Wireless Panel can be
used to check the communication status.

Opening the Wireless Panel

To open the Wireless Panel, proceed as follows.

30

Double-click the signal level indicator on your Windows operating
system taskbar.

The Wireless Panel appears.

z Hints

• For information on the signal level indicator, see “Checking the wireless signal
strength” on page 29.

• When you move the mouse pointer over an item in the Wireless Panel screen, a short
description of that item appears.

• For details about how to use Wireless Panel, refer to the Wireless Panel Help. For
details about how to access Help, see page 10.

Manually installing, verifying, and removing the supplied software

Installing the Wireless LAN PC Card driver manually

Notes

• To install the supplied software on a computer running the Windows 2000 operating
system, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. To install the supplied
software on a computer running the Windows XP operating system, 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.

• Exit all other Windows operating system programs.

1 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your

computer.

2 In the Easy Installation Wizard dialog box, click “Exit”.
3 If your computer has only one PC card slot and it is currently

used, copy the “Driver” folder from the supplied CD-ROM to
the hard disk of your computer before inserting the Wireless
LAN PC Card.

The following explanation assumes that a folder called “temp” was
created on drive C and that the data was copied to this folder.

Additional information

4 Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot of the

computer.

5 Install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver.

The actual procedure differs slightly, depending on whether you are
using the Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating
system. See the section specific to your operating system.

31

Windows Me operating system:

1 Select “Specify the location of the driver” and click “Next”.

2 Select the “Specify a location” check box.

32

3 Click “Browse” and specify the location of the driver in the

dialog box that appears.

z Hint

If the “Driver” folder from the CD-ROM has been copied to the “temp” folder on
drive C, enter “C:\temp\Driver\WinMe”.

4 Click “OK”.

Additional information

5 Click “Next”.

33

6 Click “Next”.

The driver is installed.

7 Click “Finish”.

34

Restart the computer.

Windows 2000 operating system:

1 Click “Next”.

2 Select “Search for a suitable driver for my device” and click

“Next”.

3 Select the “Specify a location” check box and click “Next”.

Additional information

4 Click “Browse” and specify the location of the driver in the

dialog box.

z Hint

If the “Driver” folder from the CD-ROM has been copied to the “temp” folder on
drive C, enter “C:\temp\Driver\WinXP2K”.

5 Click “OK”.

35

6 Click “Next”.

The driver is installed.

7 Click “Finish”.

36

Windows XP operating system:

1 Select “Install from a list or specific location” and click

“Next”.

2 Select the “Include this location in the search” check box

and click “Browse”.

Additional information

37

3 In the dialog box that appears, select the folder that

contains the driver and click “OK”.

z Hint

If the “Driver” folder from the CD-ROM has been copied to the “temp” folder on
drive C, select “C:temp\Driver\WinXP2K”.

4 Click “OK”.

38

5 Click “Next”.

6 Click “Finish”.

Installing the Wireless Panel manually

Note

When using the Windows 2000 operating system, log on with a user account listed in
“Administrators”. When using the Windows XP operating system, log on with a user
account with administrator access privileges.

Before installation

Additional information

• Install the Access Point and connect it to a power outlet when using the

Access Point Network connection mode.

• Complete installation of the Wireless LAN PC Card driver. (See page 31)

• Exit all other Windows operating system programs.

1 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your

computer.

2 In the Easy Installation Wizard dialog box, click “Exit”.
3 If your computer has only one PC card slot and it is currently

used, copy the “WPanel” folder from the supplied CD-ROM
to the hard disk of your computer before inserting the
Wireless LAN PC Card.

The following explanation assumes that a folder called “temp” was
created on drive C and that the data was copied to this folder.

39

4 Go to the “WPanel” folder copied from the CD-ROM and

double-click “Setup.exe”.

Depending on your computer’s settings, the file name “Setup.exe” may
be displayed as “Setup”. If there are multiple files named “Setup” in
the same folder, double-click the one with the following icon.

5 Click “Next”.
6 The “License Agreement” dialog box appears. Click “Yes” to

accept.

The “Choose Destination Location” dialog box appears.

7 Click “Next”.

The Wireless Panel software is installed.

8 Click “Finish”.

Once Wireless Panel is installed, appears on your Windows operating
system taskbar.

40

If you installed Wireless Panel manually, see the following for details about
how to connect to the Access Point.

• With the Windows Me and Windows 2000 operating systems, see
“Connecting to the Access Point with Wireless Panel (Windows Me/2000
operating system)” on page 41.

• With the Windows XP operating system, see “Making Access Point
Connection Settings” on page 20.

Connecting to the Access Point with Wireless Panel (Windows Me/2000 operating system)

1 Double-click on your Windows operating system taskbar.

The Wireless Panel screen appears.

2 Click the “Network List” tab, select a wireless network from

the list, and click “Register”.

The “Registering Network” dialog box appears.

3 If data encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point,

select the “WEP” check box, enter the encryption key in the
“Key” box, and then confirm it by entering it again in the
“Confirm key” box.

Additional information

4 Click “Connect”.

The Wireless LAN PC Card connects to the Access Point.

41

Verifying Wireless LAN PC Card driver installation

To verify that the Wireless LAN PC Card driver has been installed
properly, perform the following steps.

Windows Me operating system:

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

z Hint

If the “System” icon is not shown, select “View all Control Panel options”.

3 Click the “Device Manager” tab.
4 Click “View devices by type”.
5 Double-click “Network adapters”.

42

6 Double-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”.

The “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter Properties” dialog box
appears.

Note

The Wireless LAN PC Card is not working properly in the following cases:

•“Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” is shown with an “X” or “!” symbol.
c Click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” and click “Remove” to uninstall

the driver. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Network Adapters” does not display “Sony 802.11g Wireless
LAN Adapter”.

c Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Other devices” displays “Ethernet Controller”.
c Click “Ethernet Controller”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver. Repeat

the installation process.

Additional information

7 Confirm that the message “This device is working properly.”

is displayed under “Device status”.

Note

If “This device is working properly.” is not shown, the Wireless LAN PC Card is not
working correctly. Perform steps 1 - 5, click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN
Adapter”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver. After uninstalling, restart the
computer and repeat the installation process.

43

8 Click “OK” to close the “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter

Properties” dialog box.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

9 Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

10

Click to close Control Panel.

If the computer you are using incorporates another Ethernet interface
besides the Wireless LAN PC Card, disable the other interface as follows.

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

z Hint

If the “System” icon is not shown, select “View all Control Panel options”.

3 Click the “Device Manager” tab and double-click “Network

adapters”.

44

4 Double-click the network adapter to disable.
5 Click the “General” tab, then select the “Disable in this

hardware profile” check box.

6 Click “OK” to close the Properties dialog box for the network

adapter to disable.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

7 Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

8 Click to close Control Panel.

Windows 2000 operating system:

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

3 Click the “Hardware” tab, then click “Device Manager”.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

4 In the “View” menu, click “Devices by type”.
5 Double-click “Network adapters”.
6 Double-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”.

The “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter Properties” dialog box
appears.

Additional information

45

Note

The Wireless LAN PC Card is not working properly in the following cases:

•“Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” is shown with an “X” or “!” symbol.
c Right-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” and click “Remove” to

uninstall the driver. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Network Adapters” does not display “Sony 802.11g Wireless
LAN Adapter”.

c Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Other devices” displays “Ethernet Controller”.
c Right-click “Ethernet Controller”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver.

Repeat the installation process.

7 Confirm that the message “This device is working properly.”

is displayed under “Device status”.

Note

If “This device is working properly.” is not shown, the Wireless LAN PC Card is not
working correctly. Perform steps 1 - 5, right-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN
Adapter”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver. After uninstalling, restart the
computer and repeat the installation process.

8 Click “OK” to close the “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter

Properties” dialog box.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

46

9 Click to close the “Device Manager” window.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

10

Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

11

Click to close Control Panel.

If the computer you are using incorporates another Ethernet interface
besides the Wireless LAN PC Card, disable the other interface as follows.

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Network and Dial-

up Connections”.

The “Network and Dial-up Connections” window appears.

2 Select the network adapter to disable.
3 On the “File” menu, click “Disable”.

4 Click to close the “Network and Dial-up Connections”

window.

Windows XP operating system:

1 Click “Start” and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

Additional information

z Hint

If the “System” icon is not displayed, click “Switch to Classic View”.

3 Click the “Hardware” tab, then click “Device Manager”.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

4 On the “View” menu, click “Devices by type”.
5 Double-click “Network adapters”.

47

6 Double-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”.

The “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter Properties” dialog box
appears.

Note

The Wireless LAN PC Card is not working properly in the following cases:

•“Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” is shown with an “X” or “!” symbol.
c Right-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter” and click “Remove” to

uninstall the driver. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Network Adapters” does not display “Sony 802.11g Wireless
LAN Adapter”.

c Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card. Then repeat the installation process.

• Double-clicking “Other devices” displays “Ethernet Controller”.
c Right-click “Ethernet Controller”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver.

Repeat the installation process.

48

7 Confirm that the message “This device is working properly.”

is displayed under “Device status”.

Note

If “This device is working properly.” is not shown, the Wireless LAN PC Card is not
working correctly. Perform steps 1 - 5, right-click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN
Adapter”, then click “Remove” to uninstall the driver. After uninstalling, restart the
computer and repeat the installation process.

8 Click “OK” to close the “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter

Properties” dialog box.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

9 Click to close the “Device Manager” window.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

10

Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

11

Click to close Control Panel.

If the computer you are using incorporates another Ethernet interface
besides the Wireless LAN PC Card, disable the other interface as follows.

1 On the “Start” menu, click “Control Panel”, and double-click

“Network Connections”.

The “Network Connections” window appears.

Note

If “Network Connections” is not displayed, click “Switch to Classic View” on the
left of Control Panel.

Additional information

2 From “LAN or high-speed Internet”, select the network

adapter to disable.

3 On the “File” menu, click “Disable”.
4 Click to close the “Network Connections” window.

49

Uninstalling the Wireless LAN PC Card driver

To uninstall the Wireless LAN PC Card driver, proceed as follows.

z Hint

For information on how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver, see page 31.

Windows Me operating system:

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

z Hint

If the “System” icon is not shown, select “View all Control Panel options”.

3 Click the “Device Manager” tab.
4 Click “View devices by type”.

50

5 Double-click “Network adapters”.
6 Click “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”, then click

“Remove”.

The “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box appears.

7 Click “OK” to uninstall.

The message “To finish removing your hardware, you must restart
your computer. Do you want to restart your computer now?” appears.

8 Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card from its slot, then click

“Yes”.

The computer restarts. This completes uninstallation of the driver.

Windows 2000 operating system:

Notes

• With the Windows 2000 operating system, only users with administrator access
privileges can uninstall drivers. Log on to the Windows 2000 operating system with a
user account listed in “Administrators”.

• Exit all programs before running the uninstall process.

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

3 Click the “Hardware” tab, then click “Device Manager”.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

4 On the “View” menu, click “Devices by type”.

Additional information

5 Double-click “Network adapters”, and double-click “Sony

802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”.

The “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter Properties” dialog box
appears.

6 Click the “Driver” tab, then click “Uninstall”.

The “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box appears.

7 Click “OK”.

The Device Manager window appears.

8 Click to close the “Device Manager” window.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

51

9 Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

10

Click to close Control Panel.

Windows XP operating system:

Notes

• With the Windows XP operating system, only users with administrator access privileges
can uninstall drivers. Log on to the Windows XP operating system with a user account
with administrator access privileges.

• Exit all programs before running the uninstall process.

1 Click “Start” and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “System” icon.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

z Hint

If the “System” icon is not displayed, click “Switch to Classic View”.

52

3 Click the “Hardware” tab, then click “Device Manager”.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

4 On the “View” menu, click “Devices by type”.
5 Double-click “Network adapters”, and Double-click “Sony

802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter”.

The “Sony 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter Properties” dialog box
appears.

6 Click the “Driver” tab, then click “Uninstall”.

The “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box appears.

7 Click “OK”.

The Device Manager window appears.

8 Click to close the Device Manager window.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

9 Click “OK” to close the “System Properties” dialog box.

Control Panel appears.

10

Click to close Control Panel.

Uninstalling the Wireless Panel

To uninstall the Wireless Panel, proceed as follows.

Note

Exit the Wireless Panel with the icon on your Windows operating system taskbar before
proceeding.

z Hint

For information on how to install the Wireless Panel, see page 39.

Windows Me operating system:

Note

Exit all programs before running the uninstall process.

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “Add/Remove Programs” icon.

The “Add/Remove Programs Properties” dialog box appears.

Additional information

3 Select “Wireless Panel” and click “Add/Remove”.

The “Confirm File Deletion” dialog box appears.

4 Click “OK”.

The software uninstall process is carried out.

5 Click “Finish”.

The uninstall process is complete.

53

Windows 2000 operating system:

Notes

• With the Windows 2000 operating system, only users with administrator access
privileges can uninstall software. Log on to the Windows 2000 operating system with a
user account listed in “Administrators”.

• Exit all programs before running the uninstall process.

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “Add/Remove Programs” icon.

The “Add/Remove Programs” dialog box appears.

3 Select “Wireless Panel” and click “Change/Remove”.

The “Confirm File Deletion” dialog box appears.

4 Click “OK”.

The software uninstall process is carried out, and then the InstallShield
completion dialog box appears.

54

5 Click “Finish”.

The uninstall process is complete.

Windows XP operating system:

Notes

• With the Windows XP operating system, only users with administrator access privileges
can uninstall software. Log on to the Windows XP operating system with a user account
with administrator access privileges.

• Exit all programs before running the uninstall process.

1 Click “Start” and click “Control Panel”.

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click the “Add or Remove Programs” icon.

The “Add or Remove Programs” window appears.

z Hint

If the “Add or Remove Programs” icon is not displayed, click “Switch to Classic
View”.

3 Select “Wireless Panel” and click “Change/Remove”.

The “Confirm File Deletion” dialog box appears.

4 Click “OK”.

The software uninstall process is carried out, and then the maintenance
completion dialog box appears.

5 Click “Finish”.

The uninstall process is complete.

Additional information

55

Precautions

Safety

Do not drop or cause a mechanical shock
to the Wireless LAN PC Card, as this may
damage the unit.

Installation

Do not expose the Wireless LAN PC Card
to the following conditions:

• Unstable surfaces

• High humidity or poor ventilation

• Excessive dust

• Direct sunlight or extreme heat

• Closed cars

• Magnetized location (near magnets,

speakers, or televisions)

• Locations exposed to frequent vibration

• Locations where the transmission of

radio waves may be obstructed by metal
plates or concrete walls

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 benzene as it may damage the
finish of the casing.

Operation

If the Wireless LAN PC Card is moved
directly from a cold location to a warm
locations, or if it is placed in a very damp
environment, moisture may condense on
the parts inside. The Wireless LAN PC
Card may not operate properly if moisture
condensation occurs.

56

Specifications

Getting help

Protocol support

TCP/IP compliant

Standard compliance

IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g

Radio frequency

2.4 GHz wireless network:

2.4 to 2.4835 GHz (ISM band)

Modulation

DS-SS
OFDM

General

Power requirements

3.3 V DC (supplied from the computer
through the PC card adapter)

Current

Peak current at transmission: 700 mA
Peak current at reception: 370 mA

Connector

PC Card Card Type II (Card Bus)

Dimensions

Approx. 2.2 × 0.2 × 3.6 inches
(Approx. 54 × 5 × 91 mm) (W × H × D)
(Antenna height: 0.55 inches (Approx. 14 mm))

Mass

Approx. 1.4 oz. (Approx. 40 g)

Operating temperature

41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) (not condensed)

Environment temperature

–4°F to 140°F (–20°C to 60°C) (not condensed)

Supplied accessories

See “Unpacking” on page 12.

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

This section describes how to get help and
support from Sony, as well as
troubleshooting tips for your Wireless
LAN PC Card.

About Sony’s Support Options

Sony provides several support options for
your Wireless LAN PC Card.

❒Operating Instructions explains

how to use your Wireless LAN PC
Card.

❒Quick Start Guide explains how to

install software required to use the
Wireless LAN PC Card (IEEE 802.11g:

2.4 GHz/54 Mbps) PCWA-C300S. The
document also contains answers to
frequently asked questions and common
problems.

❒Wireless Panel Online Help is the

Online Help of the supplied Wireless
Panel utility software. Refer to it for
instructions on how to use the software.

❒The Sony Wireless LAN products

support Web site
http://www.sony.com/
wirelesslansupport provides the

latest information on your Wireless
LAN products.

❒The Sony e-mail support service

answers your questions by electronic
mail. Just send your question in an
e-mail message and a customer service
representative will reply. To send a
question to Sony e-mail support, fill out
the e-mail form at

http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/
support/pc/email.html

Additional information

57

❒The Sony fax-back service provides

you with answers to commonly asked
questions. You can use this automated
service to request a list of available
topics then select the topics you want to
receive. To contact the Sony fax-back
service, call 1-877-760-7669.

❒The Sony Customer Information

Services Center offers information

about your Wireless LAN products and
other Sony products that work with your
computer. To contact the Sony
Customer Information Services Center,
call 1-877-760-7669.

Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Glossary

Access Point (Infrastructure)
Network mode

A method of building a wireless network
using one or more Access Points. For
details, see “Capabilities” on page 5.

Channel

A part of the frequency spectrum to be
used for wireless communication.

Only client computers and Access Points
set to the same channel can communicate
with each other.

Client

A computer connected to a LAN (Local
Area Network). Also may be called a
client computer.

58

DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol)

DHCP lets network administrators centrally
manage and automate assignment of client
computer IP addresses.

DNS (Domain Name System)

A system that translates host names into
IP addresses.

Networks that use the TCP/IP protocol,
such as the Internet, use a set of numbers
like 192.168.0.1 (IP address) to identify a
computer. However, since the IP address
is hard to memorize, DNS was developed
to allow a name like “www.sony.com” to
identify a computer for convenience. DNS
servers manage these translations from
host names into IP addresses.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network which is accessible only to its
members, unlike the Internet which is
open to an unlimited number of people. A
LAN may be built for different purposes.
For example, you can build an office LAN
that is accessible only to members of the
same department or a home LAN that is
accessible only to family members.

Network Name (SSID)

A wireless LAN group identifier
according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.
SSID stands for “Service Set ID”. The
Network Name can be set individually for
each Access Point and Peer to Peer
Network to connect to. When roaming
among multiple Access Points is used, all
Access Points must be configured for the
same Network Name (SSID) and WEP
encryption key.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol)

TCP/IP is the network communications
protocol that is used to communicate over
the Internet. TCP is a connection-oriented
protocol for establishing reliable,
sequenced data transfer. TCP ensures that
data reaches its destination.

IP assembles and addresses data packets
for transmission to their network
destinations.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Additional information

A network that interconnects remote
LANs through the Internet or telephone
lines.

59

Troubleshooting

Read the Troubleshooting section of this guide before calling Sony
Customer Information Services. If you still cannot resolve your issue after
reading this section, call Sony Customer Information Services.

Symptom Cause/Remedy

My computer does not
detect the Wireless
LAN PC Card.

I cannot see other
computers.

I cannot access the
Internet.

The Wireless LAN PC Card may not be properly inserted
into the PC card slot of your computer.

c Check that the Wireless LAN PC Card is inserted in the

proper direction, then push it in as far as it will go.

You did not enter a password when your Windows operating
system started.

c Make sure that you enter a user name and appropriate

password when you log on to your Windows operating

system.
Windows settings are incorrect.
c Check your Windows operating system network settings.
If there are no other computers on the network to which you

are connected, no other computer is displayed.
The Access Point is not connected.
c Follow the instructions in the Access Point Operating

Instructions to connect it properly.
The Wireless LAN PC Card may not be inserted into your

computer.
c See the instructions on page 17 of this manual to insert it

properly.
Communication between the Access Point and your

computer are not established.
c Check the communication status using the Wireless Panel.

For details on how to check the status, see “Checking the

communication status” (page 29).
The Access Point is not properly configured.
c Configure the Access Point with the connection method of

your choice.
Distance between computer and Access Point is too great.

The maximum allowable distance is about 150 feet in line of
sight, but this will vary depending on usage conditions.

c Check the signal level indicator on your Windows

operating system taskbar. If the level is low, bring the

computer and Access Point closer together.

60

Symptom Cause/Remedy

Data transfer speed is
slow

I cannot remember the
WEP Key.

There is interference with other Access Points.
c Try changing the Access Point channel setting.
The network is handling a large amount of simultaneous

traffic.
c Try again when the network load is lower.
Communication distance is long.
c Reduce the communication distance.
There are obstacles (objects blocking radio transmission)

within the communication range.

c Remove the obstacles or change the installation location.
c When using an Access Point, reset the Access Point to its

defaults. For further information about how to reset the
Access Point, see the Access Point Operating Instructions.

c When using a Wireless LAN PC Card in Peer to Peer

Network connection mode, delete the network settings
registered on each computer connected to the network, then
reconfigure the computer’s wireless network settings.

Additional information

61

❒ The Sony Wireless LAN products support Web site

http://www.sony.com/wirelesslansupport provides the

latest information on your Wireless LAN products.

❒ The Sony e-mail support service answers your questions

by electronic mail. Just send your question in an e-mail message
and a customer service representative will reply. To send a
question to Sony e-mail support, fill out the e-mail

http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/pc/email.html

❒ The Sony fax-back service provides you with answers to

commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service
to request a list of available topics and then select the topics you
want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-back service, call
1-877-760-7669.

❒ The Sony Customer Information Services Center offers

information about your Wireless LAN products and other Sony
products that work with your computer. To contact the Sony
Customer Information Services Center, call

1-877-760-7669.
Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile
Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in Japan

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