Sony PCWA-C800S User Manual

4-679-931-11(1)

Wireless LAN PC Card

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 equipment is made for use in USA and Canada only.

Overview

The Wireless LAN PC Card (2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g) PCWA-C800S is a wireless network PC card that allows your computer to connect to a wireless network and the Internet. With this card, you can build a wireless LAN, allowing multiple computers to communicate and exchange data without the need for a 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 the Access Point (Infrastructure) Network connection and Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) Network connection modes. 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 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or IEEE 802.11g compliant Wireless LAN Access Point (available separately) is necessary.

(2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g)

Read This First Lisez-moi en premier

PCWA-C800S

 2004 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

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 15 mm (0.59 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.

Wireless LAN security

Making security settings for the wireless LAN is extremely important. Sony assumes no responsibility for any security problems that may arise from the use of the wireless LAN.

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 Canada ont été respectées.

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 an ADSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router to the access point, your computer can access the Internet from the living room, bedroom, or any other convenient location in your home. Equipping multiple computers with Wireless LAN PC Cards also allows them to exchange files through an access point.

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 communicate with the Wireless Broadband Router PCWA-AR800. The Wireless Broadband Router is connected to the ADSL modem, allowing access to the Internet through this wireless connection.

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 a wireless LAN access point is not present.

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-C800S Serial No.______________

CAUTION

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

FCC ID: AK8PCWAC800S 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.

Only use the product indoors when using it with IEEE 802.11a (5 GHz).

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-C800S 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.

About the supplied software

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

• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the software or the software documentation 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.

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. In this document, the TM or ® marks are not specified.

• In this document, Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is referred to as Windows 2000.

• In this document, 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 document.

• This document is written based on the assumption that you are familiar with basic operations of the Windows operating system. For computer operations, refer the documentation provided with your computer.

Note

The Super A/G function cannot be used with the Peer to Peer Network connection mode.

Getting Help

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.

❒ Documentation and Help

Read This First

Wireless LAN PC Card.

Quick Start Guide explains how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C800S. Troubleshooting Guide provides solutions to the most common problems users encounter with their

Wireless LAN PC Card.

Wireless Panel Help is the Help supplied with the Wireless Panel software. Refer to it for instructions

about how to use the software.

❒ The Sony Wireless LAN products support Web site

http://www.sony.com/worelesslansupport

products.

❒ The Sony e-mail support service answers your questions by e-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

❒ The Sony fax-back service

to request a list of available topics, and then select the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony faxback 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.

(this document) contains important information that you should read before using the

provides the latest information on wireless LAN

answers frequently asked questions. You can use this automated service

Continued on next page

Documentation and Help

This product comes with the following documentation and Help.

Precautions

Specifications

❑ Read This First (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.

❑ Troubleshooting Guide

This document provides solutions to the most common problems users have with their Wireless LAN PC Card.

❑ Wireless Panel Help

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

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 software

The Wireless Panel software 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 software appears as an icon on the Windows operating system taskbar, which shows the communication status.

See the Quick Start Guide for information on how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver and the Wireless Panel software.

System Requirements

To use the supplied software, the following system requirements must be met:

❑ Windows-compatible PC:

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

❑ Operating system:

– 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

Notes

• Correct operation is not assured for all computers, even if they satisfy the above system requirements.

• Correct operation in an operating system 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 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or IEEE 802.11g compliant Wireless LAN Access Point (available separately) is necessary.

• An Internet service provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.

• Only the Windows XP operating system supports the WPA security method.

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

Operation

If the Wireless LAN PC Card is moved directly from a cold to warm location, or if it is placed in a very humid environment, condensation may occur. The Wireless LAN PC Card may not operate properly if this happens.

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.

Notes on the disc

Note the following to protect the data stored on the disc.

• If the edge of the label on the disc is off the disc surface or the label is not sticky enough to stay on the disc surface, the label may stick to the interior of the disc drive and cause a malfunction of your computer. Make sure that the label is properly affixed to the disc surface before using the disc. Sony assumes no liability for any malfunction of your computer or damage to the media caused by improper labeling. Please thoroughly read instruction notes of your label software and label sheets.

• Do not touch the playback surface of the disc (the surface on which nothing is printed).

• Do not scratch the disc.

• Do not place the disc in a location subject to high humidity, high temperatures, direct sunlight, or excessive dust.

• Take care not to spill any liquid on the disc.

• Return the disc to its case when not in use to prevent data damage.

• Use an oil-based felt pen when writing on the disc.

Protocol support

TCP/IP compliant

Standard compliance

IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g

Radio frequency

IEEE 802.11a emits at 5,150 to 5,350 MHz IEEE 802.11b/g emit at 2,400 to 2,483.5 MHz (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: 540 mA Peak current at reception: 330 mA

Connector

PC Card Card Type II (CardBus)

Operating temperature

41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) (temperature gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour)

Operating humidity

20% to 80% (non condensing), provided that humidity is less than 20% at 140°F (60°C) (hygrometer reading at less than 84°F (29°C)).

Storage temperature

–4°F to 140°F (–20°C to 60°C) (temperature gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour)

Storage humidity

10% to 90% (non condensing), provided that humidity is less than 20% at 140°F (60°C) (hygrometer reading at less than 95°F (35°C)).

Dimensions

Approx. 2.1 × 0.2 × 3.6 in. (W × H × D) (approx. 54 × 5 × 91 mm) (antenna height: 0.55 in. (approx. 14 mm))

Mass

Approx. 1.4 oz. (approx. 40 g)

Supplied accessories

• Wireless LAN PC Card

• CD-ROM

• Read This First (this document)

• Quick Start Guide

• Troubleshooting Guide

• Warranty Card

Wireless LAN PC Card Precautions

Because of the particular shape of the PCWA-C800S, it may not be possible to insert it into all computers.

• The PCWA-C800S 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-C800S into the PC card slot, you cannot fully insert the PCWA-C800S into the slot.

The antenna is obstructed. The PCWA-C800S cannot be fully inserted.

Computer

Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C800S

• If the PC card slot of your computer is more than 3.3 in. (85 mm) in length, you cannot fully insert the PCWA-C800S into the slot.

The PC card slot is longer than

3.3 in. (85 mm). The PCWA-C800S cannot be fully inserted.

Computer

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The Super A/G and Turbo Mode functions of the PCWA-C800S are supported by the Wireless Broadband Router PCWA-AR800. Compatibility of the Super A/G and Turbo Mode functions with third party access points is not guaranteed.

Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C800S

For details, visit

http://www.sony.com/wirelesslansupport