Sony PCWA-C100 User manual

Operating Instructions
Wireless LAN PC Card
PCWA-C100
For Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP Home Editon
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP Professional
Users
4-658-604-11(1)
© 2001 Sony Corporation

2
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located at the
back side. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to them whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. PCWA-C100
Serial No.______________
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your warranty.
FCC ID: IMRWLPCE24H
Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.
The radiated output power of the Wireless LAN
PC Card* is far below the FCC radio frequency
exposure limits.
Nevertheless, the Wireless LAN PC Card* shall
be used in such a manner that the potential for
human contact during normal operation is
minimized.
* FCC ID of the Wireless LAN PC Card is
IMRWLPCE24H.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio or communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
This device compiles with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
NOTE:
Install and connect the Access Point by following
descriptions in its Operating Instructions manual
before using it.
About the supplied software
SUPPLIED SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED
PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE END
USER LICENSE AGREEMENT.
• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the
software or the software manual in whole or in
part, or renting the software without the
permission of the copyright holder.
• In no event will SONY be liable for any
financial damage or loss of profits, including
claims made by third parties, arising out of the
use of the software supplied with this product.
• In the event a problem occurs with this software
as a result of defective manufacturing, SONY
will replace it at SONY’s option or issue a
refund; however, SONY bears no other
responsibility.
• The software provided with this product cannot
be used with equipment other than that which is
designated for use with.
• Please note that, due to continued efforts to
improve quality, the software specifications
may be changed without notice.

3
Program © 2000 2001 Sony Corporation,
© 2000 Lucent Technologies, Copyright 1998 by
Carnegie Mellon University.
CMU DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH
REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, IN NO
EVENT SHALL CMU BE LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF
USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN
ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR
OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT
OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
Documentation © 2001 Sony Corporation
Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo are trademarks of
Sony Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Me, and Windows
NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States of America and
other countries.
MMX and Pentium are registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their
respective owners.
Safety Information
WARNING
• Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could
lead to damages that are not covered by the
guarantee.
• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
your Sony Wireless LAN PC Card to rain or
moisture.
NOTES:
• The Sony supplied software may show screens
slightly different from those included in this
manual.
• This manual is written based on the assumption
that you are familiar with basic operations of
the Windows operating system. For computer
operations, refer to manuals that come with
your computer.
• In this manual, Microsoft Windows 98 Second
Edition is referred to as Windows 98 Second
Edition.
• In this manual, Microsoft Windows Me is
referred to as Windows Me.
• In this manual, Microsoft Windows XP
Professional and Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition are referred to as Windows XP.

4
NOTES:
• The illustrations in this manual may differ
from the actual software.
• Explanations in this manual assume that
you are familiar with basic operations of
Windows. For how to use your computer
and operating system, please refer to their
respective manuals.
Table of contents
Overview ............................................... 5
What you can do with your Wireless
LAN PC Card ................................ 5
Task flow....................................... 7
System requirements ..................... 8
About this manual.................................. 9
Opening the Help files .................. 9
Unpacking............................................ 11
Getting started
Indicators ............................................. 12
Inserting the Wireless LAN
PC Card........................................... 13
To remove the Wireless LAN
PC Card ....................................... 14
Software setup
Setting up the connection environment.. 15
To establish communication with
the Access Point .......................... 15
To set the computer name and
workgroup ................................... 17
Installing software ............................... 19
Registering your Wireless LAN
Access Point/ Wireless LAN PC
Card ............................................. 20
To modify the installed
software ....................................... 20
To start the software.................... 21
To uninstall software...................21
Wireless LAN connection
Verifying communication with the
Access Point.................................... 23
Setting up the Access Point ................. 24
Phone mode
(PCWA-A100 only) .................... 27
Cable Modem, LAN, and
Local Only................................... 28
DSL Modem (PPPoE) mode ....... 29
Transferring files using drag and drop
(WirelessCapsule) ........................... 31
Operation on the sending
computer...................................... 31
Operation on the receiving
computer...................................... 33
Connecting to the Internet ................... 34
Phone mode
(PCWA-A100 only) .................... 34
LAN (ISDN Router).................... 35
Cable Modem/DSL Modem
(PPPoE) ....................................... 36
Additional information
Confirm your Access Point
firmware version ............................. 37
Precautions .......................................... 38
Safety........................................... 38
Installation................................... 38
Operation..................................... 38
Cleaning ...................................... 38
Specifications ...................................... 39
Getting Help ........................................ 39
Glossary ............................................... 40
Troubleshooting................................... 42
Limited Warranty Statement ............... 45

5
Overview
What you can do with your Wireless LAN PC Card
You can build a Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) using the Wireless
LAN PC Card, PCWA-C100. The Wireless LAN PC Card can be used with
or without the Wireless LAN Access Point, PCWA-A100/A200
(hereinafter referred to as the Access Point). With the Access Point, you
can build a wireless LAN between multiple computers that are equipped
with the Wireless LAN PC Card and gain access to the Internet. You can
achieve direct communication (Peer to Peer mode) between computers
without using the Access Point.
zTip
Although you can connect up to 49 client computers to a wireless LAN, the maximum
recommended number is 16 or less.
Communication through the Access Point
Direct communication between computers (Peer to Peer mode)
zTip
For details about peer-to-peer connections with Windows XP, see the
Wireless Palette Help or Windows Help.

6
About the supplied software
The Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following software:
•Wireless Palette:
You can see the status of communications between the computer
mounted with the Wireless LAN PC Card and the Access Point, and
transfer files using this software.
•Basic Access Point Setup Utility (Basic Setup Utility):
You can set up the Access Point for Internet access. This dialog-driven
utility covers basic setups for Internet access.
•Custom Access Point Setup Utility (Custom Setup Utility):
You can make advanced configurations of the Access Point. You can
specify optional features for Internet access with this utility.
•Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility:
This is the software for upgrading Access Point firmware.
If you are using an old version, some functions will be unavailable. For
example, the DSL Modem (PPPoE) mode cannot be selected, and
roaming cannot be used. In this case, it is recommended that you
upgrade both your Access Point firmware and Wireless LAN Utility.
See page 37 for how to check the version. For procedures for upgrading
the Access Point firmware, see the Access Point Firmware Upgrade
Utility Help.

7
Task flow
To build a wireless LAN environment, you must configure both the Access
Point and the Wireless LAN PC Card.
Required tasks depend on the state of your Access Point and Wireless LAN
PC Card. The table below lists the states of the Access Point and Wireless
LAN PC Card, and the tasks required for building a wireless LAN
environment.
*1 See “Connections” on page 13 in the Access Point Operating Instructions manual.
*2 See “Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card” on page 13 and following sections in this
manual.
*3 See “To establish communication with the Access Point” on page 15 and succeeding
sections in this manual. For further information, see the Wireless Palette Help file.
*4 See “To set up the computer name and workgroup” on page 17 in this manual.
*5 See “Installing software” on page 19 in this manual.
*6 See “Setting up the Access Point” on page 24 and following sections in this manual.
1. Connect the Access Point.
(*1)
2. Insert the Wireless LAN
PC Card into a computer.
(*2)
3. Establish communication
with the Access Point.
(*3)
4. Set up the computer name
of your computer. (*4)
5. Install the software. (*5)
6. Configure the Access
Point using the Basic
Setup Utility. (*6)
1. Insert the Wireless LAN
PC Card into a computer.
(*2)
2. Establish communication
with the Access Point.
(*3)
3. Set up the computer name
of your computer. (*4)
4. Install the software. (*5)
1. Connect the Access Point.
(*1)
2. Establish communication
with the Access Point.
(*3)
3. Configure the Access
Point using the Basic
Setup Utility. (*6)
• To communicate with an
Access Point previously
used in another wireless
LAN environment from a
computer containing the
Wireless LAN PC Card.
1. Establish communication
with the Access Point.
(*3)
Access
Point
New
In use
Wireless LAN PC Card
New In use

8
System requirements
•A computer satisfying the following requirements.
CPU: MMX®Pentium®233 MHz and above
RAM: With Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, or Windows
2000:
64 MB or more
With Windows XP:
128 MB or more
CD-ROM drive
Default built-in PCMCIA Type II slot
•Operating system: For best results, use a computer with one of the
preinstalled operating systems below.
–Windows 98 Second Edition, English version
–Windows Me, English version
–Windows 2000, English version
–Windows XP, English version
(Does not operate under the Windows 98, 95 or 3.1 versions or under the
Windows NT version. Operation is not guaranteed under all upgraded
environments. This does not apply to computers upgraded to Windows
XP with a valid upgrade from your computer maker.)
•Display: SVGA (800 ×600 pixels) and above, [supports High Color (16
bit) and above]
Notes
•We do not assure trouble-free operation for all computers satisfying the
system requirements.
•The Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A100/A200 is required to gain
access to the Internet.
•An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.

9
About this manual
Note
When using the Access Point, connect and configure the Access Point as
explained in the operating instructions included with the Wireless LAN
Access Point.
This manual explains the operation of the Wireless LAN PC Card and the
installation and setup of the supplied software. For details on using the
Wireless Palette and the Custom Access Point Setup Utility software
supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card, refer to the software's Help files.
The Wireless LAN PC Card has three Help files:
•Wireless Palette Help
•Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help
•Upgrade Manual
The Upgrade Manual explains procedures for upgrading the Access
Point's firmware, the Wireless LAN PC Card Driver, and the Basic/
Custom Access Point Setup Utility.
Opening the Help files
•Wireless Palette Help
–With the Wireless Palette running, click the Wireless Palette icon
(reception level indicator icon) on the taskbar, and select Help from the
menu displayed.
•Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help
–Start the Custom Access Point Setup Utility, and click Help.
•Upgrade Manual (Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility Help)
–Start the Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility, and click Help.

10
Selecting a topic from the contents
From the Contents list, select the desired topic.
Searching using a Keyword
1To search using a Keyword, select the Index tab from the
Help dialog box.
The Keyword list appears.
2Enter the keyword you want to apply, or scroll down the
Keyword list.
3Select a topic, then click Display.
Topics related to the Keyword appear.

11
Unpacking
Your Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items.
•Wireless LAN PC Card
•PC card case
•CD-ROM (Setup disc)
•Operating Instructions
•END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
•Other printed materials

12
Indicators
12
1DATA indicator
Lights while data exchange is in progress.
2LINK indicator
Lights while your computer is connected to the wireless LAN.
Description on the indicators
DATA LINK Description
Flashing (green) Lit (green) Normal communications.
Fast Flashing Lit (green) Peer to Peer mode
(green)
Off Lit (green) The PC card is powered, but no
communication is taking place.
Flashing at 10 sec intervals The PC card is operating, but no connection
is established.
Off The PC card is powered off.

13
Getting started
To the PC card slot.
Insert the card
in the direction
of the arrow.
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
This section explains how to insert and remove the Wireless LAN PC Card
from your computer.
You do not need to turn off your computer when inserting the Wireless
LAN PC Card.
1Remove the PC card slot protector from the computer.
(Some computers contain the PC card slot protector to prevent damage
to the slot while not in use.)
2Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the PC card slot.
Push the Wireless LAN PC Card into the slot until it is firmly seated.
Inserting the card will extend the eject button.
If the card does not fit easily, do not force it in. Take the card out and
try reinserting.
Notes
•Do not install the PC Card Driver that is included in the 1WinMe, 2Win2k or 3Win98
folder of the CD-ROM supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card. Windows XP has a
suitable device driver for the Wireless LAN PC Card, and it is automatically installed
when you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into your computer.
•If your computer has two PC card slots, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the top
slot. Inserting it into the bottom slot blocks the top slot with its antenna.
•Before using the Wireless LAN PC Card, turn off System Suspend mode or System
Hibernation mode using the PowerPanel software.
•While the computer is in System Suspend mode or System Hibernation mode, the
Wireless LAN PC Card may not be recognized when it is removed and reinserted.

14
To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card
1Close the software that uses the Wireless LAN.
2Stop PC Card Services on the taskbar.
3Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card, following the
instructions in your computer's manual.

15
Software setup
Setting up the connection environment
Perform the following procedure to set up a wireless LAN environment
with the Access Point.
1Establish communication with Access Point (page 15).
Register the Access Point on each computer in the wireless LAN and
establish wireless communication with the Access Point. (Make
settings 1 to 4 on every computer in the wireless LAN).
2Set the computer name and workgroup name (page 17).
Set the computer name and workgroup name for every computer used
in the wireless LAN.
3Install the software (page 19).
Install the required software.
4Verify communication with the Access Point (page 23).
Use Wireless Palette to verify communication with the Access Point.
5Make the Access Point settings (page 24).
Use the Basic Setup Utility or Custom Setup Utility to make the
Access Point settings. Make these settings from any one of the
computers in the wireless LAN.
To establish communication with the Access Point
On every computer you want to connect to the wireless LAN, establish
communication with the Access Point.
Before establishing a wireless LAN environment:

16
• Check the six-digit Access Point ID on the bottom surface of the Access
Point.
• Install and connect the Access Point. (Refer to the Access Point
Operating Instructions manual.)
• Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the computer.
Note
Make sure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is
checked. This option is checked by default.
To Select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network
settings:
1From the start menu, click Control Panel, and then double-click
Network Connections.
2Right-click Wireless Network Connection and then click Properties.
3Click Wireless Networks tab.
4Select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings
check box.
1Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the
taskbar, then select View Available Wireless Networks from
the shortcut menu.
The Connect to Wireless Network dialog box appears.
Access Point ID
Factory default Encryption KEY

17
Software setup
2Enter the Encryption Key in Network key field, then click
Connect.
You will connect to the Access Point.
zTip
For details, refer to Windows Help.
To set the computer name and workgroup
Computer names are displayed on the status indication window of the
Wireless Palette.
Note
• When you set the computer name or workgroup, log on to Windows XP as an
Administrator.
1From the start menu, select Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.
2Click the System icon.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
zTip
If the System icon is not displayed, click Switch to Classic View.

18
3Click the Computer Name tab, then click Change.
The Computer Name Changes dialog box appears.
(This dialog box is from Windows XP Professional.)
4Specify the Computer name and Workgroup for your
computer.
Notes
• Assign a unique name of up to 15 alphanumeric characters to every computer
connected to the same LAN. Duplication of names will result in various problems,
such as WirelessCapsule (page 31) sending files to both computers.
• The workgroup indicates the name of a group of computers sharing files. Assign
the same workgroup name for all computers that share files.
5Click OK.
The message “You must restart this computer for the changes to take
effect” is displayed.
6Click OK.
The System Properties dialog box reappears.
7Click OK, then click Yes to restart the computer.

19
Software setup
Installing software
Before Installing the software:
• Install and connect the Access Point.
• Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card. (page 13)
• Quit all Windows programs.
Once you set up the connection environment, install the Wireless Palette,
the Basic Setup Utility, and the Custom Setup Utility software.
1From the start menu, click Run.
The Run dialog box appears.
2Enter the name of the installer.
• If the computer has an internal CD-ROM drive, enter
“E:\SETUP.EXE”. (“E” indicates the name of the internal CD-ROM.
Your CD-ROM drive may be identified with a different letter.)
• If you have copied the Wireless LAN folder from the supplied CD-
ROM to your computer’s hard disk, enter the file name and its
location. (example: C:\Temp\WirelessLAN\SETUP.EXE)
3Click OK.
The Wireless LAN Utility 2.2 Setup dialog box appears.
4Click Next.
The License Agreement dialog box appears.
5Read the agreement and click Yes to accept.
The Choose Destination Location dialog box appears.
6Select the folder where you want to install the software and
click Next.
The Setup Type dialog box appears.

20
zTip
If you want to install the software into another folder, click Browse and select the
folder or directly enter the folder name.
7Select Standard Setup then click Next.
Software installation begins.
After a short while, the InstallShield Wizard Complete dialog box will
appear. Make sure to select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
zTip
If you want to select specific software applications, select Custom setup then click
Next.
8Click Finish.
Installation is complete and your computer restarts.
Registering your Wireless LAN Access Point/ Wireless LAN
PC Card
If you can access the Internet from a computer on which Wireless Palette is
installed, you can register products via the Internet. From the start menu,
select All Programs, Wireless LAN, then click Wireless LAN Registration
and register the product. With registration, warranty for wireless LAN
hardware is extended to one year. For details on customer registration, refer
to the supplied Customer Registration for the Wireless LAN Access Point/
Wireless LAN PC Card.
Caution
To protect your personal data, Sony uses SSL (an encryption protocol) for communication
between your browser and the Sony WWW server. If you are accessing the Internet from
inside an enterprise LAN, you may not be able to use SSL due to the proxy server of the
LAN. In such a case, contact your network administrator.
To modify the installed software
You can install/uninstall a specific software application.
1Display the Wireless LAN Utility 2.2 Setup dialog box.
See steps 1 though 3 on page 19 for details.