Sony Vaio PCWA-C700 User manual

Operating Instructions
IEEE802.11a/b Dual Band
Wireless PC Card
PCWA-C700
4-672-859-12(1)
© 2003 Sony Corporation

2
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-C700
Serial No.______________
CAUTION
Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your warranty.
FCC ID: AK8PCWAC700
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 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-C700
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.
•The use of optical instruments with this product
will increase eye hazard.

3
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 3 mm spacing between the
user and the antenna of this device while it is in
use.
This product can only be used with desktop
computers and laptop (notebook) computers with
side mounted PCMCIA slots.
This device cannot be used with other types of
host devices, such as PDAs.
Users are not permitted to make changes or
modify the system in any way.
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 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 VAIO logo are trademarks
of Sony Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of
America and other countries.
MMX and Pentium are registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation.
Ehternet is a registered trademark of Xerox Co.,
Ltd.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their
respective owners.
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.
•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.

4
Table of contents
Overview ............................................... 5
Capabilities.................................... 5
System requirements ..................... 9
Documentation and Help file...............10
Getting started
Unpacking............................................ 11
Supplied software........................ 11
Names of parts ..................................... 12
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card .. 13
To remove the Wireless LAN
PC Card ................................... 14
If your computer has two
PC Card slots ........................... 14
Software setup
Installing the supplied software........... 15
Wireless LAN connection
Configuring the wireless LAN
environment .................................... 17
Windows Me or
Windows 2000 ......................... 17
Windows XP ............................... 27
Checking the communication status .... 39
Checking the wireless signal
strength .................................... 39
Checking network information ... 39
Using the Wireless Panel..................... 40
Opening the Wireless Panel ........ 40
Additional information
Manually installing, verifying, and
removing the supplied software...... 49
Installing the Wireless LAN
PC Card driver manually ......... 49
Installing the Wireless Panel
manually .................................. 57
Verifying Wireless LAN PC Card
driver installation ..................... 59
Uninstalling the Wireless LAN
PC Card driver ......................... 67
Uninstalling the Wireless Panel .. 70
Precautions .......................................... 73
Specifications ...................................... 74
Getting help ......................................... 74
Glossary ............................................... 75
Troubleshooting................................... 77

5
Overview
Capabilities
The IEEE802.11a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card PCWA-C700*1 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.
zHints
•The network mode can be easily switched using the supplied Wireless Panel software.
•To use the card in Access Point Network connection mode, a separately available
802.11a/b Wireless LAN Access Point*2 is required.
With Windows Me or Windows 2000:
*1 In this documentation, the IEEE802.11a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card PCWA-C700
is referred to as the Wireless LAN PC Card.
*2 If using the separately available 5GHz Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A500
(February, 2003), refer also to the “Quick Start Guide”supplied with the unit.
Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) Network
connection mode
Access Point (Infrastructure) Network
connection mode

6
With Windows XP:
Windows XP Service Pack 1:
Available Wireless Networks
Available Wireless Networks

7
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.
POWER
MESSAGE
WIRELESS
NETWORK1
NETWORK2
zHint
The illustration above shows an example of a system configuration using Access Point
Network connection mode. Two computers with Wireless LAN PC Cards communicate
with the Access Point that is connected to an Ethernet LAN via a hub.
Internet
ISP
DSL modem
Cable modem
ISDN router
Access Point

8
Smooth movie streaming playback*
(in 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
playback of streaming data and file sharing in locations where the Wireless
LAN Access Point is not present.
Notes
•Poor signal conditions may cause movie playback interruptions.
•Smooth movie streaming playback is only possible when using 802.11a (5 GHz).
* A method of playing a file while the download is still in progress.

9
System requirements
To use the supplied software, the following system requirements must be
met:
❑Windows PC:
–128 MB RAM or more
–Card Bus compliant PC Card slot
–CD-ROM drive (for software installation)
❑Operating system:
–Microsoft®Windows®Millennium Edition
–Microsoft®Windows®2000 Professional
–Microsoft®Windows®XP Home Edition
–Microsoft®Windows®XP Professional
❑Display:
High color (16 bit color) or higher, 800 ×400 pixels or higher
Notes
•Correct operation is not assured for all computers, even if satisfying the above system
requirements.
•Correct operation in an OS upgrade environment is not assured, except for factory
provided Windows XP upgrade packages for Sony VAIO series computers.
•For Internet access via the wireless LAN, a 802.11a/b Wireless LAN Access Point
(available separately) is required.
•An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.

10
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.
❑Wireless LAN Quick Guide
Contains detailed information about the Wireless Panel software and
instructions for setting up a Peer to Peer network. This guide provides
information on configuring and changing advanced settings.
❑Troubleshooting Guide
Contains answers to frequently asked questions and commonly
encountered problems. Go through the points in this guide before
contacting the Sony Customer Information Services Center.
❑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:
1Install the Wireless Panel software, following the instructions in this
manual.
2Start the Wireless Panel.
3Right-click the Wireless Panel icon on the taskbar and select Help
from the shortcut menu.
zHint
You can also access Help by clicking the icon on the Wireless Panel title bar.

11
Getting started
Unpacking
Your Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items:
•Wireless PC Card PCWA-C700
•PC Card case
•CD-ROM (Setup disc)
•Wireless LAN Quick Guide
•Troubleshooting Guide
•Operating Instructions
•Warranty Card
Supplied software
The supplied CD-ROM contains the following software.
❑Wireless LAN PC Card driver
This device driver is necessary to the operation of the Wireless LAN PC
Card.
❑Wireless Panel
Wireless Panel is a utility software that lets you configure the computer
for the wireless LAN and monitor the communication status. The
software is also used to switch between networks.
Normally, the Wireless Panel appears as an icon in the taskbar, which
shows the communication status.
When using the card for the first time, see page 15 for
information on how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver
and the Wireless Panel.
Notes
•To install the supplied software on a computer running Windows 2000, log on with a
user account listed in “Administrators”. To install the supplied software on a computer
running Windows XP, log on with a user account with administrator access privileges.
You cannot install the software or modify settings when logged on with any other
account.
•To change any of the Wireless Panel settings on a computer running Windows 2000,
log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”. You cannot modify settings when
logged on with any other account.

12
Names of parts
1
1Indicator
Indicator modes and operation status
Color Lighting pattern Status
Rapid flashing Communication in progress
Green *1 Communication standby
Lit (Communication is possible but no data
are being sent or received.)
Rapid flashing Communication in progress
Orange *2 Communication standby
Lit (Communication is possible but no data
are being sent or received.)
Connection not established
Red Flashing (PC Card is functioning properly, but
connection to network has not been
established.)
Off PC Card is not powered
*1 802.11b (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN operation
*2 802.11a (5 GHz) wireless LAN operation

13
Getting started
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
This section explains how to insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into your
computer and how to remove it.
You do not need to turn off your computer when inserting or removing the
Wireless LAN PC Card.
Proceed as follows.
1If your computer has a PC card slot protector, remove it.
(Some computers have such a protector to prevent damage
to the PC card slot while not in use.)
2Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the PC card slot.
Note
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 14.
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.
To PC Card slot
Insert in arrow
direction

14
To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card
1Exit any software that uses the wireless LAN.
2Safely remove the hardware according to the documentation
of your computer.
3Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card according to the
documentation of your computer.
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 67.)
zHint
If you are using Windows Me or Windows 2000, 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.

15
Software setup
Installing the supplied software
This section explains how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card driver and
Wireless Panel.
Before you start
Make sure that you can use your CD-ROM drive.
Important
Computer Firewall Functions
When using Windows XP’s “Internet Connection Firewall”
Enabling the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall”may prevent you from
being able to access your computer through wireless communication. (This function
is inactive under Windows XP default settings.) Because of this function, you may
not be able to connect to your network when you change your Access Point settings.
If this happens, deactivate the “Internet Connection Firewall”function, connect to
the network, and then reactivate the function. For details, refer to Windows XP
Help.
Note
Network security is an important issue. You are urged to consider carefully how best to protect your
computer.
When using a personal firewall function provided by virus scanning
or network security software
Virus scanning and network security software sometimes includes a function called
a “personal firewall”that is designed to prevent illegal access by outside entities.
Depending on the software, the security level of this function may be initially set to
a high level. If this high security level setting is left in effect, it may be impossible
for an outside entity to access your computer. This can cause problems such as not
being able to connect to the network when changing the Access Point’s settings. In
this event, lower the security level in order to permit the network connection. For
details, refer to the manuals provided with your software.
Notes
•Pay special attention to security issues.
•For questions regarding firewall functions, please contact your firewall software manufacturer.

16
Note
When using Windows 2000, log on with a user account listed in “Administrators”.
When using Windows XP, log on as a user with administrator access privileges.
1Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your
computer.
The installation wizard starts.
2Click “Install Driver and Software Utility”.
Follow the instructions of the wizard to complete the installation of the
Wireless LAN PC Card driver and Wireless Panel.
zHints
•For information about how to insert the Wireless LAN PC Card, see page 13.
•For details about how to confirm the driver installation, and how to remove the
driver and Wireless Panel, see pages 67 and 70.
What to do next
Configure the LAN environment.
When using Windows Me or Windows 2000, proceed to page 17.
When using Windows XP, the Wireless Easy Setup Wizard does not
appear. Proceed to page 27.

17
Wireless LAN connection
Configuring the wireless LAN
environment
Windows Me or Windows 2000
After installation of the supplied software is complete, the Wireless
Connection Easy Setup Wizard starts automatically. This wizard makes it
easy to configure your wireless network.
z Hints
•If you want to exit the wizard, click “Cancel”.
•Any settings you configure with the wizard can be easily changed later using the
Wireless Panel. For information on how to use the Wireless Panel, see page 40.
•You can also configure the card without using the wizard. Refer to the Wireless LAN
Online Help for details.
•You can also start the wizard at any time other than immediately after installation of the
Wireless Panel. To do this, double-click “InitSetup.exe”in the folder where you
installed the Wireless Panel. (The default location is “C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless
Panel”.)
•To use the product in Access Point Network connection mode, see page 18.
•To use the product in Peer to Peer Network connection mode, see page 25.

18
Using the product in Access Point (Infrastructure)
Network connection mode
1Check the box “Use Easy Setup Wizard”and click “Next”.
The “Connection mode”screen appears.
2Select “Access Point Network”, and click “Next”.
The following screen appears.

19
Wireless LAN connection
3Configure the “Network Name (SSID)”and “WEP”items.
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. For Peer to Peer Network connection
mode and 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 Sony 5GHz Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A500, 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.
An explanation of
the respective item
is shown here.
2
1

20
2WEP
If Data Encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point to which
you connect, check this item. When this item is checked, you also
need to enter the encryption key (WEP key) in the “Key” field.
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. When configuring a
Peer to Peer network, the setting must be the same for all computers
on the network.
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/Hex Length Number of characters
ASCII 40 bits 5 characters
104 bits 13 characters
Hex 40 bits 10 characters
104 bits 26 characters
zHint
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.