Sony PCWA-C100 User manual

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Wireless LAN PC Card
PCWA-C100 - Microsoft®Windows®98
Second Edition/ Microsoft®Windows®
Millennium Edition/ Microsoft®Windows®
2000 Professional

Wireless LAN PC Card
Notice
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Notice
Owner's record
The model and serial numbers are located on the backside. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to the below
numbers whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. PCWA-C100
Serial No.______________
Regulatory information
This product complies with the European Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE Directive).
This product complies with EN55022 Class B and EN55024 for use in the following areas: residential,
commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using
connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).
In some countries the use of the Wireless LAN Access Point is restricted. Before using it, make sure you have
read the Wireless LAN regulation flyer.

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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 or issue a refund; however, SONY bears no other responsibility.
❑The software provided with this product cannot be used with equipment other than the equipment
designated to be used with the software.
❑Please note that, due to continued efforts to improve quality, the software specifications may be
changed without notice.
Copyrights notice
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 tortuous action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this software.
Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, Memory Stick™, and the Memory Stick logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows®98 Second Edition , Windows® Millennium Edition, Windows®2000 Professional, Windows®XP
Home Edition, Windows® Professional Edition 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.
Netscape and the Netscape N and Ship's Wheel logo are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United
States and other countries.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

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Notice
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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.
✍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 instructions on how to use your computer and
operating system, please refer to their respective manuals.

Wireless LAN PC Card
Overview
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Overview
What you can do with your Wireless LAN PC Card
You can build a Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) using the PCWA-C100 Wireless LAN PC Card. The Wireless
LAN PC Card can be used with or without the PCWA-A200 Wireless LAN Access Point, hereinafter referred
to as the Access Point. With the Access Point, you can build a wireless LAN between multiple computers
equipped with the Wireless LAN PC Card and access to the Internet. You can achieve direct communication
(Peer to Peer mode) between computers without using the Access Point.
★Although you can connect up to 49 client computers to a wireless LAN, the maximum recommended amount is 16 or less.
Communication through the Access Point
Direct communication between computers (Peer to Peer mode)

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Overview
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About the supplied software
The Wireless LAN PC Card is delivered with the following software:
❑Wireless Palette: You can set up a computer containing the Wireless LAN PC Card for communications
with the Access Point, display the communication status, and switch between Access Points when
multiple Access Points are present.
❑Basic Access Point Setup Utility (Basic Setup Utility): You can set up the Access Point for Internet access.
This dialog-driven utility covers basic setup procedures 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 the Confirming your software version (page 56) section to check the version. To upgrade the Access
Point firmware, see the Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility Help.

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Overview
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Task flow
To build a wireless LAN environment, you must configure both the Access Point and the Wireless LAN PC
Card.
The required tasks depend on the state of your Access Point and Wireless LAN PC Card. The table below lists
their states and tasks required for building a wireless LAN environment.
If you are already using a Sony Wireless LAN product, make sure you check the product's version. See the
Confirming your software version (page 56) section to check the version.
New Wireless LAN PC Card Wireless LAN PC Card in use
Access
Point
New 1. Connect the Access Point. See Connections in the
Access Point Operating Instructions manual.
2. Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a computer,
set up the Windows-based environment and install
software. See Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
(page 13) and following sections in this manual.
3. Install the software, and then set up according to
the Wizard. See Installing software (page 39) in this
manual.
4. Verify the communication with the Access Point.
See Verifying communication with the Access Point
(page 48) in this manual.
5. Configure the Access Point using the Basic Setup
Utility. See Establishing communication with the
Access Point (page 44) and following sections in this
manual. For further information, see the Wireless
Palette Help file.
1. Connect the Access Point. See Connections in the
Access Point Operating Instructions manual.
2. Register the Access Point using the Wireless
Palette. See Establishing communication with the
Access Point (page 44) and following sections in this
manual. For further information, see the Wireless
Palette Help file.
3. Configure the Access Point using the BasicSetup
Utility. See Setting up the Access Point (page 48) and
following sections in this manual.

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Overview
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System requirements
A computer answering to the following minimum system requirements:
❑CPU: Intel®Pentium®233Mhz with MMX®technology or later
❑RAM :
❑64 MB or more with Microsoft®Windows®98 Second Edition, Microsoft®Windows®Millennium
Edition or Microsoft®Windows®2000 Professional
❑128 MB or more with Microsoft®Windows®XP Home or Professional Edition.
❑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.
❑Microsoft®Windows®98 Second Edition, English version
❑Microsoft®Windows®Millennium Edition, English version
❑Microsoft®Windows®2000 Professional, English version
❑Microsoft®Windows®XP Professional Edition, English version
In use 1. Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a computer,
set up the Windows-based environment and install
the software. See Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
(page 13) and following sections in this manual.
2. Install the software, and then set up according to
the Wizard. See Installing software (page 39) in this
manual.
3. Verify the communication with the Access Point.
See Verifying communication with the Access Point
(page 48) in this manual.
To communicate with an Access Point previously
used in another wireless LAN environment from a
computer containing the Wireless LAN PC Card:
1. Register the Access Point using the Wireless
Palette. See Establishing communication with the
Access Point (page 44) and succeeding sections in
this manual. For further information, see the
Wireless Palette Help file.
New Wireless LAN PC Card Wireless LAN PC Card in use

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❑Microsoft®Windows®XP Home Edition, English version
❑(Does not operate under Microsoft®Windows®3.1, 95, 98 or NT. Also, operation is not guaranteed under
all upgraded environments.)
❑Display: SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) and above, (supports High Color (16 bit) and above)
✍We do not assure trouble-free operation for all computers answering to these system requirements.
The Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A200 is required to gain access to the internet using this Wireless LAN technology.
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required for Internet access.

Wireless LAN PC Card
About this manual
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About this manual
This manual explains the operation of the Wireless LAN PC Card and the installation and setup of the
supplied software when using Windows®98 Second Edition, Windows®Millennium Edition or Windows®
2000 Professional operating systems. If your operating system is Windows®XP Professional Edition or XP
Home Edition, refer to the Windows®XP Professional Edition/ XP Home Edition manual. For details on using
the Wireless Palette and the Custom Access Point Setup Utility software supplied with the Wireless LAN PC
Card, please refer to the software's Help files.

Wireless LAN PC Card
About the online help
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About the online help
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.
✍When using the Access Point, connect and configure the Access Point as explained in the Operating Instructions included with the Wireless LAN Access
Point.
Opening the online help files
To access Wireless Palette Help, proceed as follows:
From the Start menu, select Programs, Wireless LAN, then Wireless Palette Help.
To access Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help, proceed as follows:
From the Start menu, select Programs, Wireless LAN, then Custom Access Point Setup Utility Help.
To access Upgrade Manual, proceed as follows:
From the Start menu, select Programs, Wireless LAN, Access Point Firmware Upgrade, then Manual.
Selecting a topic from the contents
To select a topic from the contents, proceed as follows:
From the Contents list, select the topic you want to consult.

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About the online help
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Searching for information by using a keyword
To search for a topic using a keyword, proceed as follows:
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, and then click Display.
Topics related to the keyword appear.

Wireless LAN PC Card
Getting started
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Getting started
Unpacking your wireless LAN PC Card
Your Wireless LAN PC Card is delivered with the following items:
❑Wireless LAN PC Card
❑PC card case
❑CD-ROM (Setup disc)
❑Operating Instructions
Locating the indicators
1 DATA indicator Lights up when data is exchanged.
2 LINK indicator Lights up while your computer is connected to the Wireless LAN.

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Getting started
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Description of the indicators
Inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card
If you are inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card for the first time, see Installing the driver software (page 15)
for details.
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.
To insert your Wireless LAN PC Card, proceed as follows:
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 into 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 it.
Data Link Description
Flashing (green) Lit (green) Normal communications.
Fast Flashing (green) Lit (green) Peer to Peer mode.
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.

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Getting started
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✍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.
Removing the Wireless LAN PC Card
To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card, proceed as follows:
1Close the software that uses the Wireless LAN.
2Stop PC Card Services using the taskbar or Control Panel.
3Remove the Wireless LAN PC Card, following the instructions in your computer's manual.

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Getting started
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Installing the driver software
Install the driver software for the Wireless LAN PC Card. The installation procedure requires the availability
of a CD-ROM drive when the Wireless LAN PC Card is inserted.
If your computer has two PC Card slots and your CD-ROM drive must be connected through one of them,
connect the CD-ROM drive to the bottom slot.
If your computer has only one PC Card slot, and your CD-ROM drive must be connected through it, copy the
Wireless LAN folder from the supplied CD-ROM into the hard disk before inserting the Wireless LAN PC Card.
The following steps use C:\Temp folder as an example. If you can use the CD-ROM drive while the Wireless
LAN PC Card is inserted, the following steps are not required. Begin installation starting from step 1.
1Connect the CD-ROM drive to the computer and insert the supplied CD-ROM into the drive.
2Create a Temp folder on the C: drive using Window Explorer.
3Copy the Wireless LAN folder in the CD-ROM to C:\Temp folder.
4Remove the CD-ROM drive connector from the PC Card slot, then proceed to step 2.
If you need more help on how to remove the CD-ROM drive, please refer to the Removing the Wireless
LAN PC Card (page 14) section, as both accessories use the same approach.
To install the driver when using Windows®98 Second Edition, proceed as follows:
1Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot.
The Add New Hardware Wizard screen appears.
3Click Next.
4Make sure that the Find an appropriate driver for a device in use check box is selected, and then
click Next.
5Select Specify a location, then click Browse.
6Select the folder containing the driver, then click OK.

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❑When installing from the provided CD-ROM by using a CD-ROM drive connected to the computer:
Select the Win98 folder in the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM drive.
❑When installing after having copied the contents of the provided CD-ROM to your hard disk:
Browse to the appropriate subdirectory containing the driver. The subdirectory should be found in
the folder you copied from the CD-ROM (here assumed to be C:\Temp\WirelessLAN\Win98).
7Click Next to begin the search procedure.
8Click Next to install the driver.
A new window appears when the software has been installed.
9Click Finish.
10 Follow the on-screen instructions to restart the computer.
✍Restarting the computer takes longer than booting.
To install the driver when using Windows®Millennium Edition, proceed as follows:
1Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot.
The Add New Hardware Wizard screen appears.
3Select Specify the location of the driver, then click Next.
4Select Specify a location, then click Browse.
5Select the folder containing the driver, then click OK.
❑When installing from the provided CD-ROM in a CD-ROM drive connected to the computer:
Select the WinMe folder in the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM drive.
❑When installing after having copied the contents of the provided CD-ROM to your hard disk:
Browse to the appropriate subdirectory containing the driver. The subdirectory should be found in
the folder you copied from the CD-ROM (here assumed to be C:\Temp\WirelessLAN\WinMe).
6Click Next to begin the search procedure.

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Getting started
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7Click Next to install the driver.
A new window appears when the driver has been installed.
8Click Finish.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restart the computer.
✍Restarting the computer takes longer than booting.
To install the driver when using Windows®2000 Professional, proceed as follows:
1Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot.
The Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears.
3Click Next.
4Make sure that Search for a suitable driver for my device is selected, then click Next.
5Select Specify a location, then click Next.
6Click Browse.
7Select the folder containing the driver, then click Open.
❑When installing from the provided CD-ROM in a CD-ROM drive connected to the computer:
Select the Win2k folder in the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM drive.
❑When installing after having copied the contents of the provided CD-ROM to your hard disk:
Browse to the appropriate subdirectory containing the driver. The subdirectory should be found in
the folder you copied from the CD-ROM (here assumed to be C:\Temp\WirelessLAN\Win2k).
8Click OK to begin the search procedure.
9Click Next to install the driver.
A new window appears when the driver has been installed.
10 Click Finish.
✍You must log on to your system with Administrator privileges.

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Verifying the driver installation
After the computer restarts, verify that the Wireless LAN PC Card is working properly.
To verify the driver’s installation when using Window®98 Second Edition, proceed as follows:
1From the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.
2Double-click the System icon.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
3Click the Device Manager tab, then click View devices by type.
4Double-click Network adapters, then double-click Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card.
The Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card Properties dialog box appears.
5Make sure that the This device is working properly message is displayed under Device status.
6Click OK.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
7Click OK.
The Control Panel window appears.
8Double-click the PC Card (PCMCIA) icon.
The PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties dialog box appears.
9Make sure that Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card is displayed under Socket Status.
10 Click OK.
The PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties dialog box closes.
11 Click .
The Control Panel window closes.

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To verify the driver’s installation when using Window®Millennium Edition, proceed as follows:
1From the Start menu, click Settings, then Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.
2Double-click the System icon. If all of the Control Panel options are not displayed, select View all
Control Panel options then double-click the System icon.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
3Click the Device Manager tab, then click View devices by type.
4Double-click Network adapters, then double-click Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card.
The Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card Properties dialog box appears.
5Make sure that the This device is working properly message is displayed under Device status.
6Click OK.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
7Click OK.
The Control Panel window appears.
8Double-click the PC Card (PCMCIA) icon.
The PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties dialog box appears.
9Make sure that Sony PCWA-C100 Wireless PC Card is displayed under Socket Status.
10 Click OK.
The PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties dialog box closes.
11 Click .
The Control Panel window closes.
To verify the driver’s installation when using Window®2000 Professional, proceed as follows:
1From the Start menu, click Settings, then Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.