Sony Group PCWAC700 802.11a/b Dual-Band Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card User Manual PCWA C700

Sony Corporation 802.11a/b Dual-Band Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card PCWA C700

Users manual 2

2.4GHz/5GHzWireless LAN PC CardPCWA-C700 Quick Install GuideThis concise guide explains how to install software required for use of the2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C700 and how to configure thecomputer for network connection.Please read this document first.This document provides an overview of the functions of the 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless LAN PC CardPCWA-C700. Here you will also find step-by-step instructions for installing the required software andfor configuring the computer for network access. When using an Access Point, you should also consultthe documentation of the Access Point.• Ethernet is a registered trademark of Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States ofAmerica and other countries.• Adobe® and Adobe® Acrobat® Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.• The documentation of this product refers to the 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C700as Wireless LAN PC Card.• In this document, Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition is referred to as Windows Me.Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is referred to as Windows 2000. Microsoft® Windows® XPHome Edition and Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition are referred to as Windows XP.UnpackingYour Wireless LAN PC Card comes with the following items.CapabilitiesThe 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C700 is a PC Card type wireless network card.With this product, you can build a wireless LAN, such as shown below.The supplied Wireless Panel software lets you easily configure the card for multiple networks. Forexample, you can store different settings required for networking at the office and at home, or quicklyswitch between Access Point (Infrastructure) Network mode and Peer to Peer Network mode. Thisgreatly facilitates use of the card in various environments and for a range of applications.z HintThis document explains how to configure the computer for Access Point Network mode. For information on settingsfor Peer to Peer Network mode, refer to the separate “Wireless LAN Quick Guide”.Accessing the Internet from various places around the house(Access Point (Infrastructure) Network mode)With a separately available Access Point you can easily build a wireless network. By connecting a DSLmodem, cable modem, or ISDN router to the Access Point, you can access the Internet from the livingroom, bedroom, or any other convenient location in the house. Equipping multiple computers with aWireless LAN PC Card also allows you to exchange files between the computers via the Access Point.z HintThe illustration above shows an example for a system configuration using Access Point (Infrastructure) Networkmode. Two computers with Wireless LAN PC Cards communicate with the Access Point, which is connected to anEthernet LAN via a hub.Smooth playback of streaming video data*(Peer to Peer (Ad-Hoc) mode)Peer to Peer Network mode enables computers equipped with Wireless LAN PC Cards to communicatedirectly. This allows playback of streaming data and file sharing also in locations where there is noWireless LAN Access Point.* A method of playing a file while the download is still in progress.NotePoor radio signal conditions can cause interruptions of video playback. Installation settings and operation flowFirst, you must insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the computer and install the required software.Then you configure the computer to enable wireless communication. After configuring thecommunication and Internet settings of the Access Point, you must then reconfigure the computer toreflect these settings.Step 1Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the computer and install the Wireless LANPC Card driver.Step 2 (Refer to documentation of Access Point)When using the product in Access Point Network mode, install and configure theAccess Point.Step 3Install the Wireless Panel software supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card.Step 4Configure the computer for wireless communication.In this step you select whether to use the product in Access Point Network mode or Peerto Peer Network mode.Step 5 (Refer to documentation of Access Point)Configure Access Point for wireless communication and for Internet access.When wishing to use the Access Point to provide Internet access to computers on thenetwork, the Access Point must be configured for Internet access.Step 6Reconfigure the computer to reflect the settings made in Step 5.Step 1Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the computer and install theWireless LAN PC Card driver.Before you start...If your computer has only one PC card slot and your CD-ROM drive must be connected through it,copy the “WirelessLAN” folder from the supplied CD-ROM to the hard disk of the computer beforeinserting the Wireless LAN PC Card.The following explanation assumes that a folder called “Temp” was created on drive D and that the datawere copied to this folder.Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot of the computer, as shown below.When you insert the Wireless LAN PC card, the driver installation wizard starts automatically. Theactual procedure differs slightly, depending on whether you are using Windows Me, Windows 2000, orWindows XP. Please refer to the section for the operating system you are using.NoteWhen using a computer which has two PC Card slots arranged vertically (one above the other), insert the WirelessLAN PC Card into the top slot. If inserted into the bottom slot, the antenna of the Wireless LAN PC Card will blockthe top slot.z HintFor detailed information on inserting and removing the Wireless LAN PC Card and on uninstalling the WirelessLAN PC Card driver, refer to the User’s Guide supplied as a PDF file in the folder “manual” on the CD-ROM.For Windows Me1Select “Specify the location of the driver”, and click “Next”.2Select “Specify a location”.3Click “Browse”, and specify the driver location.z HintIf you copied the contents of the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM to the temp folder on the D drive,specify the 1WinMe folder within those contents (D:\temp\WirelessLAN).4Click “OK”.5Click “Next”.6Click “Next”.The driver is installed.7Click “Finish”.Follow the on-screen instruction to restart the computer.For Windows 2000Note Log on to Windows 2000 with a user account listed in “Administrators”.1Click “Next”.2Confirm that “Search for a suitable driver for my device” is selected, and click“Next”.3Select “Specify a location”, and click “Next”.4Click “Browse”, and specify the location of the driver.z HintIf you copied the contents of the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM to the temp folder on the D drive(D:\temp\WirelessLAN).5Click “OK”.Sony Corporation ©2003 Printed in JapanPCWA-C7004-668-798-11(1)• Wireless LAN PC Card• PC Card Case• CD-ROM (Setup disc)• Read This First• Quick Install Guide (This document)• Wireless LAN Quick Guide• Troubleshooting Guide• Warranty CardAbout the documentationThe Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C700 comes with the following documentation.• Read This FirstContains important information designed to prevent accidents or damage. Be sure to read this before starting touse the product.• Install Guide (this document)Contains information about how to install the Wireless LAN PC Card in the computer and how to install thedriver and supplied software. Basic settings for Access Point Network mode are also explained here.• Wireless LAN Quick GuideContains detailed information about the supplied Wireless Panel software and instructions for setting up a Peer toPeer network.• Troubleshooting GuideContains answers to frequently asked questions and commonly encountered problems.• User’s GuideDetailed manual for the Wireless LAN PC Card. This is a PDF file found in the folder “manual” on the suppliedCD-ROM. To display PDF files, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is required.• Wireless Panel Online HelpThis is the Online Help of the supplied Wireless Panel software. Refer to this help for instructions on how to usethe Wireless Panel.Insert in arrow directionContinued on next page
6Click “Next”.The driver is installed.7Click “Finish”.For Windows XPNoteLog on to Windows with a user account with Administrator privileges.1Select “Install from a list or specific location”, and Click “Next”.2Select “Include this location in the search”.3Click “Browse”, and specify the location of the driver.z HintIf you copied the contents of the WirelessLAN folder on the CD-ROM to the temp folder on the Ddrive, specify the 3WinXP folder within those contents (D:\temp\WirelessLAN).4Click “OK”.5Click “Next”.6Click “Finish”.Step 2When using the product in Access Point Network mode, install andconfigure the Access Point.For details, see the documentation of the Access Point.When wishing to access the Internet via the Access Point, you must first enable wirelesscommunication between the computer and the Access Point.The following steps show how to make the minimum settings required for wireless connection.ImportantFirewall function of computerIf Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall function has beenenabledIn the default condition of Windows XP, the Internet Connection Firewall function is disabled.However, if this function has been enabled, external access to the computer will be blockedwhich causes problems when trying to change Access Point settings via the network. In such acase, temporarily disable the Internet Connection Firewall, connect to the network and make thesettings, and then reactivate the Internet Connection Firewall. For details about the InternetConnection Firewall, refer to Windows XP Online Help.NoteTake appropriate precautions to ensure security when the Internet Connection Firewall function is disabled.If using the personal firewall function of virus scanning software ornetwork security softwareVirus scanning software and network security software sometimes includes a function called a“personal firewall” that is designed to prevent illegal access by outside entities. Depending on thesoftware, the security level of this function may be initially set to a high level. If this highsecurity level setting is in effect, it may be impossible to connect to a network which causesproblems when trying to change Access Point settings via the network. In this case, lower thesecurity level in order to permit the network connection. For details, refer to the instructionmanual and online help for your software.Notes• Take appropriate precautions to ensure security.• Sony does not provide any support regarding this issue.Step 3Install the Wireless Panel software supplied with the Wireless LAN PCCard.NoteTo install the software on a computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, log on with a user account withAdministrator privileges.Before installation• Complete installation of the Wireless LAN PC Card driver (Step 1).• Close all other Windows programs.1Go to the “WirelessLAN” folder copied from the supplied CD-ROM and double-click “Setup.exe”.Depending on your computer’s settings, the file name “Setup.exe” may be displayed as “Setup”. Ifthere are multiple files named “Setup” in the same folder, double-click the one with the followingicon:2Click “Next”.3The “License Agreement” dialog box appears. Click “Yes” to accept.The “Choose Destination Location” dialog box appears.4Specify the install location, and click “Next”.The Wireless Panel software is installed.5Click “Finish”.Under Windows Me and Windows 2000, the message “Installation is completed.Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard will be launched” appears. Proceed to Step 6.z HintIn the following cases, the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard does not appear.• If the driver for the Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C500 is already installed and enabled.• If the Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C700 was installed and enabled, and then the Wireless Panel only wasuninstalled and is now being reinstalled.Under Windows XP, the Wireless Panel starts automatically and the icon appears in the notification area.Under Windows XP, installation of the Wireless Panel is now complete.6Click “OK” to start the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard.Under Windows Me and Windows 2000, the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard starts afterWireless Panel installation is completed.What to do nextConfigure the wireless LAN environment.When using Windows Me or Windows 2000, proceed to Step 4, section “Windows Me, Windows2000”.When using Windows XP, the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard does not appear. Proceed toStep 4, section “Windows XP”.Step 4Configure the computer for wireless communication.This section shows an example for a system configuration using Access Point (Infrastructure) Networkmode.z HintFor information on settings for Peer to Peer Network mode, refer to the separate Wireless LAN Quick Guide.Windows Me, Windows 20001Verify that the box “Use Easy Setup Wizard” is checked.Then click “Next”.The following screen appears.2Select “Access Point Network”, and click “Next”.The following screen appears.3Configure the “Network Name (SSID)” and “WEP” items.z Hint• To manually enter the encryption key (WEP key), first check the box “Data Encryption (WEP)” and thenenter the key in the “Network key” field.• Until you have entered the required number of charactersfor the key, you cannot proceed to the next step.For information about the encryption key (WEP key),consult the administrator of the Access Point. (For someAccess Points, data encryption may be disabled bydefault.)The required number of characters is shown at right.4Click “Next”.A confirmation screen showing the selected settings appears.5Click “Next”.When communication with the Access Point could be established, the message “This computer isnow connected to the access point” appears.Wireless connection to the Access Point is now operative.6Click “Finish”.The main screen of the Wireless Panel software is shown, and the icon appears in the systemtray of the computer.What to do nextIf you have installed the Access Point for the first time, proceed to Step 5.If the Access Point is already connected to the Internet, the setup procedure is complete.Windows XP1From the “Start” menu, click “Connect To” – “Show all connections”.The “Network Connections” window appears.2Right-click “Wireless Network Connection *” (“*” is a number that differsaccording to the computer settings), and select “View Available WirelessNetworks” from the shortcut menu.The “Connect to Wireless Network” dialog box appears.z HintIf the computer is not connected to a wireless network, an “x” is shown for the “Wireless Network Connection *”icon in the “Network Connections” window.3From the “Available Wireless Networks” list in the “Connect to Wireless Network”dialog box, select the Access Point to which you want to connect.4If Data Encryption (WEP) is enabled for the Access Point, enter the encryptionkey (WEP key) in the “Network key” field.z HintThe data encryption function serves to prevent unauthorized access to the network. When connecting to anexisting Access Point, consult your network administrator regarding the proper settings.5Click “Connect”.Communication with the Access Point is established.What to do nextIf you have installed the Access Point for the first time, proceed to Step 5.If the Access Point is already connected to the Internet, the setup procedure is complete.NoteTo use an Access Point to connect to the Internet, you must change the Access Point factory default settings.When using Service Pack 1If you have installed Windows XP Service Pack 1, steps 3 and 4 must be performed as follows.3From the “Available Wireless Networks” list in the “Connect to Wireless Network”dialog box, select the Access Point to which you want to connect.4Depending on the Data Encryption(WEP) settings of the Access Point,proceed as follows.• Data Encryption (WEP) at selected AccessPoint is enabledEnter the encryption key (WEP key) in the“Network key” field. (The input is shownonly as asterisks.) For verification, thesame string must be entered once more inthe “Re-enter WEP Key” field.• Data Encryption (WEP) at selected AccessPoint is disabledCheck the box ??“XXXXXXXXXXX”??.(For security reasons, enabling dataencryption is recommended.)What to do nextIf you have installed the Access Point for the first time, proceed to Step 5.If the Access Point is already connected to the Internet, the setup procedure is complete.Step 5Configure Access Point for wireless communication and for Internetaccess.If you are using the Sony 5GHz Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A500/A520*, clicking the “APSetting” button of the Wireless Panel starts your Web browser and displays the Access Point home page(setup page). (* As of November 2002)When using other Access Points, refer to the documentation of the Access Point for information on howto configure it.Step 6Reconfigure the computer to reflect settings made in Step 5.If you have changed the Network Name (SSID) and Data Encryption (WEP) settings of the AccessPoint in Step 5, the settings will no longer match those of the computer and communication will beinterrupted. In this case, use the supplied Wireless Panel software to reconfigure the computeraccordingly.For more information, refer to the separate Wireless LAN Quick Guide.Also consult the separate Wireless LAN Quick Guide and the separate Troubleshooting Guide.z HintIf you want to close the wizard, click “Cancel”.ASCII Hex40bit 5 characters 10 digits104bit 13 characters 26 digitsz HintClicking on “Advanced” allows you to configurethe wireless network in more detail. For moreinformation, refer to the separate “Wireless LANQuick Guide”.Click to open the “Network Name” list.Select the name of the network to which youwant to connect. (The list shows all wirelessnetworks within range.)You can also enter the Network Name manually.z HintFor some Access Points, the Network Name maybe shown as “SSID”.When you select a network from the “NetworkName” list, the data encryption setting for thatnetwork is automatically enabled.If you have manually entered a Network Name,choose the same setting as used by the AccessPoint. If data encryption is enabled, you mustalso enter the encryption key (WEP key).An explanation of the respective item is shown here. Enter encryption key (WEP key) matchingthe Access Point data encryption setting.//PENDING////PENDING//

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