4-647-079-14(1) Operating Instructions Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A100/A200 © 2000 Sony Corporation
Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the product. 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-A100, PCWA-A200 Serial No.______________ NOTE FCC Part 68 and INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE are for PCWA-A100 only. CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your warranty.
• Use only the supplied AC adapter with your Sony Wireless LAN Access Point. To disconnect your Wireless LAN Access Point from the power supply, unplug the AC adapter. • Make sure the power outlet is easily accessible. FCC Part 68 (PCWA-A100 only) This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) and the FCC registration number are printed on the modem board. If requested, this information must be supplied to the telephone company.
NOTICE: The REN assigned to each terminal device is used to calculate the maximum number of terminals allowed on a telephone interface. An interface may have any combination of devices, but the sum of the REN for all devices cannot exceed 5. AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA (PCWAA100 seulement) AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie le matériel homologué.
Sony, VAIO, and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. MMX and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. • 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.
Overview What you can do with your Wireless LAN Access Point The Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A100/A200 (hereinafter referred to as the Access Point) is designed for building a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) environment. Connect your Access Point to a power outlet, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C100 into your computer, and use the software supplied with your Wireless LAN PC Card to build a wireless LAN environment.
2 Connecting to an ISDN router (see page 15) Internet To 10BASE-T connector Internet Service Provider ISDN Router 3 Connecting to a cable modem (see page 16) Internet To 10BASE-T connector Cable Television Company Cable Modem 4 Connecting to a DSL modem (see page 17) Internet To 10BASE-T connector Cable Television Company DSL Modem 7
5 Using as the hub of your local network (see page 18) HUB To 10BASE-T connector 8
System requirements • A computer satisfying the following requirements. CPU: MMX® Pentium® 233 MHz and above RAM: 64 MB and above 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.
About supplied manuals Please read the Operating Instructions and Help information for the Access Point (PCWA-A100/A200) and Wireless LAN PC Card (PCWAC100) in the following order. 1 Wireless LAN Access Point Operating Instructions (this document) Explains how to connect and install the Access Point. Please read this manual first. 2 Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions (supplied with PCWA-C100) This describes the following topics.
Getting started Unpacking Your Access Point comes with the following items.
Parts and indicators 9 1 5 2 3 LINE/ PHONE DC IN 5V 10BASE-T 6* 7 8 0 4* * Not included with the PCWA-A200. 1 POWER indicator Lights while power is supplied. 2 WIRELESS indicator Lights when data is being exchanged on a wireless LAN. 3 ETHERNET indicator Lights while data exchange is in progress through the 10BASE-T connector. 4 PHONE indicator (PCWA-A100 only) Lights while data exchange is in progress through the LINE/ PHONE connector.
Connections Connecting the Access Point to the Internet Connection to the Internet varies depending on your Internet environment. If you are using the Access Point for your local network only, and you do not need to connect it the Internet, proceed to page 18 and see “To use the Access Point for your local network only.” Note You must select Cable Modem or LAN connection mode before connecting the Access Point to a LAN that has a DHCP server.
1 Connect the telephone cable to the LINE/PHONE connector. Telephone jack splitter (supplied) Telephone cable (supplied) LINE/ PHONE DC IN 5V To the telephone line outlet To LINE/PHONE connector z Tip You may also connect computers to the Access Point via a hub. Use the 10BASE-T connector to build a wired LAN environment in addition to a wireless LAN environment. This makes file sharing available among wireless and wired LAN clients.
To connect the Access Point to the ISDN router Connecting the Access Point to an ISDN router provides multiple computers containing a Wireless LAN PC Card with Internet access via the Access Point. No connection is required between the computer(s) and router. 1 Connect the ISDN router and the Access Point with an Ethernet cable. To the ISDN router LINE/ PHONE DC IN 5V 10BASE-T To the ISDN line outlet Ethernet cable (not supplied) 2 To 10BASE-T connector Connect the AC power adapter (page 19).
To connect the Access Point to the cable modem Connecting the Access Point to a cable modem provides multiple computers containing the Wireless LAN PC Card with Internet access via the Access Point. 1 Connect the cable modem and the Access Point with an Ethernet cable. To the cable modem LINE/ PHONE DC IN 5V 10BASE-T Cable modem Ethernet cable (not supplied) 2 To 10BASE-T connector Connect the AC power adapter (page 19). Notes • For cable modem setup, refer to the manual supplied with your device.
To connect the Access Point to a DSL modem Connecting the Access Point to a DSL modem provides Internet access to computers that are using a Wireless LAN PC Card. 1 Connect the DSL modem and the Access Point with an Ethernet cable. To the DSL modem LINE/ PHONE DC IN 5V 10BASE-T DSL modem Ethernet cable (not supplied) 2 To 10BASE-T connector Connect the AC power adapter (page 19). Notes • For DSL modem setup, refer to the manual supplied with your device.
To use the Access Point for your local network only The Access Point may be used simply as a hub for wireless computers in your local network without Internet access. Use of the Access Point in this manner enables file sharing among client computers. In such a case, a power connection is the only requirement (Page 19). You may also connect computers to the Access Point via a hub, using the 10BASE-T connector to make them wired LAN clients (bridging).
Connecting the Access Point to a power source Use the supplied AC power adapter to connect to a power outlet. To the power outlet AC power adapter (supplied) LINE/ PHONE DC IN 9V 10BASE-T DC IN 9V To power on/off the Access Point The Access Point is not equipped with a power switch. To power on/off the Access Point, plug/unplug the AC power adapter. Leave the AC power adapter plugged into the power outlet under normal use.
Attaching the unit stand The unit stand allows you to place your Access Point in an upright position. When the unit stand is attached, cables are routed through the recessed groove. Before attaching the unit stand Make sure to write down the six-digit Access Point ID on the label attached on the bottom surface of the Access Point. Access Point ID Note Depending on the type of Ethernet cable used, it may be impossible to install the stand.
Setting up After you connect and install your Access Point, see the manual, Wireless LAN PC Card Operating Instructions. The manual provides instructions on how to insert the PC card into the computer, install and set up its software, and install the software needed to set up the Access Point. Factory default configuration of the Access Point The Access Point is configured at shipment as follows: Connection mode Cable Modem (Router Mode) IP settings IP address in the WAN: automatically obtained.
If you forget the Access Point settings If you forget the Access Point settings, so that you can no longer connect to the Access Point, use the following procedure to make the settings again. Note When a static IP address is set to the Access Point, you cannot change the settings as in the following procedure. In this case, return the Access Point to the factory default settings using the Access Point Firmware Upgrade Utility.
The software reset will automatically set the password to its factory default setting of “public.” (You can now change the password to anything other than “public”.) 4 Click SCAN. Selection of communication mode and setup of common parameters dialog box appears. 5 Delete the “*****” in the Encryption Key text box and retype it, then click NEXT. The Information for Encryption Key dialog box appears. 6 Click OK. The Setup of the Connection Mode dialog box appears. 7 Click NEXT.
Additional information Precautions AC power adapter Be sure to use the supplied AC power adapter. Other AC power adapters may cause a failure to the Access Point. Safety Do not drop the Access Point. Careful handling will help prevent damage. Installation Do not place the Access Point where it will be exposed to the following conditions: • Unstable surfaces. • High humidity or poor ventilation. • Excessive dust. • Direct sunlight or extreme heat. • Closed cars.
Specifications Communication distance Approx. 100 m (approx. 330 feet) with no obstacles (The communicable distance depends on the environment.) Maximum number of units connected 49 units (number of clients) (Recommended number of clients is 16 or less) Protocol support TCP/IP, NetBEUI Standard IEEE802.11b/IEEE802.11 Radio frequency 2.4 GHz Modulation method DS-SS (IEEE802.
Getting Help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your Access Point. About Sony’s Support Options Sony provides several support options for your Access Point. When you have questions about your Access Point and its related software, check these options for answers: ❒ This guide explains how to use your Access Point. ❒ The Sony Access Point support Web site http://www.sony.
Glossary Client A computer connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). Also called a client computer. ISDN ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a set of standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire and other media. Home and business users who install ISDN routers can access graphic-intense Web pages with greatly increased speed over that of modem users. ISDN requires routers at both ends. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) also needs an ISDN router.
Troubleshooting If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the Access Point, this troubleshooting guide may help you remedy the problem. Should a problem persist, consult the Sony Customer Information Service Center. On the Access Point The Access Point is not operating properly. c The Access Point is not supplied with power. Connect the Access Point to a power outlet with the supplied AC power adapter. (See page 19.
Limited Warranty Statement Sony Wireless LAN Access Point/ Wireless LAN PC Card Warranty The limited warranty on your hardware covers parts and labor against defects in material or workmanship for a period of three months from the original date of purchase. You can extend the warranty period for an additional nine months by registering your Wireless LAN Access Point/Wireless LAN PC Card.
unless expressly provided for in any enclosed software limited warranty. Please refer to the End User License Agreements included with the Product for your rights and obligations with respect to the software. This Limited Warranty is nontransferable. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale (which is evidence that the Product is within the warranty period) must be presented to obtain warranty service.
TIME. FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY RELATED TO THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
❒ The Sony e-mail support service answers your questions by electronic 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 email form at http://www.sony.com/wirelesslansupport/ ❒ The Sony fax-back service provides you with answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics and then select the topics you want to receive.
