4-658-124-11(1) Operating Instructions 5GHz Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A500 © 2002 Sony Corporation
WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. 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-A500 Serial No.______________ – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Note The power outlet should be installed near the equipment and should be easily accessible. Safety Information WARNING • Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the warranty. • Do not touch the device or accessories during thunder storms. Electrical shock could result. • Make sure connectors are properly connected. – Do not insert any metallic objects inside the connectors. Short-circuiting the pins could cause fire or damage to the unit.
Program © 2001, 2002 Sony Corporation Copyright © 1993-2000 by Darren Reed. Documentation © 2002 Sony Corporation The author accepts no responsibility for the use of this software and provides it on an “as is” basis without express or implied warranty. Copyright © 2000-2001 Atheros Communications, Inc., All Rights Reserved Copyright © 1994-2001 The NetBSD Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED.
Sony, VAIO, and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. • 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.
Overview The 5GHz Wireless LAN Access Point PCWA-A500 is designed for constructing a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) environment. Because the wireless LAN does not require cable connections, client computers can operate anywhere within a specified range.
System requirements In order to configure the Access Point or check Access Point settings, your computer must satisfy the following hardware and software requirements. ❑ A computer installed with a 5GHz Wireless LAN PC Card (Make sure that the driver required to operate the PC card is installed correctly.) ❑ Web browser (The following browsers are recommended.) – Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5 or later – Netscape® Communicator 4.
Names of parts and functions Getting started Front view Side view 1 POWER MESSAGE 2 WIRELESS 4 NETWORK 1 5 NETWORK 2 6 3 1 Built-in antenna (not externally visible) 2 Indicators POWER Lights green while power is supplied to the Access Point. MESSAGE Lights when unread logs exceed a certain size. The indicator goes out when the log is displayed. WIRELESS Lights green when data can be exchanged on a wireless LAN. Flashes orange while data is being exchanged on a wireless LAN.
4 NETWORK 1 connector Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Access Point to a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router. 5 NETWORK 2 connector Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Access Point to an Ethernet LAN hub. 6 DC IN 10 V jack Connects to the AC power adapter.
qd Top view Getting started qs qs Factory default switch qd Ferrite core Use this switch to return the Access Point settings to the factory default settings. For details, see “To return the Access Point settings to the factory default settings” (page 13).
About the Access Point initial settings The Access Point is configured as follows at shipment. To return the Access Point settings to the factory default settings, see page 13. Note In the table below, “–” indicates that no setting is made at the time of shipment.
To return the Access Point settings to the factory default settings Getting started To return the Access Point settings to the factory default settings, hold down the factory default switch for approximately one second while the power of the Access Point is ON. For information on the location of the factory default switch position, see “Names of parts and functions” on page 9. About the indicator display When you press the factory default switch, the MESSAGE indicator flashes orange.
Configuring the Access Point settings To configure the Access Point settings, use a computer that is connected to the Access Point using the 5GHz Wireless LAN PC Card PCWA-C500 or a computer that is connected to the Access Point NETWORK 2 connector using an Ethernet connection. Before configuring the Access Point settings Connecting to the Access Point using a Wireless LAN PC Card • Insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into your computer, and install the PC card driver.
• Select Connect using DSL from NETWORK 1 Settings in Easy Setup (page 19) or from NAT Router Mode Settings in NETWORK 1 Settings in Advanced Setup (page 20). For router-type DSL modem connections: Select Bridge Mode in Advanced Setup (page 20).
Displaying the Access Point setup page To configure Access Point settings, go to the Access Point setup page. Use one of the following three methods to display the Access Point setup page. • Display the Access Point setup page using the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard provided on the Wireless LAN PC Card. (page 17) Note This method can only be used with Windows Me or Windows 2000. • Display the Access Point setup page from the Wireless Panel.
Note Depending on the firmware version of the Access Point you are using, the displayed screen may differ from that shown above. Display the Access Point setup page using the Wireless Connection Easy Setup Wizard provided on the Wireless LAN PC Card Setting and connections Note This method can only be used with Windows Me or Windows 2000. 1 Connect the Access Point to the AC adapter. z Hint There is no power switch on the Access Point.
Display the Access Point setup page by entering the IP address in the web browser. 1 Connect the Access Point to the AC adapter. z Hint There is no power switch on the Access Point. Refer to the Quick Start Guide (separate sheet) when connecting the Access Point to the AC adapter. 2 Start up your web browser. 3 Type “http://192.168.11.1/” in the URL entry field, then press Enter. The Access Point setup page is displayed.
Administrator password If you set an administrator password, you will be requested to enter a user name and password when you open the Access Point setup page. To open the Access Point setup page, type admin in the dialog box’s User Name text box, then type the password that you set in the Password text box. If you set a guest password, you will be requested to enter a user name and password when you open the Access Point Status page.
■ Advanced Setup Here, you can configure advanced settings for the Access Point. Further, you can select an operation mode for the Access Point from the following two types: (1) NAT Router mode Similar to Easy Setup, the Access Point operates in NAT router mode, but you can configure slightly more advanced settings. (2) Bridge mode The Access Point operates as a network bridge. Select this mode when using an ISDN router or router-type DSL modem.
Confirming the status of the Access Point Perform the following steps to confirm the current status of the Access Point. Follow the steps for Displaying the Access Point setup page (page 16) to open the Access Point setup page. 2 Click Status. 3 If a guest password has been set, you are requested to enter a password. Type guest in the User Name text box, and enter the password, then click OK. Setting and connections 1 The status of the Access Point is displayed.
Connecting Connecting to a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router If the Access Point is connected to a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router, computers that are connected to the Access Point can connect to the Internet via the Access Point. Multiple computers can connect to the Internet via the Access Point simultaneously. POWER MESSAGE WIRELESS NETWORK NETWORK 1 2 WARNING In the following cases, set the Access Point to Bridge mode before connecting to the Access Point.
1 Connect the Access Point’s NETWORK 1 connector to a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router using an Ethernet cable as shown in the illustration below. When the Access Point is connected to an Ethernet LAN, connect the NETWORK 2 connector and the hub using an Ethernet cable. Setting and connections Connect the NETWORK 1 connector to a DSL modem, cable modem, or ISDN router. POWER MESSAGE WIRELESS NETWORK NETWORK 1 2 Connect the NETWORK 2 connector to the hub.
Precautions when mounting the Access Point on a wall When mounting the Access Point on a wall, the screw size and spacing of mounting holes is as follows. Note that no brackets are provided for mounting the Access Point on a wall. Use screws or nails that meet the following requirements. Notes • Using two screws or other fasteners, ensure that the Access Point is securely set on the wall. When fastening the Access Point to a wall with screws, retighten them after mounting the Access Point.
Fastening the Access Point to a wall with screws: Body diameter: 0.14 to 0.29 inches (3.5 to 7.5 mm) Length: 1.2 inches (30 mm) or more 2.82 inches (71.
Precautions AC adapter Use ony the supplied AC adapter. Other AC adapters may cause a failure in 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. • Magnetized locations (near magnets, speakers, or televisions).
Modulation method Specifications OFDM (IEEE802.11a compliant) Operating temperature Power 41°F to 95°F (5 to 35°C) (no condensation) AC 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz (The power cord plug is for use with AC 120 V.
Getting help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your Wireless LAN Access Point. About Sony’s Support Options Sony provides several support options for your Wireless LAN Access Point. ❒ This Operating Instructions explains how to use your Wireless LAN Access Point. ❒ Quick Start Guide explains how to install the Wireless LAN Access Point. ❒ Access Point Online Help explains how to configure the Access Point.
Glossary LAN (Local Area Network) Client PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) A computer connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). Also may be called a client computer. PPPoE is a software protocol that uses a DSL modem to access the Internet. Channel number DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) DHCP lets network administrators centrally manage and automate assignment of client computer IP addresses. With PPPoE, the client does not set a static IP address.
WAN (Wide Area Network) A network that interconnects remote LANs through the Internet or telephone lines. WEP IEEE802.11-compliant security system. Using the WEP key as the password, only client computers and Access Points that have the same ID and password may log on to the same wireless LAN for file sharing.
Troubleshooting Problems related to the Access Point: Read the Troubleshooting section of this guide before calling Sony Customer Information Services. If you still cannot resolve the problems after referring to these sources, call Sony Customer Information Services. Symptom c The Access Point is not supplied with power. Connect the Access Point to a power outlet with the supplied AC adapter.
❒ 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 e-mail 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.
