- General
- Getting Started
- Using Your AirCard 550
- Operating Systems
- CDMA
- Antenna
- SMS (short messaging service)
- Voice
- Miscellaneous
General
Q: What is the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 550? A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 wireless network card fits into a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and functions as a wireless network card and a mobile phone. This card allows you to connect to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, connect to a corporate network, and make voice calls, without the need for a network cable or phone line.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Sierra Wireless AirCard? A: Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard allows the user to wirelessly connect a laptop or PDA directly to the Internet, Intranet, corporate e-mail or a host of other corporate applications - without the need for a wireless phone or landline connection. Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard to wirelessly access key corporate applications while on the road allows users to increase their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness while away from the office.
Q: Which applications are well suited for using a Sierra Wireless AirCard 550? A: Email, Internet, intranet/extranet, and corporate LAN access, as well as enterprise applications such as VPNs, Field Service, and Sales Force Automation/Customer Relationship Management applications.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Sierra Wireless AirCard versus my phone and a cable?A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550, and Sierra Wireless AirCard product line in general, offer an easier, more convenient method of getting connected rather than using a tethered solution with a standard mobile phone. Users also like that the AirCard 550 fits inside laptops or PDA (in the PCMCIA type II slot), making it easy to use when working outside of the office.
Q: How much does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 cost, and where can I buy one? A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 is currently available from
Sprint in the United States.
Q: What rate plans and service are available for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550? A: For additional information on pricing and rate plans for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550, customers should contact their carrier directly.
Q: What data rates can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 achieve? A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 has a theoretical maximum data rate of 144 kbps. Actual user speeds, set by the carriers, will likely be less but should be in the range of 50 to 70 kbps.
Q: What software is required to use the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550? A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 includes a software application called PCS Connection Manager? that manages the AirCard and monitors your connections; an application called the Network Adapter Manager that allows the user to switch between the AirCard 550 and other network cards (for notebook PCs only); and the driver software that forms the interface between the network card and the Windows operating system. The PCS Connection Manager software (and on notebook PCs, the Network Adapter Manager) must be installed before you insert the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 for the first time. Anytime you use the Sierra Wireless AirCard you must run PCS Connection Manager.
Q: What does PCS Connection Manager do?A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 is supported by application software, PCS Connection Manager, which allows the user to easily configure, control, and monitor the wireless modem. You use PCS Connection Manager to:
- Determine your signal strength, roaming status, CDMA 1x availability, and other network connection parameters
- Initiate voice and CDMA 1x calls
- View call statistics and SMS messages
- Enable and disable features (such as KeyGuard, which prevents accidental dialing)
- Set options related to SMS messages, sounds played, voice calls, and the lock code security feature (preventing others from using your AirCard)
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Getting Started Q: What is included in my purchase of a Sierra Wireless AirCard 550?A: Your AirCard 550 package contains the AirCard 550 wireless network card, an Antenna, the Installation CD containing the AirCard software and the user guide, and a Quick Reference Card.
Q: What is the first thing I do upon receiving my Sierra Wireless AirCard 550? A: Load the PCS Connection Manager software onto your computer. To do so, load the CD-ROM into your drive, and the installation wizard will guide you through this quick and easy installation process.
Q: Which carrier will activate my Sierra Wireless AirCard 550?A: Sprint is the only carrier who will activate your Sierra Wireless AirCard 550. The process of setting up an account is called activation. If you purchased the AirCard from Sprint or one of their authorized resellers, you may already have an account. (That is, your network card is pre-activated.)
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Using Your AirCard 550 Q: How do I know that I am in coverage on the wireless network? A: PCS Connection Manager includes a number of network indicators that will help the user determine whether or not they are within network coverage. The Signal Strength indicator graphically illustrates the intensity of the radio signal where the device is being used. PCS Connection Manager also has a 1X indicator to show whether CDMA 1x coverage is available in that area, and a Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own.
Q: If I lose coverage or remove the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 in the middle of downloading a web page will the download continue on from where I left off when the card is inserted and within CDMA coverage again? A: No. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 works like a cell phone. If you lose coverage, the call is dropped and you'll need to re-dial to reconnect to the server. The same is true if you eject the card. Some third party applications provide the capability of continuing a file transfer after a call drop.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 support simultaneous voice and data connections? A: Yes, however, the data session must be dormant in order to send or receive voice calls.
Q: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my Sierra Wireless AirCard 550? A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the AirCard 550 and the computer, the AirCard will heat up. The maximum heat of the card is controlled and will not damage your AirCard.
Q: How can I prevent others from using my AirCard 550 in the event that it is lost or stolen? A: The Lock Code feature prevents others from using your AirCard and your account. When the Lock Code is enabled, you are prompted to enter a code any time PCS Connection Manager is launched, and if the wrong code is entered, PCS Connection Manager closes. This makes it impossible to use the AirCard without knowing the lock code. Note that Locking the AirCard 550 does not prevent you from dialing 911.
Q: How do I program the telephone number settings for my AirCard 550? A: If the AirCard has not been activated, and is inserted, the Activation Wizard will guide you through the process. The Activation Wizard within PCS Connection Manager can be used to make changes if required.
Q: How much will the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 affect battery life on laptop? A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 is built to minimize battery impact on a laptop. Typical use sees the AirCard use approximately 10% or less of the battery of a laptop.
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Operating Systems Q: Which Operating Systems does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 operate with? A: The AirCard 550 wireless network card is supported on:
- Windows 98 Second Edition
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1 or later
- Windows Me
- Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
- Pocket PC 2000/2002 and Windows CE 3.0
- CE .NET
Q: Which PDAs/handheld computers can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 operate with? A: The AirCard 550 supports the Microsoft Pocket PC and Windows CE 3.0 platforms for those devices using the ARM SA-1110 processor. The following devices have been tested with this configuration:
- All Compaq iPAQs for PocketPC 2000 and PocketPC 2002 (except iPAQ 3900 series with XScale processor)
- Hewlett-Packard Jornada 720 Series for Windows CE 3.0.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 work with the Mac operating system?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 currently does not operate with the Mac OS.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 work with the Linux operating system?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 currently does not operate with the Linux OS.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 work with the Palm operating system?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 currently does not operate with the Palm OS.
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CDMA Q: What is CDMA? A: CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. It is the underlying technology that enables millions of wireless phones around the world where wireless carriers have implemented the technology in their wireless networks. More information about CDMA technology and networks is available on the CDMA Development Group (CDG) Web site,
www.cdg.org.
Q: What are the differences between CDMA IS-95A and CDMA2000 CDMA 1x?A: From an end user perspective, the noticeable difference between CDMA IS-95 and CDMA 1x are features such as speed and voice support. The data rates for CDMA 1x networks will be much faster, with a theoretical maximum of 144 kbps; data rates on IS-95A networks can only reach a maximum of 14.4 kbps. CDMA 1x is a 3G technology that offers both voice and data capabilities. More information about CDMA technology and networks is available on the CDMA Development Group (CDG) Web site,
www.cdg.org.
Q: What networks does the AirCard 550 operate on? A: The AirCard 550 operates only on CDMA 1x networks.
Q: On which frequency bands does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 work? A: The AirCard 550 operates on the 1900 MHZ (PCS) band.
Q: Which wireless carriers operate CDMA 1x networks in North America? A: Carriers operating CDMA 1x networks in North America include:
Bell Mobility,
Sprint,
Telus Mobility and
Verizon Wireless.
Q: What is the coverage for CDMA 1x networks? A: A number of carriers in North America, South America, and Asia have commercially deployed CDMA2000 1X networks. For the most current information on network coverage, it is recommended that you visit the carrier's web site.
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Antenna Q: Is the antenna removable? If so, what other antennae are compatible with this product? What kind of antenna connector does the card use?
A: The AirCard 550 has a removable rugged antenna with a flexible hinge. The only antenna that is intended for use with this product is the designated AirCard 550 antenna that is included when the product is purchased.
Q: I lost/broke my antenna, how do I get a new one? A: Replacement antennae are available and can be purchased from the reseller who sold you the AirCard 550 or from the
Sierra Wireless e-Store on our Web site.
Q: My antenna broke. Will my AirCard still work? A: No. Without a functional antenna, your AirCard 550 will not function.
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SMS (short messaging service) Q: What is Short Message Service (SMS)? A: SMS is a messaging service that allows the AirCard 550 user to receive alphanumeric text.
Q: How do you send an SMS message to an AirCard 550? A: The method may vary between CDMA networks. There are two known methods. Some CDMA carriers provide a web page that allows SMS messages to be created and sent to a particular phone number. Alternatively, you can use a standard web browser and use the 10-digit phone number and the carriers' domain name. Please consult you local CDMA provider for details.
Q: Does the network buffer the message if it is unable to reach the intended recipient, and if so for how long?A: Yes. Buffering duration varies between carriers.
Q: How large can an SMS message be? A: The AirCard 550 can handle SMS messages up to 150 characters, which includes both the message text and the "From" text.
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Voice Q: Can I use the speaker and microphone on my laptop or PDA to make a voice call with the AirCard 550?A: Unfortunately there are no physical audio connections between the PC card and the host device (PDA or laptop), and as such this will not be a feature offered in the foreseeable future.
Q: Which headsets work with the AirCard 550?A: A variety of headsets with a Universal 2.5 mm Audio Plug will work with the AirCard 550. The JABRA EarBud™ (available at the
Sierra Wireless Store) has been certified for use with the AirCard 550. Please note that not all commercially available headsets have been tested with the AirCard 550. Sierra Wireless cannot guarantee that all Universal 2.5mm Audio Plugs, or those headsets with two lines running across the connector, will work with the AirCard 550.
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Miscellaneous Q: Is there a 3-watt booster that will work with this unit? If not, are there any plans to produce one? A: There is no booster designed to work with the AirCard 550 and no plans to design one at this time.
Q: What is the warranty period for AirCard 550? A: The AirCard 550 comes with a 1-year warranty, effective from the date of purchase.
Q: What power saving features does the AirCard 550 have? A: The AirCard 550 offers power management for a number of the internal components of the card. The AirCard 550 supports slotted mode in CDMA whereby the radio turns off to consume less power when data is not being sent or received. The power consumption features of the AirCard 550 enables the card to reduce the amount of power draw and/or turn off some of the card components when there is no activity. The AirCard 550 will then resume drawing power once activity on the device is reinitiated.
Q: Will the AirCard 550 work while I have my Network Interface Card (NIC) installed? A: The Network Adaptor Manager allows the AirCard 550 and Network Interface Card to co-exist.
Q: What I/O ports exist on the AirCard 550 and what are they used for? A: The AirCard 550 is a multi-function PC card using one COM port and an NDIS Interface.
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