1.
General 2.
Getting Started 3.
Applications 4.
Using Your AirCard 580 5.
Operating Systems 6.
CDMA7.
Antenna 8.
SMS (short messaging service) 9.
Voice10.
MiscellaneousGeneral
Q: What is the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 580?
A: The AirCard 580 is the latest addition to the Sierra Wireless product line. Offering users the fastest speeds to access critical information, it is an ideal communication tool for road warriors requiring seamless connectivity
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 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 580?
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: How much does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 cost, and where can I buy one?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 is currently available from Verizon Wireless in the United States. Availability with other carriers will be announced in the future.
Q: What rate plans and service are available for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580?
A: For additional information on pricing and rate plans for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580, customers should contact the carrier directly.
Q: What data rates can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 achieve?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 has a theoretical maximum rate of high-speed wireless data access up to 2.4 Mbps. Maximum possible speed varies. Actual user speeds, set by the carriers, will likely be less.
Q: What software is required to use the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 includes a software application called Watcher that manages the AirCard and monitors your connections; and the driver software that forms the interface between the card and the Windows operating system. The Watcher software must be installed before you insert the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 for the first time. Anytime you use the Sierra Wireless AirCard you must run Watcher.
Q: What does Watcher do?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 is supported by application software, Watcher, which allows the user to easily configure, control, and monitor the wireless modem. You use Watcher to: Determine your signal strength, roaming status, CDMA 1X and EVDO availability, 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 580?
A: Your AirCard 580 package contains the AirCard 580 card, a card case, 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 580?
A: Load the Watcher 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 carriers will activate my Sierra Wireless AirCard 580?
A: Companies that operate CDMA networks and provide access to these networks are called service providers. You must have an account with a CDMA service provider to use the AirCard 580. The process of setting up an account is called activation. If you purchased the AirCard from a service provider, you may already have an account. (That is, your network card is pre-activated.) Otherwise, you can refer to the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com, for a list of service providers.
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Applications
Q: What impact will using a VPN have on my throughput?
A: When using any VPN's, there will ALWAYS be a degradation in throughput. This is because a VPN adds additional overhead to each data packet to encrypt it and increase security. Depending on the way the VPN is configured (i.e. Degree of encryption, Security settings etc.) different amounts of overhead will be added. To improve the throughput of your VPN, you should consult your IT manager about optimizing the configuration of your corporate VPN setup to reduce the amount of VPN overhead that is sent with the data.
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Using Your AirCard 580
Q: What type of coverage (IS95, 1x or EVDO) is my AirCard 580 in?
A: Watcher will display the EVDO indicator (
) when 1xEVDO is available in the area. Watcher will display the 1x indicator (
) when 1x is available in the area. Note that the 1x indicator will not be displayed in a 1xEVDO area. When in IS95 coverage, Watcher will not display either icon. However the RSSI indicator (
) will still be displayed. For more details on connection status, please review the user guide.
Q: How do I connect to the network?
A: To connect to the CDMA network, simply start Watcher. To dial up your ISP or corporate network using Watcher and the Air Card580, refer to Windows Help and search under Dial-Up Connections and Network Connections.
Q: How do I know that I am in coverage on the wireless network?
A: Watcher 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. Watcher also has a 1X and EVDO indicator to show whether CDMA 1X and EVDO 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 580 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 580 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 580 support voice?
A: No, voice is not supported on AirCard 580.
Q: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my Sierra Wireless AirCard 580?
A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the AirCard 580 and the computer, the AirCard will heat up. The maximum heat of the card is controlled and will not damage your AirCard.
Q: Can I send and receive Faxes with an AirCard 580?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 does not support fax.
Q: How do I program the telephone number settings for my AirCard 580?
A: If the AirCard has not been activated, and is inserted, the Activation Wizard will guide you through the process. The Activation Wizard within Watcher can be used to make changes if required.
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Operating Systems
Q: Which Operating Systems does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 operate with?
A: Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Q: Does AirCard 580 work with PDAs/handheld computers?
A: No, the AirCard 580 does not support PDA and handheld computers.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 work with the Mac operating system?
A: Mac OS is not a supported operating system for now.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 work with the Linux operating system?
A: No, the AirCard 580 does not support linux operating system presently.
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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 1X and CDMA 1xEV-DO?
A: From an end user perspective, the noticeable difference between CDMA 1X and CDMA 1xEV-DO are features such as speed and voice support. The data rates for CDMA 1X networks is a theoretical maximum of 153.6kbps; CDMA 1X is a 3G technology that offers both voice and data capabilities. CDMA 1xEV-DO delivers peak data speeds of 2.4Mbps and supports applications such as MP3 transfers and video conferencing.
Q: What networks does the AirCard 580 operate on?
A: The AirCard 580 operates on both CDMA 1X networks and CDMA 1xEV-DO networks.
Q: On what frequency bands do the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 work?
A: The AirCard 580 operates on both the 800 MHz (Cellular) and 1900 MHz (PCS) bands.
Q: Which wireless carriers operate CDMA 1xEV-DO networks in North America?
A: Carriers operating CDMA 1xEV-DO networks in North America include Verizon Wireless and ACS Alaska. Availability with other carriers will be announced in the future.
Q: What is the coverage for CDMA 1xEV-DO networks?
A: A number of carriers in North America, South America, and Asia Pacific have deployed either commercial or trial CDMA 1xEV-DO 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: My antenna broke. Will my AirCard still work?
A: No. Without a functional antenna, your AirCard 580 will not function.
Q: Can I use a external antenna?
A: The MC card connector on the AirCard 580 is only for testing use. Although some third party MC card connector adapters are available to connect an external antenna to the AirCard 580, Sierra Wireless is not responsible for using such a configuration.
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SMS (short messaging service)
Q: What is Short Message Service (SMS)?
A: SMS is a messaging service that allows the mobile user to receive alphanumeric text.
Q: Does the AirCard 580 support SMS?
A: Currently the AirCard 580 doesn't supports SMS.
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Voice
Q: Can I make a voice call with the AirCard 580?
A: No, the AirCard 580 is not voice capable.
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Miscellaneous
Q: What is the warranty period for AirCard 580?
A: The AirCard 580 comes with a 1-year warranty, effective from the date of purchase.
Q: What power saving features does the AirCard 580 have?
A: The AirCard 580 uses a standard 32-bit cardbus electrical interface for efficient power management.