---

1.  General
2.  Getting Started
3.  Applications
4.  Using Your PC3300
5.  Operating Systems
6.  CDMA
7.  Wi-Fi
8.  Antenna
9.  SMS (short messaging service)
10. Voice
11. Miscellaneous


General

Q: What is the Sprint PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300)?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) is the latest addition to the Sprint PCS Connection Card 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 PCS Connection Card?
A: Using a PCS Connection Card 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 PCS Connection Card 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 PCS Connection Card?
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 PCS Connection Card cost, and where can I buy one?
A: The PCS Connection Card is exclusively available from Sprint PCS in the United States.

Q: What rate plans and service are available for the PCS Connection Card?
A: For additional information on pricing and rate plans for the PCS Connection Card, customers should contact Sprint PCS directly.

Q: What data rates can the PCS Connection Card achieve?
A: The PCS Connection Card has a theoretical maximum rate of high-speed wireless data access up to 144 kbps in both forward and reverse directions Maximum possible speed varies. Actual user speeds are 50-70 kbps.

Q: What software is required to use the PCS Connection Card?
A: The PCS Connection Card includes a software application called PCS Connection ManagerSM that manages the PCS Connection Card and monitors your connections; and the driver software that forms the interface between the card and the Windows operating system. The PCS Connection Manager software must be installed before you insert the PCS Connection Card for the first time. Anytime you use the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) you must run the PCS Connection Manager.

Q: What does the PCS Connection Manager do?
A: The PCS Connection Card is supported by application software, PCS Connection Manager, which allows the user to easily configure, control, and monitor the wireless modem. You use the PCS Connection Manager to: Determine your signal strength, roaming status, CDMA 1X availability, and the lock code security feature (preventing others from using your PCS Connection Card).





Getting Started

Q: What is included in my purchase of a PCS Connection Card? A: Your PCS Connection Card package contains the PCS Connection Card, a card case, the Installation CD containing the PCS Connection Manager software and the user guide, the warranty, and a Start Here Guide.

Q: What is the first thing I do upon receiving my PCS Connection Card?
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 carriers will activate my PCS Connection Card?
A: Sprint PCS. You must have an account with Sprint PCS to use the PCS Connection Card. The process of setting up an account is called activation. Contact Sprint PCS for more information.





Applications

Q: What impact will using a VPN have on my throughput?
A: When using any VPN's, there will ALWAYS be 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.





Using Your PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300)

Q: How do I connect to the network?
A: To connect to the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, simply start the PCS Connection Manager.

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. The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your Sprint PCS.

Q: If I lose coverage or remove the PCS Connection Card 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 PCS Connection Card 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 PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) support voice?
A: No, voice is not supported on PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300).

Q: The PCS Connection Card becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my PCS Connection Card?
A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the PCS Connection Cards and the computer, the PCS Connection Cards will heat up. The maximum heat of the card is controlled and will not damage your PCS Connection Card.

Q: Can I send and receive Faxes with the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300)?
A: No, the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) does not support fax.

Q: How do I program the telephone number settings for my PCS Connection Card?
A: If the PCS Connection Card has not been activated, and is inserted, the Activation Wizard will guide you through the process. The Activation Wizard within the PCS Connection Manager can be used to make changes if required.





Operating Systems

Q: Which Operating Systems does the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) operate with?
A: Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP and XP for Tablet PCs.

Q: Does the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) work with PDAs/handheld computers?
A: No, the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) does not support PDA and handheld computers.

Q: Does the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) work with the Mac operating system?
A: Mac OS is not a supported operating system for now.

Q: Does the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) work with the Linux operating system?
A: No, the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) does not support linux operating system presently.





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: How fast is CDMA 1x?
A: 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. 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 PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) operate on?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) operates on CDMA 1X networks.

Q: On which frequency bands do the PCS Connection Card work?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) operates on the 1900 MHz (PCS) band.





Wi-Fi

Q: What is Wi-Fi and how is different from CDMA 1x?
A: “Wi-Fi" stands for Wireless Fidelity, and is a high-speed wireless Internet service that is becoming commonplace on corporate and university campuses, and in public venues such as airports, convention centers, hotels and retail outlets where seating is available and visitors are likely to be stationary for a period of time. Along with "Wireless LAN," Wi-Fi is commonly used to represent the various flavors of 802.11 technology, which provides high-speed wireless data access in limited geographic areas. For complete information on Wi-Fi technology and certified products, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance online at www.wi-fi.org. CDMA is a wireless wide are network (WAN) technology, with coverage more extensive than Wi-Fi. CDMA offers a much broader coverage area since it is based on the cellular network, national and global. (See also, CDMA)

Q: Can I use the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) in Sprint compatible public Wi-Fi ZONES™?
A. No. The PCS Connection Card is a WWAN card designed to function on CDMA 1x network technology.

Q: Can I use the PCS Connection Manager software with any Wi-Fi card?
A: Yes. The PCS Connection Manager supports Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access for high-speed connectivity in Sprint compatible public Wi-Fi ZONES. (See the User Guide for details on this feature)





Antenna

Q: My antenna broke. Will my PCS Connection Card still work?
A: No. Without a functional antenna, your PCS Connection Card will not function.

Q: Can I use a external antenna?
A: The MC card connector on the PCS Connection Card is only for testing use. Although some third party MC card connector adapters are available to connect an external antenna to the PCS Connection Card, Sprint PCS and Sierra Wireless are not responsible for using such a configuration.





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 PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) support SMS?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) doesn't support SMS.





Voice

Q: Can I make a voice call with the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300)?
A: No, the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) is not voice capable.





Miscellaneous

Q: What is the warranty period for PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300)?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) comes with a 1-year warranty, effective from the date of purchase.

Q: I don’t want to compromise my notebook’s power. What power saving features does the PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) have?
A: The PCS Connection Card (Model PC3300) uses a standard 32-bit cardbus electrical interface for efficient power management.