1.
General 2.
Getting Started 3.
Applications 4.
Using Your AirCard 555 5.
Operating Systems 6.
CDMA7.
Antenna 8.
SMS (short messaging service) 9.
Voice10.
Miscellaneous
Q: What is the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 555?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 wireless network card fits into a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and functions as a wireless network card, a modem, 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 is the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 555R?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555R has a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM). Similar to the AirCard? 555, it fits into a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and functions as a wireless network card, a modem, and a mobile phone. The RUIM stores your account information enabling to transfer account information from device to device. (Please note that RUIM support is specific to certain carriers). It functions similiary to the AC555 and 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 555?
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 555, 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. Unlike CDMA 1x mobile phones, the AirCard 555 can also alert you to incoming voice calls while in a data session, increasing the users productivity when mobile. Users also like that the AirCard 555 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 555 cost, and where can I buy one?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is currently available from many carriers worldwide. For a list of carriers that have approved the AirCard 555, please visit: www.sierrawireless.com/product/ac555R1X.aspx.
Q: What rate plans and service are available for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555?
A: For additional information on pricing and rate plans for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555, customers should contact the carrier directly.
Q: What data rates can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 achieve?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 has a theoretical maximum data rate of 153.6kbps. Actual user speeds, set by the carriers, will likely be less but should be in the range of 40 to 60 kbps. Many carriers will offer the option of using compression software to increase user speeds.
Q: What software is required to use the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 includes a software application called Watcher? that manages the AirCard and monitors your connections; an application called the Network Adapter Manager that allows the user to switch between the AirCard 555 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 Watcher software (and on notebook PCs, the Network Adapter Manager) must be installed before you insert the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 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 555 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 availability, and other network connection parameters
- Initiate voice and data 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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Q: What is included in my purchase of a Sierra Wireless AirCard 555?
A: Your AirCard 555 package contains the AirCard 555 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 555?
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 555?
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 555. 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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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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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, set-up a dial-up connection using Watcher's Connection Manager. Please refer to the Watcher User's Guide for help on using the Connection manager.
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 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 555 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 555 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: Why does the dial up networking icon in the system tray indicate that I am connected at 115.2 kbps when network speeds are usually slower?
A: The 115.2 kbps data rate that you see in the system tray is actually the speed at which the AirCard 555 is communicating with the operating system. This number is reported by the Windows operating system and not by the Sierra Wireless Watcher software. Throughput speeds on the network itself will vary according to location and other factors.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 support simultaneous voice and data connections?
A: No, voice and data connections cannot be done at the same time.
Q: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my Sierra Wireless AirCard 555?
A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the AirCard 555 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 555 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 Watcher is launched, and if the wrong code is entered, Watcher closes. This makes it impossible to use the AirCard without knowing the lock code. Note that Locking the AirCard 555 does not prevent you from dialing 911.
Q: Can I send and receive Faxes with an AirCard 555?
A: Yes, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 supports the sending and receiving of faxes. To learn how to send Faxes please refer to our Documentations Section. Please refer to the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User's Guides.
Q: How do I configure the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 to send and receive faxes with WinFax or other fax programs?
A: No special configuration is required to send a fax the user simply needs to specify that the fax will be sent using the AirCard 555 modem. The modem needs to be pre-set to receive an incoming fax, which can be done within Watcher in the Preferences Window. The user has the option of answering the next call as fax or all subsequent calls as fax. Please refer to the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 User Guide for detailed instructions on the fax receive preference.
Q: How do I configure/add/modify Dial-Up Networking (DUN) session to work with the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555?
A: There are two ways to create DUN sessions. The recommended approach is to use the Connection Manager in Watcher, but users can also manually create DUN sessions using the Windows Dial-up Networking Wizard. Please refer to the AirCard 555 User Guide for additional detail.
Q: How do I program the telephone number settings for my AirCard 555?
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.
Q: How much will the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 affect battery life on laptop?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 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 555 operate with?
A: The AirCard 555 wireless network card is supported on:
- Windows 95 OSR2 and higher
- Windows 98 / 98 SE
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1
- Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
- Windows Me
- Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
- PocketPC 2000/2002 and Windows CE 3.0
Q: Which PDAs/handheld computers can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 operate with?
A: The AirCard 555 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
- Hewlett-Packard Jornada 720 Series for Windows CE 3.0. Please check the Sierra Wireless Support and Download section for new software and support applicable to specific carriers.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 work with the Mac operating system?
A: Although Mac OS's are not a fully supported operating system, Sierra Wireless has developed an enabler for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 to be recognized by the Mac OS. This does not provide Watcher capability but does allow for Mac OS devices to create data connections. The technical resolution is located in our knowledge base (execute search with "MAC" in the search field).
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 work with the Linux operating system?
A: Although Linux OS's are not a fully supported operating system, Sierra Wireless has a technical resolution for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 to make data connections through the Linux OS. The technical resolution is located in our knowledge base.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 work with the Palm operating system?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 currently does not operate with the Palm OS.
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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 153.6kbps; data rates on IS-95A networks can only reach a maximum of 14.4kbps. CDMA2000 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 555 and AirCard 550 operate on?
A: The AirCard 555 operates on both CDMA 1x networks as well as digital CDMA IS-95A networks. The AirCard 550 operates only on CDMA 1x networks.
Q: On which frequency bands do the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 and AirCard 550 work?
A: The AirCard 555 operates on both the 800 MHz (Cellular) and 1900 MHz (PCS) bands, while the AirCard 550 operates on just the 1900 MHZ (PCS) band.
Q: Which wireless carriers operate CDMA 1x networks in North America?
A: For a list of CDMA 1x carriers operating in North America, please visit: www.sierrawireless.com/product/ac555R1X.aspx
Q: What is the coverage for CDMA 1x networks?
A: A number of carriers in North America, South America, and Asia have commercially deployed CDMA 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: For the AirCard 555R, is there a difference between the red-tip antenna and the black-tip antenna?
A: There is no difference between the red-tip antenna and the black-tip antenna. Both antennas are certified to work with the AC555R. There are no performance differences between the two antennas.
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 555 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 555 will not function.
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Q: What is Short Message Service (SMS)?
A: SMS is a messaging service that allows the AirCard 555 user to receive alphanumeric text.
Q: Does the AirCard 555 support 2-way and broadcast SMS?
A: Yes, the AirCard 555 supports 2-way SMS, but does not support broadcast SMS.
Q: How do you send an SMS message to an AirCard 555?
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 555 can handle SMS messages up to 150 characters, which includes both the message text and the "From" text.
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Q: Can I use the speaker and microphone on my laptop or PDA to make a voice call with the AirCard 555?
A: Unfortunately there is 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 555?
A: A variety of headsets with a Universal 2.5mm Audio Plug will work with the AirCard 555. The JABRA EarBud? (available at the Sierra Wireless Store) has been certified for use with the AirCard 555. Please note that not all commercially available headsets have been tested with the AirCard 555. 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 555.
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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 555 and no plans to design one at this time.
Q: What is the warranty period for AirCard 555?
A: The AirCard 555 comes with a 1-year warranty, effective from the date of purchase.
Q: What power saving features does the AirCard 555 have?
A: The AirCard 555 offers power management for a number of the internal components of the card. The AirCard 555 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 555 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 555 will then resume drawing power once activity on the device is reinitiated.
Q: Will the AirCard 555 work while I have my Network Interface Card (NIC) installed?
A: The Network Adaptor Manager allows the AirCard 555 and Network Interface Card to co-exist.
Q: What I/O ports exist on the AirCard 555 and what are they used for?
A: The AirCard 555 is a multi-function PC card using one COM port and an NDIS Interface.