Sierra Wireless 555 User Manual

Installation Guide

10

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On notebook PCs, during high-speed 

 connections, the 

AirCard is a true network card, functioning just like the 
network cards familiar to most corporate computer users. 
Once installed and configured, the AirCard can connect to the 

 network automatically. You just insert the AirCard, 

allow Watcher to autolaunch

1

 and authenticate your account 

on the network, then launch your Internet browser—you’re 
online!

As a modem, the AirCard allows you to dial up any other 
modem (such as a corporate server), or send and receive faxes.

You can connect a headset (sold separately) to the AirCard and 
use it as a phone. Make and receive calls using digital voice 
quality, and have the security of emergency 911 access.

Short Messaging Service (

) is also available to exchange 

brief text messages with other 

 subscribers.

The AirCard operates over a type of wireless network called 

(Code Division Multiple Access).

CDMA

 technology provides a variety of connectivity 

features, depending on your service provider and account:

 data, sometimes known as 

, 

supports Internet connections with data rates up to 
153.6

 (downlink from the network) and 76.8 kbps 

(uplink to the network). Actual speed depends on the 
network conditions. With this type of connection, the 
AirCard functions as a network card.
Once the connection is established, you can open your 
browser and connect to any web site that is accessible 

1. Autolaunch is supported on notebook PCs only.

Running Watcher is optional—a high-speed connection is initi-
ated upon insertion of the AirCard, provided:
a) you have enabled, in Watcher, “Always-on” for the high-
speed connection, and
b) WiFi coverage is either not available, or is available but no 
WiFi profiles have been set to autoconnect.
However, to make use of other features of the AirCard, you 
must run Watcher.