Sierra Wireless 580 - Manual (Page 8)

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to use the widely available Express Network network where EvDO has not yet been implemented. The
benefits to you are that you can use the AirCard in any area that has coverage (assuming there are no
account restrictions) and you will be able to take advantage of the fastest possible data transmission
speed.
AirCard software and driver
Required to control, monitor, and manage your wireless connections is the Sierra Wireless Watcher™
software. The driver enables the AirCard to work with your computer’s operating system. The AirCard
comes with a CD containing this software:
• The Watcher application required to manage the AirCard and monitor your connections. (This User
Guide outlines the details of Watcher).
• The driver software that enables communication between the AirCard and your Windows ®
operating system.
The driver and application software must be installed before you insert the AirCard 580 for the first
time. Detailed instructions are provided in Chapter 3: “Installation Procedures”, beginning on page 11.
A
CLARO account
In order to begin using the AirCard 580, you must have an account with
CLARO.
Note: You can use the Lock Code feature to prevent others from using your account should your AirCard be stolen.
(See Chapter 4: “Watcher Basics”, page 17 for more information on this security feature).
Each AirCard 580 has been provisioned at the factory for use with CLARO. The process of
configuring your account is called activation. Procedures to activate your AirCard are covered in
Chapter 3.
The 3G CDMA wireless network
Note: More information about CDMA networks is available on the CDMA Development Group web site,
www.cdg.org .
This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio coverage that allows you to stay connected.
Made up of radio towers, and a variety of network switches, routers, and servers, the network is an
interconnection of many service provider companies.
There are CDMA networks, that operate in the frequency bands supported by the AirCard 580
throughout North America and parts of Latin America, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. However, each
service provider operates a network that covers a limited geographical area within the overall CDMA
coverage area. Most service providers have “roaming” agreements with other service providers, so
that they can offer service outside of the coverage area of their own networks. For example, assuming
you live in Seattle, Washington and travel frequently to Vancouver, Canada, you can obtain an account
with a service provider in Seattle that has a roaming agreement with a service provider in Vancouver.
You would then have local service in Seattle, and roaming service in Vancouver.