Using VZAccess Manager v7 With Sierra Wireless SB555 Embedded Device

[FuzzyJohn]

We have several Panasonic CF-29 Toughbooks with embedded Sierra Wireless SB555 devices. Up to now we were running VZAccess Manager v6.9 on these laptops without any issues.

For consistency sake we want to upgrade VZAccess Manager in these laptops to v7. From what I could determine VZAccess Manager 7 should work with the SB555 devices. This is where I came across an issue.

After installing VZAccess Manager v7 the Verizon Wireless - VZAccess dial-up networking connection was not created. Trying to connect failed: Connection not available.

I manually created the connection and I was able to connect. The problem is that whenever I use Detect Device VZAccess Manager deletes the connection and a new one is not created.

I have a temporary solution by creating a connection named BACKUP Verizon Wireless - VZAccess and then when needed just duplicate this backup connection and rename it properly. At least that is a solution in the lab.

This leads to 3 questions:

1. Is there a way to make VZAccess anager create the connection as it normally should?
2. When the automatic area coverage updating takes place, does that trigger a Detect Device? If it does not I guess I am safe to believe that the connection will not be deleted in the field.
3. Is there a way to reduce the time between the coverage area updates so that I can test this in the lab without having to wait days or weeks for it to happen on its own?

Thanks!

[moates]

1. I would recommend uninstalling the current version of VZAM on the PC, and installing the VZAM software from www.vzam.net. I have listed the instructions below on navigating to the software.

• Once on the VZAM home page, select supported devices on the red menu located on the left hand side of the screen
• Scroll towards the bottom of the page for Laptops with Embedded Verizon Wireless WWAN Module
• The 4^th selection from the top is labeled “Panasonic Toughbook with global module.” Click on the version number that fits your Windows OS
• Enter your wireless number
• Before you download, check the two links below on whether you will need drivers for the WWAN device, or the Toughbook itself. I have listed the link below: 

http://panasonic.com/toughbook/support

http://www.vzam.net/UploadedFiles/Pan03_RevA_Driver.exe

If you are okay with the drivers, you can proceed to download the VZAM software by clicking the red download now button. Once selected, save the file to your desktop and install the software

***Download version 7.2.9 (2470a) for either Windows XP/Vista or Windows 7

***If step 1 is completed successfully (the drivers installed, the device was found, and the set up completed), the VZAM network connection will be automatically built.

2.      At the point that the automatic coverage update initiates, it has already detected the device. (If a device is not detected, you will not be able to activate it or update the coverage information.)

3.      To reduce the amount of time a coverage update can take, you can periodically perform a activation on the device. This can be done by selecting the “options” tab at the top of the VZAM menu, and select “activation”. This process will update the PRL (Preferred Roaming List) and coverage area.

I hope this information was helpful.

[lookinforanswer]

Make sure to also restart the system after the uninstall so that you can start with as clean a slate as possible.

Go to the Control Panel, Internet Options then remove any old connections that may exist.

I'm unfamiliar with the embedded modules but if it also creates a "Modem" in the Phone and Modems you may want to verify there aren't mulitiple listings.

Disable any antivirus before installing and if you have Vista or Windows 7 disable the User Account Controls.  Restart is required to take affect.

This should minimize the chance of issues during the install.