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How to Connect a PS3 to the Internet Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U

A Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U is an easy way to connect your PlayStation 3 (PS3) to the Internet when a normal Internet connection is not available. The 595U offers near-broadband speeds wherever there is a cellular signal. In order to connect the PS3 using a Sierra Wireless AirCard, you must use a computer to create an ad hoc wireless network to which the PS3 can connect using its built-in Wi-Fi card. The ad hoc network will remain active until the computer to which the 595U AirCard is connected powers off.

Things You'll Need

Computer with Wi-Fi capability
Data plan for AirCard

Instructions

- 1
  Share the Internet connection. Open the Control Panel on your computer, and select the "Network and Sharing" menu to see your network settings. View your network devices within the Network and Sharing controls. Right-click on the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U that you want to share, and select "Properties." Under the "Sharing" tab, select the option to allow other users to connect to the Internet via your AirCard connection.
- 2
  Start the AirCard connection. Then start the connection between the AirCard and your computer. Depending on your wireless carrier, this may be done using proprietary software offered by the carrier or a third-party utility. When the program says your 3G Internet connection is active, open a web browser or messaging program to verify the connectivity.
- 3
  Create an ad hoc network. Open the Control Panel and select the "Network and Sharing" configuration option. Open your list of wireless networks and select the option to add a new network. When prompted, select the option to create an ad hoc wireless network connection.
- 4
  Create an SSID. Once you begin the ad hoc network configuration process, you will be prompted to create an SSID. The SSID is effectively the name of your ad hoc wireless network. You may also create a network key if you want to block unauthorized users from using the 3G AirCard 595U connection. Windows supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) for securing the ad hoc connection.
- 5
  Start your PS3. Turn on the PS3 and do not insert a Blu-ray, as you must first configure your network settings. Open the network settings on the PS3 and configure a new network. The wireless adapter will search for networks in range. Select the SSID you created in Step 4. Next, if you elected WEP or WAP protection, enter the network key using your controller or a USB keyboard. Press the right arrow on your PS3 controller to advance to the next screen, where the PS3 will test the Internet connection via the ad hoc network.
- 6
  Test the connection. Insert a game and connect to its Internet features, or launch the web browser included on the PS3 to confirm your Internet connection is active.

PlayStation 3