VPN, best practices and wifi in general - Networking

Hi, Ive just got an imate JAMin after a 3 year break from the Pocket PC world and im very impressed but I have a few questions.
1) VPN, how do you actually connect to it? I have enterd all the details to connect to my windows VPN server but as far as I can see the only way to initiate the connection is to tap hold on the VPN in connection manager and select connect. But it also never does anything.
2) Is there any way to select if the wireless uses b or g mode or is it totally automatic? I would like to leave it in b only mode to save power.
3) My setup is as follows. Wireless at home directly connected to the internet, wireless at work on our lan which also offers internet access. I would like to know whats the best way to setup my connections? Should I say my wireless is on the work network or on the internet? I want connections no matter where I am to always use the wifi first and then if it cant connect to use the GPRS connection. The way I have done it is to convigure everything to use my work network and added a GPRS connection to that. so the 'My ISP' option isnt even used any more.
Many Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

Related

GPRS Question

GPRS is new territory for me. I'm planning to apply for a GPRS acct with my telco
I'm afraid that once I've configured the settings for internet via GPRS from my telco, it will always use GPRS whenever I want to connect to the internet.
How do I switch back to normal mode when I'm at home and accessing the internet thru ActiveSync?
On my EXTENDED_ROM, there is a file called vodafone.CAB which will configure my phone with Vodafone settings (I'm with Vodafone). Whenever I run that file (after a hard reset), I cannot access the internet via ActiveSync. Everytime I run PIE, it always defaults to GPRS.
I don't know how to switch to use internet via activesync once I'm on the GPRS plan and then switch back to GPRS when I'm not at home.
If you are concerned about it using GPRS once you are connected to ActiveSync you could always switch to flight mode. Not ideal, I admit, if you use your phone alot and don't like it being turned off.
I had two profiles on mine, one GPRS and one dial up. Even when I set the default to the dial up (CSD) it still tried to use GPRS. Fault with my pocket PC only? maybe. What was strange was that even after I deleted the GPRS profile and soft reset it still was using GPRS! I had to hard reset in the end.
So, I would backup your pocket PC before installing the GPRS profiles.
If you have a large bandwidth then it probably won't matter to you but if not I would definately install a bandwidth monitor as you may also find that some apps you install may also try to periodically get internet access.
The problem with Windows Mobile 2003 is that you can't seem to tell it to ask you first. Microsoft seem to think that you either want GPRS on permanently or don't use it at all. I am sure there are a lot of people out there who just want to use it from time to time. If an app wants internet it just goes and gets it!
Having said that, even with CSD, it will still dial out when it wants. To get around that problem I created 2 profiles, one of which doesn't have a userid and password. I set the default profile to the one without userid. That way if something tries to get internet access it first asks the user to enter their userid and password - in effect it safeguards against a rogue dial out.
I personally don't use GPRS as I found out that my CSD access will use my free minutes. Since I hardly use my phone for voice calls I may as well make use of the free minutes for internet access.
Ok did some searching around ppcsg, apparently you can turn off GRPS by pressing the RED button (the disconnect talk button) and holding it for a few seconds.
Or use this tool
http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com/en/index.php?soft=1123
Question is whether once the GPRS is turned off, will internet access be automatically be directed to the ActiveSync connection (assuming I'm connected via ActiveSync)
To use internet via AS you should configure 'my work network' correctly under the 'connections' settings. The 'my isp' connection is meant for dial-up & gprs access to the internet.
Sadly can't tell how to do it in detail as my magician is my wireless modem & at work the connection isn't allowed. Maybe the help files are of any use in this.
Cheers, M
yes, mine, just automatically uses my internet connection thro' my PC with AS, but as soon as I disconnect from my PC, my Qtek switches over to GPRS.. which is pretty cool.
dood, care to share how you achieve this?
I suppose the question is, if you are connected to a PC which is on the internet, why would you want internet access on the Magician anyway? Why not just use Thunderbird or other web browser?
Outlook will sync the inbox for e-mail when connected via activesync...
The joy of surfing the net while watching TV lying on the bed..can't really do that wth a laptop..too heavy

Can my jasjar and Centrino communicate?

G'day all,
Well I got my jasjar today, and essentially I was originally under the impression that with this I would be able to use the wireless technologies of my laptop and jasjar to sync outlook, and browse the fiels on the notebook etc.
Then reality hit me.
You cannot sync via wireless. Then as it turns out I have no clue on how to setup a wireless network..
So im just wondering if anyone can inform me, is it possible for my jasjar and centrino notebook to communicate with each other wirelessly? If so what do I need to do in order to do that.
Thanks in advance
a very confused wireless enthusiast.
ActiveSync will not work on wi-fi, but you can setup a device-to-device network and use files on a share on your computer. If your Centrino has Bluetooth, you can use ActiveSync with that.
i have AS over bluetooth fine, and allows me to browse the internet etc
i have WIFI configured at home and work which allows me to browse shared folders with passwords and permission, run terminal server to my XP and our Terminal Server, and allows me to run Terminal Server over wireless over the internet direct to my remote work servers.
so it really depends on what you want to achieve, it will more than likely be a combination solution.
WIFI <> AS
WIFI = Internet and Shares and Terminal Server
WIFI = Streaming music and videos
Bluetooth = AS
Bluetooth = Internet
Bluetooth <> Shares and Terminal Server
Well my laptop doesnt have bluetooth so that is no good to me.
Yeah I just want to access the laptops music, video or documents wirelessly. Im a little or completely lost as how to do this, I do not have broadband, and I have no networking experience really.
All I have is a Centrino laptop armed with the latest wifi components, and a jasjar.
I managed to make a device-to-device connection as someone suggested, and the devices appeared to connect, but I couldnt seem to do anything with them as such.
Try Resco Explorer (www.resco.net) It allows you to map network drives (once you have your device-to-device connection sorted)
Wiz - Off topic but can you share how you got your O2 Exec Blackberry Enabled? I'd like to do the same. Ta - philg
Got resco explorer, gotta say thats a handy lil feature packed app. But to my problem at hand....does anyone have or can anyone give me a run down of how to get a device-to-device networking happenng.
I can get the two devices to connect as such via wifi, both jasjar says connected as does XP, however when I go to map a network drive, in Resco or XP fo rthat matter, I just an a message saying no computer is connected or availbe. This despite the fact that it is right there!!
Any suggestions, tutorial recommendations?
Thanks.
r u using xp pro or home?
what sort of antivirus r u running?
firewall? ms or other
any other security settings imposed?
generally, go to pc, find folder u want to connect to, RMC, properties, sharing, enable with a name you like, apply security with password (nb sharinmg over wifi will allow others to access without security).
goto pda, resco, map drive, type in \\computername\sharename, enter your username to log onto pc and password (assuming these were the same pemissions you applied when setting up)
I had this working using a wifi access point via a local router, but norton screwed it up and been unable to fix....
Yes XP Pro
Default Network Security really, like I said ive never really used them or accessed the features so usually keep em closed.
and running NIS 2005. But yeah look im not a total noob, ie I disabled NIS at one point to see if that was hampering the connections, and even enabled it and enabled full access and that did nothing either.
what you suggested I pretty much did.
however, when ive set up the device to device connection it gives me security options ie WEP WPA etc, done these restrict other networks from using the shared folder?
I ask because there are a fare few wireless networks around me, wouldnt want to give any of them access to my stuff, even if it is only my music and some documents.
If you start your WIFI on your PPC and PC, does the WIFI icon on the PPC create the connection, ie the antennae and two arrows that remain still.
If so, then you have got the connection to the PC, we just then need to get the folders and access to each other. If not, then we cant get any further till we resolve this issue.
RMC My Computer or go to control panel system. Far right Tab allow remote connections, tick the box to allow. This should allow a Terminal Server connection from your PPC to your PC. So find out the IP of your PC, then open TSC and enter the same IP address and see if it connects. If it starts to get create a connection via GPRS/3G cancel it. This will be due to the "My Work" and "Internet" settings which we will have to come back to.
If it you can open a TSC then you have established the WIFI and can create and authenticate a connection, so it means we have a problem with the foler sharing.
So in summary, doing the above will:
1. Estabish that the WIFI connection using WEP is working
2. That you are connecting over the same common network using TSC to connect and control your PC from your PPC
3. THat the problems are folder sharing related
Let me know how you go.
I wont be able to try these suggestions until tomorrow but im pretty confident one of these will work, thanks for taking the time, I will definitely try em tomorrow.
But just for what information I have ATM, yes the wifi icon you described is there, so like I said the PPC is definitely connecting, just when its connected I dont seem to be able to do much.
Will let you know how I go
THanks again
I have resolved the problem that I have been having with connecting to a network share, when I could before and cant now....
The answer was simple, and I cant believe how simple.
The answer was found here, and posted by DUTCH
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=21317&highlight=network+wifi+connection+share
"Make sure you have "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP" checked in your TCP/IP Advanced settings."
If your not sure where this is let me know, but it provided and immediate fix for me. ...
Well, actually, I did two things simultaneously, so not sure which actually worked. I also went into the specific connectsion > Network Cards on the PPC, Network Adapter set to work, then Wireless tab, found the specific network opened this and changed this from internet to work.
So the combineation of the IP settings and the change from internet to work allows my ppc to connect to my computers folder shares.
well, i tested it furter.
If i left the work setting on my network, then when I used the internet, it opened and connected a gprs connection to open the web site.
so i changed the network connect back to "the internet", and was able to use the network card to connect to the internet and access the web.
I was also STILL able to access a network share whilst the network connected to "the internet", so the solution for me was
"Make sure you have "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP" checked in your TCP/IP Advanced settings."

PROBLEM: sharing folder with WiFi...

Hi guys!
I'm trying to use (first time 4 me!) WiFi connection from my laptop and my Jamin in this way:
Start from scratch (without connections...) and turn on both wifi.
Create a new connection for only 2 devices from my Jamin without any security (4 the moment).
Now I can see the new wifi network on my laptop...
I chose connect from my laptop and the connections estabilish.
Handshake to retrieve the ip address is oaky and now I've got the connection from my 2 devices (Jamin and laptop).
On laptop I can ping the ip address of my Jamin but now I don't know what can I do with this connection.
Is it possible to share some folder on laptop and/or on Jamin to copy/remove/move some files?
Is it possible to use the std modem connection of my laptop for browsing the web from Jamin?
Is it possible to sync with Activesync my Jamin?
How can I do it, guys?
You can do most of what you want:
First, make sure that if you selected (on the Jamin) that your network connects to 'Work' in Settings->Connections->Connections->Advanced->Network Selection both lists read 'My work network' or 'My ISP' if you selected the 'connects to Internet'.
1) To browse, copy, move and delete files on you laptop just create standard windows shares. (right click folder or drive, select sharing)
To access the files from the Jamin select 'open path' in file explorer and type \\computer-name\\share-name. I recommend using the free Total Commander because built-in file explorer takes up to 3 times as long to transfer files (no idea why, it just hangs in the middle).
Unfortunately Windows Mobile does not support file sharing so this will not work viceversa (looking at Jamin files from laptop)
2) To serf the web through laptop internet connection you have to use 'internet connection sharing' (not a problem if you are using Win XP).
On the Jamin go to Settings->Connections->Network Card->Adapters
tap on your WiFi card in the list and enter your laptops IP as the gateway.
3) Sync is possible but tricky. I don't know the exact procedure but you need to set up a VPN (MS removed WiFi sync from AS 4+ for security reasons). The procedure is documented somewhere here, I just don't remember where exactly.
Great! Many thanks! ;-)
whoops...
Just another think....
What about hotspos?
I never search for a hotspot near me because I think I will not able to connect to a hotspot.
Can you exlain me the procedure to search and use hotspot? How can I see if the found hotspot is open or closed? Do you use some sw to connecti with WiFi?
I am not sure about your laptop, it depends on its WiFi card driver.
As for Jamin it is very simple: Turn on WiFi, it will automatically search for all available networks and display them stating if the network is open or secure. Then you just select a network you want and it will try to connect.
Also in settings->connections->Network cards you can see all the networks your device detected (even those that are not in the vicinity any more) when WiFi is on. Tap on a network to change its settings (like encryption type if any) or tap and hold for a menu.
If you don't mind wasting space on .NET CF 2 You can download a free app called Hitchhiker that helps auto-configure WiFi network connection.
Just remember: even if you found what looks like an open Hotspot it may be just an unsecured network that doesn't provide internet acces ot the network may block devices by MAC address, in this case it will show as open but you will not be able to connect.
Many thanks! ;-)
So, is it possible that I can connecto to a hotspot but I can't use it or if I see the hotspot connected that means that I can use it to surf the web?
After the connection is estabilished what I have to do or confiugre to surf the web using that connection?
Thanks a lot guy! You're helping me so mutch!
Whether you have internet access or not once you are connected depends on the network (what you think is a hotspot may be in fact someones home network that does not have internet access). If it is a public hotspot you don't have to do anything once you are connected except to open Internet Explorer.
Sorry 4 my stupid question but..
what is the difference between accesspoint and hotspot? :-(
I'm always thinking (WRONG) thet accesspoint is home LAN and hotspot is internet...
The definition thing is kind of tricky. When you say access point some people might just think of a device with an antenna that plugs in to your network to extend coverage and others might say it is the same as hotspot.
Hotspot is generally defined as a public access WiFi network.
All of that is semantics though. When you turn on a WiFi capable Pocket PC or laptop it detects everything with WiFi around it.
It can determine if the source is another computer (Ad-hoc network) or if it is a router (real network), what standard it is (g/b) and whether it is secured (requires key) or not. Also if the network broadcasts SSID (disabling it is another security measure) you may learn its name, although it may be set to default, which is usually the router model.
As far as I know there are two ways to learn what you are connected to:
1) Ask who ever is in charge of it.
2) Poke around, and see what you get.
One more thing: There is an app (not free) called PocketLAN. It shows you the network (on your Jamin) just like you would see it in Network Neighborhood on the PC, plus lets you ping other computers and stuff. You may want to check it out.
Thanks man!
Well! Yesterday I was able to manage shared folder of my laptop from Jamin with WiFi connection.
Thanks a lot!
Now I have another problem.... I clear all my "wifi networks" (?) from the tab visible in the screenshto.
I also clear all my wifi networks from laptop.
Tha problem is that I'd like to configure somethink on my laptop in order to automatically connect from my Jamin on it.
I'd like to turn on the wifi on Jamin and receive the notification that a connection can be estabilish to my laptop...
I tryed a lot but I can't do it!
Is it possible? The tab in attachment what rappresent? I have to confiugure somethink there?
I'm always thinking that wifi connection are visible simply turning on the wifi of any device...
Is there some guide for dummys? I don't want to annoing so mutch... :-(
levenum said:
You can do most of what you want:
First, make sure that if you selected (on the Jamin) that your network connects to 'Work' in Settings->Connections->Connections->Advanced->Network Selection both lists read 'My work network' or 'My ISP' if you selected the 'connects to Internet'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sorry levenum but i didnt quiet understand what u were trying to say... what exactly do i need to do after i select network selection ??
thank u
phreaker18 said:
im sorry levenum but i didnt quiet understand what u were trying to say... what exactly do i need to do after i select network selection ??
thank u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you trying to do? What is the problem you are getting?
If you start from the beginning I might be able to help you better.
In any case once you open 'Network selection' you will see two combo boxes - "drop down" lists.
You need to select same thing in both - "My ISP" than make sure when you connect to a network you select "The internet".
unable to find network wifi
i am using o2 xda mini s to connect my laptop via wifi. it shows the connections excellent on both devices with ip address 169.254.72.236 on ppc nd 169.254.130.63 on laptop. i used laptop ip address as gateway address on ppc network wifi adaptor setting.
using ping with this ip(169.254.72.236) from laptop it shows success. but can't share folders and transfer files. when i try to open the pah from the file explorer in ppc or laptop it says 'unable to find network that support this ip address' either by entering the name of computer or by entering ip address
help me in using this facility.

Shift sharing Its 3g connection with other devices

Anyone has been able to share the 3g connection with other devices using BT (with Personal Area Network) or Wifi adoc network?? I only got it once with wifi adoc but I coudnt repeat again....
I want to connect my Packard Bell to internet using the 3g connection within the shift....
danielherrero said:
Anyone has been able to share the 3g connection with other devices using BT (with Personal Area Network) or Wifi adoc network?? I only got it once with wifi adoc but I coudnt repeat again....
I want to connect my Packard Bell to internet using the 3g connection within the shift....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice idea, i will try.
Hello,
yes, I managed to get it working. It took me two days, so I'm glad to share it here to give something back to this great forum.
The setup method is similar to the ICS instructions in Vista Help and on various internet pages, but with an extra step at the end to get it to actually work.
First thing first, you need a network connection between your Shift and your laptop. I used Wifi. You will probably need to tone down your firwall in order to set up this network connection.
Then you need to set up ICS on your shift. Enable the options in your Network and Sharing centre. Read the ICS instuctions in Windows help if you need help with setting these options.
Ok, so it should now work, but doesn't. Now the trick that I found to get it to work:
Each time you wish to share internet on your computers, do the following:
1. Connect to your network from your shift and laptop to open the connection.
2. On you shift, manage network connections and get properties for Local Area Connection. Select the Sharing tab and DISABLE both options.
3. On you shift, get properties for Local Area Connection. Select the Sharing tab and ENABLE both options.
Wait about 30 seconds, then the globe should appear in your network icon on your laptop, and it should have network connection from that point.
Repeat steps 1-3 for every time you wish to use this sharing.
To connect your Shift to a home Broadband internet wifi, do the following steps:
1. On you shift, manage network connections and get properties for Local Area Connection. Select the Sharing tab and DISABLE both options.
2. Connect to the wifi home Broadband internet.
I'm brand new to this, so I might be mising a couple of tricks so any regfinements to my method would be gratefully received.
In particular I'd like my two machines to automatically connect via wifi network when they are near. Anybody know how to do this?
Thanks¡¡. works correctly but dns server. I ve to setup it in my packardbell manually. Any idea?
any dns server will do really
so just find the ip of any and use that
dns servers unlike gateways are not something
you have to get from your provider

VPN via 3G/HSDPA is still unresolved ?

Hi Everyone,
Having the Shift as my workhorse since some moths, there is still one annoyance I couldn't avoid: my VPN connections are interrupting the Internet connection when using 3G/HSDPA modem connecting to Internet in Vista/WM.
I was trying to search through all existing threads, but I still don't see anyone finding a solution.
I think the root lays in WM somewhere, since I cannot establish a PPTP connection in WM neither. In my case it is certainly not caused by the data provider, because I have checked it with them.
Let's try to put our knowledge together to sort this out !
This is normal behaviour I suppose
When connected to the VPN, the VPN must provide you with either a proxy or another internet gateway, otherwise you are just connected to a private network...
Maybe you mean something else, but from what I read it seems like you never got on the internet with VPN active.
If you did, and you are talking about intermittent network errors, then only high performance settings on your power settings may help.
If you could give more info I could help more. IP/Proxy/Gateway/ did it ever work yes no etc.
lucid said:
When connected to the VPN, the VPN must provide you with either a proxy or another internet gateway, otherwise you are just connected to a private network...
Maybe you mean something else, but from what I read it seems like you never got on the internet with VPN active.
If you did, and you are talking about intermittent network errors, then only high performance settings on your power settings may help.
If you could give more info I could help more. IP/Proxy/Gateway/ did it ever work yes no etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucid,
Thanks for replying. I will try to explain it another way.
1. When I am connected to Internet via Wifi, I have no problem using my VPN connection. I get authenticated and connected to the company network and the connection stays active as long as I want.
2. Using 3G/HSDPA Internet, the following happens:
- I start the same VPN connection, and get connected.
- Than my 3G/HSDPA connection breaks up, and the PPTP dialin stays alive - it doesn't have any use this way of course.
- When I disconnect from VPN, the 3G connection comes back automatically.
I hope this is more clear this way, any hints are very welcome !
jarbi said:
2. Using 3G/HSDPA Internet, the following happens:
- I start the same VPN connection, and get connected.
- Than my 3G/HSDPA connection breaks up, and the PPTP dialin stays alive - it doesn't have any use this way of course.
- When I disconnect from VPN, the 3G connection comes back automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly the same problem that i have had for over months - it just doesn't work and I can't see any way to get it to work - so much so, I don't use the Shift anymore - got a Tytn II and redfly and just remote desktop to a PC on the work lan!
jarbi said:
Lucid,
Thanks for replying. I will try to explain it another way.
1. When I am connected to Internet via Wifi, I have no problem using my VPN connection. I get authenticated and connected to the company network and the connection stays active as long as I want.
2. Using 3G/HSDPA Internet, the following happens:
- I start the same VPN connection, and get connected.
- Than my 3G/HSDPA connection breaks up, and the PPTP dialin stays alive - it doesn't have any use this way of course.
- When I disconnect from VPN, the 3G connection comes back automatically.
I hope this is more clear this way, any hints are very welcome !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VPN that you are running is on VISTA side.(if yes try to see the routing table) by default the VPN get the default GW, and try to change it.
If this is the issue then you can go to the VPN connection properties -> Networking ->TCP/IP -> Properties -> Advanced -> IP Setings -> unchek the use the default GW on remote network.
regards
Is this a problem caused by this vista "feature", which disconnects the 3G Modem from Vista, as soon as an other network is being connected via WLan or via cable?
I think this is a stupid feature. Instead of that the users just should set the metrics for the networks manually and you can be sure, that Vista always uses the WLAN instead of the GSM/3G modem, if both where available.
alazarid said:
The VPN that you are running is on VISTA side.(if yes try to see the routing table) by default the VPN get the default GW, and try to change it.
If this is the issue then you can go to the VPN connection properties -> Networking ->TCP/IP -> Properties -> Advanced -> IP Setings -> unchek the use the default GW on remote network.
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alazarid,
Thanks a ton, the TCP/IP part did the trick ! Now my VPN has a use ).
cheers !
Ok guys heres the issue...
At first I thought this problem was associated with the fact that there may have been some software monitoring for other data connections, to disable the GSM modem when not needed...
After checking into everything, I found that there is probably NO software that does this...
Since WM handles the passthrough for the 3G connection, and ontop of that the actual endpoint for the data connection on the GSM connection is the WM side and not Vista, what happens is what when the VPN creates a connection and you opt-in to use the default remote gateway (I prefer to use it, because I require this for the work I do), the default gateway is updated on the 3G network interface.
I beleive that this update of configuration, then causes the WM side to stop the connection because either a) it doesn't know howto interprit this or b) retries to create the connection because it thinks there is an error.
I havn't played with this for a few weeks, and have my fair shareof other stuff I deal with, so I cannot remember if WM NATs the 3G connection, but the key thing breaking this is the WM side.
I beleive that IF you did want to hack up a configuration that uses the remote gateway, you could configure a VPN connection under Windows Mobile and have WM connect to the VPN, therefor the PC would be using that connection (but wouldn't be aware that its connected to the VPN), therefore giving the user access to the VPN, WITH the remote default gateway being used.
Again, as I mentioned its been a while since ive gone tech on my Shift, but I beleive this is correct. If anyone wants to add anything, please feel free.

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