Wifi Connection Preferences - Networking

I have an XDAIIs, and am in an office with many wifi antennas.
I cannot for the life of me figure out how to set the wifi preferences so that my device connects to my network, and not another random antenna.
Any advice here?

Hiya, don't you just have to make sure that the 'automatically connect to non-preferred networks' checkbox is cleared to prevent it? (*sighs* Oh to be surrounded by wifi networks...) You might also be able to filter some of them out by telling it to only connect to the network type you use (i.e. AP or ad-hoc).
HTH...

Related

Connection settings: My Work Network vs. My ISP?

I'm confused about network settings in my Exec (but I guess this question applies to all WM devices).
What's the functional difference between My Work Network and My ISP? When I'm browsing WiFi networks and a new one is discovered, the notification says:
"Wireless Node 2" network connects me to:
O The Internet (or work via a VPN)
O Work
What's the correct answer? Why do I have a choice? In some cases I'll want the WiFi network to allow me to only access the Internet and in other cases (like the WiFi networks in my house) I want to be able to access the Internet AND browse files on other PCs + use Terminal Services. Should these situations require different settings or are they essentially the same?
Second question: If I'm using a program that needs an internet connection, what settings must I choose to ensure that the system uses WiFi if it can, and then GPRS only if WiFi isn't available? I've changed the option in Settings > Connections > Connections > Advanced > Select Networks so that both drop-down boxes show 'My Work Network' (since I don't want to choose a default of My ISP - i.e. GPRS - for network activity if a WiFi connection is available) but now I can't seem to find any GPRS connection options. How do you all connect to GPRS manually? If I tap the signal status icon at the top of the screen I have no 'Connect GPRS' option like I did on my XDA2.
I'm confused by it all. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, especially links to pages with how-to guides for idiots
PS. Tried searching these forums, but the subject is too generic and there are hundreds of results.
Hi
In my opinion WM2003SE's handling of connections is horrible. I understand you, being confused.
I'll decribe WM2003SE way...
Your exec has WM2005, but as far as I know, the rules are similar.
The general difference between "Internet" and "Work" is that connection set as "internet" allows you to surf web and give your program access to internet. While connections set as "work" should be used only when you connect to your home/office network (and optionally internet).
About disappearing "Connect GPRS". It's pain in the ass really
You can create as many "connection profiles" as you want (like "My ISP" "My Work Network" "My other freakin' ISP" "Etc")
Then you add some connections to certain profile....
eg.: create gprs connection (named "O2 GPRS inet" for internet in "my ISP" profile.
That means that when you change default Internet profile to "My other freakin' ISP", you won't be able to use "O2 GPRS inet"...
Ok.. answering your first, main question.
If you want to use inet, browse shared folders and use Terminal Services you should edit "My work network" properties and check "This network connects me to the Internet".
When at home. Select (in settings->connections->connections) "My work network" for both auto internet and auto private network.
When roaming around, you should change auto inet to "My ISP" which will have a configured GPRS connection inside.
Your phone will use Wifi first (before GPRS) when activated and available.
OMG.. my fingers hurt.
Have fun fighting with WM
Thanks for your reply, robal. It's a big help but I'm still not 100% sure of the situation.
robal said:
The general difference between "Internet" and "Work" is that connection set as "internet" allows you to surf web and give your program access to internet. While connections set as "work" should be used only when you connect to your home/office network (and optionally internet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I want both types to connect to the Internet. I still don't really see the difference. Does My Work Network apply to connections for which a VPN is necessary? If I choose 'The Internet' as the option when connecting to a new WiFi network, will that change any aspect of the way in which the connection works? Perhaps I should just try it and see. Trouble is, if I screw it up I'll never be able to get it working again!
robal said:
If you want to use inet, browse shared folders and use Terminal Services you should edit "My work network" properties and check "This network connects me to the Internet".
When at home. Select (in settings->connections->connections) "My work network" for both auto internet and auto private network.
When roaming around, you should change auto inet to "My ISP" which will have a configured GPRS connection inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I'm expecting the impossible. I want to set it up and forget about it, so that wherever I am my device can access the Internet. If I'm connected to a WiFi network then that's the connection but if not then it dials up GPRS automatically when a program demands a connection.
Does everybody else use robal's method and change the settings depending on the availability of a friendly WiFi access point?
If this is the case then Windows Mobile has a long way to go before the connectivity is seamless...
I was largely having probs connecting to 02's 3G network as I couldn't find the settings.. now I kind of understand. Kind of.
--O2 Contract 3G settings--
Name of connection: O2 Internet
Select a modem: Cellular Line (GPRS, 3G)
Access Point Name: mobile.02.co.uk
Username: mobileweb
password: *** (it was prefilled for me..)
Advanced Button should be set to auto-assign IPs
--
With regards the original post, I have mine setup so that if I connect to my local WiFi, then I get the internet through that. If I disconnect, or not in range, etc, then it will use the 3G settings.
I'm still a little in the dark with regards WM5.0s handling of network connections, but here's what I think is right:
Start > Settings > Connections Tab > Connections
[Tasks Tab]
You can only have *2* active connections
You can have multiple profiles under each connection.
So, I renamed my O2 Internet connection to something other than "My ISP", I chose "O2 3G Network" to make things a tiny bit less confusing. (This is the network with your 3G settings in as above.)
The second option I renamed to "My Wireless Network", and as far as I can tell, you do not need to change anything in there - unless you want to add VPN information.
[Advanced Tab]
Click "Select Networks"
Here you can choose between your 2 active connections. For the top option I chose "O2 3G Network", the second option "My Wireless Network".
Click OK
--
Now you have two networks setup. Open Internet Explorer..
If you do not have WiFi switched on, it should automagically dial your "O2 3G Network" when you start browsing.
If you're at home, or near a WiFi network, switch it on by holding your stylus on the "U" in the taskbar. This should give you the option to switch on WiFi.
A few handshakes later (this took about 2-3 mins to actually connect to my WiFi) and your "U" should change to the WiFi antenna icon.
*Check you have fully connected to WiFi before browsing!*
Do this by again, holding the stylus on the antenna icon and checking that your WiFi name is displayed, along with the signal strength.
*If you try to browse the web before your WiFi is ready, it will just attempt to dial O2 3G Network!* - Patience is required...
So, whether this answers the original post or not, I mean, it isn't exactly Automatic, but I guess if you leave WiFi switched on, then in theory it will use it, else it will dial your 3G network.
Well, thats my brain dump for my own benefit, hope it helps out others.
That will be very helpful, thanks gaspx. I'll try your suggestions later on and let you know how I get on.
So with those settings when your Exec finds a new wireless network and invites you to set up your connection, which do you choose? "The Internet" or "Work"? I think :?: that those two options are independent of your renaming of "My ISP" to "O2 3G Network"...
I guess I can get it set up right like you have, but I hate not understanding this. It should be so simple but it's not!
"The Internet" or "Work"? I think that those two options are independent of your renaming of "My ISP" to "O2 3G Network"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they are independant and are accessible when you choose Start > Settings > Connections Tab > Network Cards
Then select Network Adaptors tab.
What I'm not fully understanding is how these two options differ(!):
For instance, I have a static IP address on my WiFi, so I choose Network Adaptor Profile "Work", then configure "tiacxwin Compatible Wireless Ethernet" and enter in my static IP and DNS etc..
What I would *expect* to be able to do is choose between "Work" profile and have my static IP, or "The Internet" profile, and have dynamic IP.
But it doesn't appear to work that way.. if I add static IP address, it uses it for both Work and The Internet. Confused ? Me too.
which do you choose? "The Internet" or "Work"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So from my initial playing around, it doesn't appear to make any difference! - Otherwise i'd expect to add a roaming WiFi Hotspot to "The Internet" (and dynamic IP) and any Work related (static IP) to "Work".
Must be missing something fundamental here, but O2 Exec manual (pg.92) isn't especially forthcoming with an answer.. :?
This might help you a bit.
I connect to work with a vpn connection over the internet. the address for the vpn is a url.
1. I set up a gprs connection under internet
2. I set up a vpn connection under work to vpndomain.com.au
3. in the advanced tab of connections I add *.vpndomain.com.au to the exceptions list for work connections
4. I start a terminal session to terminal.vpndomain.com.au
the device connects to internet then connects to work over internet.
if you don't need one connection to occur via another then make them all internet
hope that helps
Okay, a bit more braindumping to understand the differences between "Work" and "The Internet" courtesy of ActiveSync Help..
ActiveSync > File > Connection Settings
This computer is connected to: Auto/Work/The Internet
---
Use ActiveSync to "pass through" this computer. That means the connected device can use the computer's network connection as if it were its own. You can use this feature to perform tasks such as downloading non-Outlook e-mail messages, to connect directly with Exchange Server, or to browse the Internet.
---
So, from that, I set the connection type to "The Internet" in ActiveSync, and I was able to browse the internet on my XDA.
I then set the connection type to "Work Network" in ActiveSync and was *not* able to use the internet.
What does it all mean ?
Well, at the moment all I can think of is that if don't set it to "The Internet", you er, don't get Internet access. :roll:
Applying that to the original question of which do I choose:
"Wireless Node 2" network connects me to:
O The Internet (or work via a VPN)
O Work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would holeheartedly recommend (if its a wireless network you've found whilst walking the streets) that you choose "The Internet" !!
--
Functional Differences
I'm thinking/believing/speculating that the functional difference between the two is that the "Work" option is for connecting to local or internal IP's only, for instance anything on your 10.x.x IP range if that is the subnet you're on.
The "Internet" option allows any *external* IP address to be accessed, and no access to the local IP range. This would then require the VPN option to be used to access local/intranet resources. (This is the passthrough option as mentioned above in the ActiveSync help)
I'm literally typing as i'm testing, and so far it kinda makes more sense to me now.. kinda.

Connected but not...

I go ino my comm manager and enable wifi, then it picks up my security enabled linksys router. Which has worked in the past, the only thing thats changed since the last time i actually transfered any data over wifi, was installing my minisd sandisk card, and the .net network.
Whenever i try to hit any website, or check any mail connections setup in my out look i get...
"Cannot Connect
Cannot connect with current connection settings. To change your connection settings, tap settings"
Any suggestions?
Are other devices able to access the internet using wifi and this router?
Can you access your router with PIE? http://192.168.1.1
What are your settings in Settings>Connections>Connections>Advanced>Select Networks and Settings>Connections>Network Cards>Network Adapters ?
Try deleting your router entry from the list in
Settings>Connections>Network Cards>Wireless
Then establish a new connection with the router and when prompted choose
This network connects to the The Internet.

Forcing Internet connection type

I configured my private wireless network, and the needed configuration for my cellular carrier web connection.
The issue is that whenever I am trying to surf to any webpage using my wireless LAN, my trinity always trying to connect to the cellular network, without using the available wireless connection. If I'm trying to cancel the conection process, it stopped but I can't surf anywhere.
Any ideas how to force the trinity to use the wireless network when available?
Thanks,
Amir.
In your connections configuration, create a new connection and do not add any entries to the Modem Section. Just configure the Proxy setting according to your ISP requirements. You have to change the connections configuration ach time you want a different connection to the internet. This you can do easily by creating different connctions for different situations.
Regards,
Randy
It sounds as if your connection to the WLAN Router isn't being recognised.
1st thing to try is to go into the WLAn control panel, and in the Power tab, make sure the slider is fully to the left for max performance.
In the Network Cards CP, see if your router is listed, and whether Available or Unavailable.
Recheck the security settings- are you using WEP or WPA? Does your router have any Range Extender features- if so, turn them off.
Once you have a valid WLAN connection, the PPC will use that in preference to the GPRS, as long as you have WLAN conneced before opening PIE, and as long as there is no current GPRS activity when you open PIE (I find that if my Exchange Server is connecting via GPRS, then WLAN won't connect till the data session has completed)
For a quick way to force GPRS off, then on as needed, look for a great free app called Bandswitch. This allows you to force the P3600 to use GSM or 3G if needed to conserve power, and also to quickly enable/disable the various GPRS connections.

WM6.1 Networking very confusing, can anyone demistify it?

Hi folks
Since day 1, I have always found the Networking (WiFi, 3G) system on WM61 very confusing.
If I go to connections, I have "My work network", Under there I have my Vodafone live profile. I have no idea why. Why cant I see WiFi settings here, and adapters etc
Under advanced, I can choose programs that auto connect to the net and auto connect to a private network. I have to set both of these to "My work network" otherwise my Vodafone Live 3G connection will not work. Surely connecting to a private network and connecting to the internet could be one and the same (in the case of using a router via a lan) ? Also this Network Management dialog does not seem to have anything to do with the Wi Fi network. I mean I cannot get at my WiFi adapters here etc.
The whole thing is a mess, If I want to see WiFi settings I have to use the WiFo icon in settings.
Can anyone make sense of this for me (and I'm sure many others). I'd love to see a definitive guide as to whats what, an explanation of each function/icon/tab/dialog
and finally a recommended setup for using WiFi, 3G etc
im kinda confused by WM6.1 network management too!
Currently i have my top setting set to 'Work Network' so that it accesses my wifi at home,
And the 'private network' is set to my 3G data provider, however it seems very clunky and if it was the other way around, i risk using my 3G data allowance even if Wifi was connected.
Im keen to also get some clarity here.
http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/faqs/connectionmanager.htm

WiFi network has IEEE 802.1X checkbox checked - How to remove

I cannot connect to my home network today. When going through all the settings, I see that the IEEE 802.1x checkbox is ticked, but greyed out. How can I remove either the network, or remove the IEEE setting ? I don't know how this changed, as it was working yesterday. I have two notebooks connected to the same router without any problems and neither has this check box ticked. so am presuming this is the problem - the problem being that it will not get an IP address. It finds the network but will not connect. I can see an option to edit the network, and remove the settings, but there is no option that I can see to remove the IEEE setting, or delete the network so I can start again, but am not sure this will prevent the IEEE setting from being selected by some other means. Obviously something caused it to select this, but I don't know what. I have removed any programs I have installed over the past day or so in the hope that this might have resolved it.
ieee802.1x == wifi network
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.1x
Thanks for that. I realise now that when WEP is selected (which my network is) that IEEE is activated by default. This means that I have some other problem accessing the network. It detects the network, says "connecting" then reverts to available. Never had a problem with this before and at a loss to know how to resolve it. Will try to connect to another network that I know works tomorrow.
enseeess said:
Thanks for that. I realise now that when WEP is selected (which my network is) that IEEE is activated by default. This means that I have some other problem accessing the network. It detects the network, says "connecting" then reverts to available. Never had a problem with this before and at a loss to know how to resolve it. Will try to connect to another network that I know works tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also tend to experience similar problem,
there are networks I can never connect to even after configuration,
when other work great..
The problem is that it has never been a problem to connect to this, or any other network. The only change I have made to the PC, which connects to the same router as the X1a is that I have set up one of my browsers to access the internet via a proxy, but I don't think that would impact on the inability of the X1a to access it.

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