Database Users

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.

WiFi connection problem.

Hi there,
More wifi problems here! I have read all the relevant posts and can't find any help yet, so;
Basically I have an unlocked ex-T-mobile MDA Vario that I'm trying to connect to wifi.
I have tried to connect to my home wifi network and several other networks but can't actually make things work; my Vario sees the network and in my home case actually says connected, but when I open up Internet Explorer it opens up a box saying 'The page cannot be found. Check the name and try again.'
Under the Wireless LAN settings I'm not sure if I should be putting something in the fields for LEAP or ENROLL and I'm not sure what goes in there anywhere - under Enroll it asks for username and password and server - are these necessary and what are they?
Incidentally my Vario can log onto the wireless router because I can type in the IP address and alter settings - I just can't get past it to the actual internet.
Any help would be much appreciated - in basic terms please!
Thanks again.

In the settings page, got to the connections tab, then to "Network Cards" make sure that on the "Network Adapters" tab where it says "My network connects to" you have "The Internet".
Then again on the connections tab, select "Connections" go to "Advanced" click on "Select Networks", on the botton where it says "Programs that automatically connect to a private networks should connect using" pick a connection that doesn't have a modem set up or proxy settings.
I don't know if these are the exact rules, but that is how I have mines set up, let me know how it went.

SPV M3100 (TyTn). WiFi wont connect to my router.

I have a SPV M3100 (TyTn, I think) but I cant get it to connect using WiFi to my wireless router. I can go into 'Configure Wireless Networks' and tell it to connect to my router, all the settings are correct, but all it does is try to connect and fail, and no error message comes up.
Does anyone know how I could fix this problem?
Thanks,
Sebastian

it might help if you state what rom your are using and what protection the router is using? I know there are many threads discussing this issue with WM6 using WPA. Have you tried connecting with no encryption? If so can you connect.

Sorry, the ROM version is: 1.23.61.4, date: 7/13/06
It is running WM5 PocketPC. Encryption is WEP. No I havent tried no encryption. I will after when I get home.
Sebastian

OK, I've tried without encryption, and I've fiddled about with the settings but it still doesn't work.
Each time I tell it to connect it says 'Connecting' for about a second then says 'Unavailable' for a few seconds, then back to 'Available', untill I next tell it to connect.
Any suggestions?
thanks,
sebastian

if it use mac filtering the mac of the tytn need to be added to the lists of mac's the router wanna talk to

that's not the problem either, sorry

Couple of things (I'm running WM6 on my M3100, so WM5 is a bit of distant memory ) you could look at.....
First, does your router use DHCP to issue IP addresses? if not, you'll need to set the phone with a static IP. To do that, go to Start / Settings / Connections tab / Wi-Fi / Network adapters tab, make sure it says "connect to the internet" then tap the "802.11" network adapter, tap "use specific ip address", fill one in and "ok" your way back out.
Second, in Start / Settings / Connections tab / Wi-Fi / Wireless tab, tap and hold your "unavailable" wireless connection then choose Edit. Make sure the "connects to" box says Internet. Also, if your router doesn't broadcast its' SSID, (on WM6 at least) tick the box that says "this is a hidden network", then go next, next finish (making sure the authentication and encryption types match your router config!!).
Hope this helps,
Mark.

I have now been through every intricate detail within settings, and still to no avail. One (possibly) good thing did come out of it though - an error message.
I got it when going to create a new WiFi connection and clicking on the 802.1x tab, it says:
"Cannot log on to the wireless network. This network requires a personal certificate to positively identify you."
I made sure I inputted the network key correctly and all the encryption settings were right.
Please tell me that helps solve the problem! lol
btw, the router is a D-Link DSL-604+, just incase that helps anybody solve the problem.
sebastian

If you're getting certificate errors, it sounds as though you've ticked the setting in the phone's wireless config that says something like "IEEE 802.1x network access" and selected "smart card or certificate".
Go back in to the wireless config, tap and hold the "unavailable" network, then select Edit. Go through - next, next and the authentication is on the last page IIRC.....just untick the box, tap finish and you should be away!!
Cheers,
Mark.

It WORKS!!
I forgot to untick 'The network key is automatically provided' and tried to connect, and it now works
I'll just kiss goodbye to my battery life now
Thanks for everyone who has helped me.
Sebastian

My ATT Tilt wont connect to my D-Link Wireless N Router.. does the Tilt not work on N routers?

Real headache with WiFi and GPRS

I have a o2 XDA orbit with the standard WM5 Factory ROM.
I have setup the wireless settings to get it to work with my router. It connects and I get an ip address etc.
However On clicking the Wifi symbol it says there are no data sessions active.
I have my wireless contact active and...
My only problem is internet explorer, active sysc or any other Internet program decides to open a GRPS connection.
HELP Please!!!!
Forgot to mention, a lot of websites say:
In Internet explorer, Menu-Options-Connections
Untick 'automatically detect settings'
Make 'Select network: The Internet' or 'Select Network: WAP network'.
I do not have this menu path.

wilan
if your at home you should have your "my connection connects me to work"
press start settings connections " tasks advanced" go into advanced these 2 windows should both be on my work network
on the top one press edit under proxy settings top box should be ticked press ok on the bottom my work network setup a vpn to either your router or pc either works
i have two broadbands one home one in work i manage both routers so i give my xda stellar the same ip in both places it connects without a glich
your only problem then is when your out and about and you need internet connection you need change the top box back to my isp

Where are network settings stored?

Hi all,
I'm trying to troubleshoot a wifi connectivity problem on my Titan, and I think it'd be helpful if I could clear or reset the network settings.
Here are the symptoms. This is on a freshly flashed WM6.5, though it happens under 6.1 as well. Under Settings -- Wifi, the Titan finds the SSID of my router fine. I configure it with encryption and password (though the same thing happens with encryption disabled). It shows Available. I click Connect, it says Connecting for a second or two, then switches to Unavailable.
One possible clue is that when I configure the wireless network, right beneath the Network name is the dropdown "Connects to:". In that dropdown there are two options: "The Internet" and "Work". Likewise when I choose the Network Adapters tab, my two options are "The Internet" and "Work". But when I go to Settings -- Connections -- Connections -- Advanced and choose Select Networks, the options are "My Work Network" and "My ISP". When I try to change the name of "My Work Network" to "Work", I'm told that settings under that name already exist, but they don't appear in the choices.
Please assist me if you can, this is driving me bonkers and seriously hampering the usability of the device.

Don't touch "My ISP" and "My Work Network" at all. Hard reset to go back to default/original settings and try connecting then.
The issue could be with the way your wi-fi access point or router is configured (i.e. open vs. preshared authentication, etc...). You need to fully match wireless SSID config on your Titan and your router. If nothing works, try connecting to another wi-fi router or hot-spot.