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.

Still having problems connecting to open wifi

I have a problem with my Cingular 8125.
I can connect to my wep-enabled wireless router at home and get internet access. I can connect to the internet via edge using a cell call. But I can not connect to an open wifi source.
Under Network Managment -- Programs that automatically connect to the internet should connect using: I setup a connection that I named "wifi only", and under proxy settings I checked "This network connects to the internet".
Under Network Managment -- Programs that automatically connect to a private network should connect using: My ISP
What more do I need to do here to make this thing connect to a simple open wifi source?
Thanks for any suggestions.

First of:
Does the device connect to the 'open WiFi source' (the icon with the antenna and two little arrows appears in the task bar)?
Second are you sure the source is open? Some networks filter devices by MAC address. The network will appear as open but will not let you connect unless your MAC is registered.
Finally try this:
under Programs that automatically connect to the internet should connect using: select 'My ISP' and select this network connects to: 'the internet'.

I finally gave up and cleared everything (for the third time) and it connects to open wireless networks like it's supposed to. I don't know what the problem was, but it's fine now.
Thanks for the reply.

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.

ppc (using USB activesync cable) to access the internet thru LAN?

i have an i-mate Jasjar wm5, I am using USB activesync cable to connect my device to my desktop PC. I would like to access the internet using LAN-DSL in my office.
Any idea or suggestions on how to do it?
Suggestions, insights, or any kind of guidance is highly appreciated.

unless you have set it to block it
then your device connected to activesync will allways have the same
lan network access as the pc
you prob have to change connection in settings->connection->connection advantage and pick mynetwork rather then my isp

Rudegar said:
unless you have set it to block it
then your device connected to activesync will allways have the same
lan network access as the pc
you prob have to change connection in settings->connection->connection advantage and pick mynetwork rather then my isp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the quick reply. activesync (v4.5) is on the exceptions list of windows firewall, hence it is not blocked.
My Work Network connection settings (modem and VPN) is empty. do we have to input any settings on them (modem and/or VPN)? On the proxy settings - I checked the box for 'This network connects to the Internet', I did several tests on unchecking/checking the box on 'This network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet' - tried both IP of my desktop PC (192.168.1.12) and default gateway (192.168.1.1) on ports 8080, 80. I noticed though - the box for 'This network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet' - always goes unchecked everytime I go back to check the settings.
i did several test settings, but it doesn't worked either. always it says 'This page cannot be displayed, connection was lost check settings'
any idea on these? thanks for your time

guess you could try changing the dns to what the pc is using
and try with other applciations like the network tools ping
and messenger to see if it's a IE issue

I also want to connect to internet through activesync 4.5 usb
hi, i have the same problem, i want to connect to internet through activesync 4.5 and wm5 herms. i am not good a computer use so could you please guide me step by step. i can synchronize but can't use internet.

if its through the office network, you may need to play with some settings to "fool" the office network to let you out.
The way to check what im talking about is to download http://johnhaller.com/jh/mozilla/portable_firefox/ portable firefox, and see if it connects by default. In my office, i had to input the LAN proxy settings into firefox to make it work. If this is the same for you, then i guess you'll have to do the same on the PPC. If you do find that this is the problem, and you cannot connect with firefox, post back and ill see if i can help

Turn off "Advanced Features"
explorer2612 said:
thanks for the quick reply. activesync (v4.5) is on the exceptions list of windows firewall, hence it is not blocked.
My Work Network connection settings (modem and VPN) is empty. do we have to input any settings on them (modem and/or VPN)? On the proxy settings - I checked the box for 'This network connects to the Internet', I did several tests on unchecking/checking the box on 'This network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet' - tried both IP of my desktop PC (192.168.1.12) and default gateway (192.168.1.1) on ports 8080, 80. I noticed though - the box for 'This network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet' - always goes unchecked everytime I go back to check the settings.
i did several test settings, but it doesn't worked either. always it says 'This page cannot be displayed, connection was lost check settings'
any idea on these? thanks for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a setting in ActiveSync "Advanced" and uncheck the box. See if that helps. It apparently has helped others with USB connection issues.

rightclick on ActiveSync icon on systemtray --> connection settings... ---> config as my pic you can access internet thought your PC. If you still can't connect to internet please hardreset your PDA

WiFi only works if Data Connection is active

Hello.
Today I downloaded Office 2010 for my HD Mini. After completing the phone restarted.
I then tried to check my email, which failed with a 'no connection' error. I checked the the WiFi was on (it was) and tried again, no luck. I then noticed that the little 'Data Connection' icon was not displayed in the taskbar. I went to Settings>Wireless controls>Data connection and turned this on. Now I could check emails, surf the internet, all as normal. I am sure that this was being done using the WiFi due to the speed of pages loading. But surely I shouldn't need to turn on a Data connection, to use WiFi?

Mine is havin a similar problem. I am not able to surf even if I connet to my wifi. Only after enabling the data connection it starts work. Though I am not sure which internet its using. Since it was kind of slow.
Don't know for sure if its a bug or hardware issue but it is something. Someone pls help.

mkstevo said:
Hello.
Today I downloaded Office 2010 for my HD Mini. After completing the phone restarted.
I then tried to check my email, which failed with a 'no connection' error. I checked the the WiFi was on (it was) and tried again, no luck. I then noticed that the little 'Data Connection' icon was not displayed in the taskbar. I went to Settings>Wireless controls>Data connection and turned this on. Now I could check emails, surf the internet, all as normal. I am sure that this was being done using the WiFi due to the speed of pages loading. But surely I shouldn't need to turn on a Data connection, to use WiFi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well. I think I might have found the problem here. I was looking for the setting to turn Wi-Fi off automatically after a few minutes and I came across the setting for DNS Address, I have manually assigned an IP addresses on my Wi-Fi as otherwise my Apple Mac and Windows PC's can't see the printer, I had assigned an IP address and the Gateway address for the router, but I had not found the panel for DNS servers, I had assumed that the DNS server would be located automatically - it appears this is not the case and the HTC HD Mini was using the GPRS DNS server to locate the IP addresses before downloading the pages via the Wi-Fi connection.
So, if suffering from not being able to access the internet on Wi-Fi without a GPRS connection being made try the following:
Settings >
Wireless Controls >
Wi-Fi >
Advanced (Button) >
Adaptor and Networks >
Network Adapters (Tab) >
Tap on - Broadcom 802.11 Network Adapter >
Name Server (Tab)
Enter your router DNS server in the appropriate section
Click Done.
Not sure if this is required...
What is the DHD adapter???
I did enter both my IP and DNS settings here though... Just in case!
Tap on - Broadcom 802.11 DHD Network Adapter >
Name Server (Tab)
Enter your router DNS server in the appropriate section
Click Done.
Then back out of all the menus/pages.
This worked for me. Worth a try?