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 connects but fails on "Locate"

Hi,
I've just got a T-Mobile Vario. It connects fine on GPRS and PIE navigates to web pages.
I then try to connect to a free WiFi hotspot (I have no home wifi network to test on).
It *connects* fine. However, when I try to navigate to a web page it hangs on the "Locate" message, then times out.
I have searched the forum and read similar problems but with home networks not public hotspots- for example:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=46118
I tried the solutions suggested there but with no luck. Has anyone had similar problems?
I *really* need to get WiFi working (by the end of the weekend hopefully) as thats what I got the device for in the first place.
I am a WiFi virgin so any pointers will help.
ipl 1.06
spl 1.06
gsm 1.12.10
os 1.6.2.4
protocol version 4.0.13.23
ExtROM 1.6.2.105

Cingular 8125 WiFi fails
I have the same results. My router assigns my device an IP address with WiFi on, but I get the message "...the connection was lost." whenever I try to surf internet. If anyone understands how to set it up, we'd appreciate instruction that works (I'd like a Cingular user if possible) but I would also like to learn what the settings mean. Anyone have a link to network setup information? I have a WiFi network in my home which works for my wife's laptop and my old PDA. This 8125 is bugging me.

working now...
OK, as soon as I posted and went back to the PDA the WiFi connection now works - gremlins again... I didn't change anything or even soft reset - it just connected. I wonder if it was because the GPRS connection ended... I'll try turning off my automatic e-mail checking and post again. BTW, I am using the suggestion of the first Network being "work - no proxy" and the second being "MediaNet - proxy"

Your problem doesn't seem the same as mine.
I have no home network.
My vario, on a public hotspot, always "connects" but always fails on "locate".

you need to make sure the connection is not using a proxy server.
go into settings
connections
then manage existing connections
untick the checkbox on the proxy settings tab that says this connection uses a proxy (or words to that effect)
now you should be able to connect to the network as long as their is no security in place to stop you.
good luck
R

Hi,
I have no "manage existing connections"
under settings->connections.
I go into connections which gives <tasks> and <Advanced> tabs
Under Advanced> I have <select networks>
This screen "Network Management" has two drop downs
1 states "Programs that automatically connect to the internet should connect using"
"T-Mobile Internet" is selected
If I edit and look at proxy settings it has:
"This network connects to the internet" ticked
the proxy server box is empty
If I edit the modem tab it has Cellular Line (GPRS) selected
Dropdown 2 has
Programs that automatically connect to a private network should connect using:
the dropdown is filled with "My Work Network"
By default the "connects to the internet" box is empty. I have filled this in previously with no luck.
Modem is empty as are all the other entries.
I have swapped the order of the dropdowns, I have made both "My Work network" and both "T-Mobile Internet" with no luck.
I have tried the suggestions on the thread I referenced above - again with no luck.
To repeat I can get the "connection" up. When I select the network it states connection is "good" yet when I try to surf to a page it craps out on the "Locate" message.
Is it failing to find a DNS server on the wifi link?
I'm just guessing as I know v little about WiFi as I have never used it before
TIA for any further contributions

I just wanted to say I have this same problem and have not been able to solve it yet. I can't tell whether to use GPRS while using Internet, or whether I should have the connection set to "Work" or "Internet" or what.
I have tried with 3 unprotected wireless networks already and have gotten the same results with each. I suspect it may be due to DNS. Hopefully it is not the phone itself.

Hi mat,
Well it can't be that you *must* use GPRS whilst surfing - thats what WIFI is for!
I suspect (no real evidence)T-Mobile have somehow crippled the OS to make it difficult to work out how to get free hotspot access working properly. Looking at their site they say CS do not "support" WIFI access problems - how convenient!!!!!
Although I am a WIFI virgin/idiot, I am not a *total* idiot and would have been able to get it working if it was completely straightforward.
To add ammunition to this opinion, I do not have a T-Zone account (I should have but it hasn't been set up correctly). Anyway I tried to connect though a t-zone and it worked straightaway presenting me with the login page. I could also download data - the terms and conditions.
However, obviously I couldn't surf to totally check it out as I couldn't login.
I wish someone would provide a definitive solution as it is really irritating me now!!!!!
Why would it be hanging on "locate"? I imagine it must be because it cannot look up the IP address through the free WIFI link. I made the same suggestion as you did earlier something to do with the DNS setup.
Thats as far as I can get!!!!!

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.

8125 Wireless Issue

Hello all,
(Skip down to question if you don't feel like reading.)
I recently purchased my 8125 (almost brand new) from my boss, he had it for a week and didn't like it so he sold it to me for $100.
Please do not yell or flame me for this very n00bish question. I would appreciate it if you would read the entire post before yelling at me.
Yes, I have scoured the internet for solutions that are not quite specific to my issue.
Here is my network setup.
I have a Linksys WRT54G that any computer can connect to wired or wirelessly. However my 8125 can see every wireless 802.11b network. (I haven't modded it for G, yet.) I can walk around the mall, school, work, my house and see every wireless B network. I can even input the WEP security keys. The issue is I can not connect to the wireless network(s).
Here is what I have done to try and resolve this issue:
I first tried configuring my different connections, "enable for internet use", "disabling mediaNET Proxy", set up a new connection. None of those work, I always end up connection to GRPS for the internet. I
I have discovered that I can not connect to wireless network, with encryption enabled or disabled. I have tried a hard reset with to no avail.
So to simply state it for my first set of problems are,
I can not connect at all to a Wireless Network, I can see it but can't connect and every solution I've found out on the web has not helped.
Can you all please give me suggestions for help?
I'd also appreciate it if you would list everything step by step.
Thank you all very much in advance,
Duo

u have a tweak that has GRPS always on enabled.

I have the same Linksys AP as you and operate without any problem. What version of software are you running?

does it still not work with WPA turned off?

I have discovered that I can not connect to wireless network, with encryption enabled or disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds to me like your having "regular" networking issues rather than wireless specific ones.
If you go Start -> Settings -> Connections -> WIFI -> Network Adapters Tab -> From the list pick the one that has "Wireless Adapter" in the name and click on it. On mine it's called "SDIO WLAN Wireless Adaptor". Should be similar on yours
NOTE ON ABOVE: I have WM6 and if I recall some of the names of the control panel icons are different. I don't think it was called WIFI in previous versions. Root around for one which has the "Network Adapters Tab".
There you will find your IP address settings as well as your name server settings. (Both tabs). Make sure that the IP is set to "User Server Assigned IP Address" is set. Then go to the Name Server tab and make sure they are ALL BLANK. Nothing in them at all.
My suspicion is your boss changed these settings. Have a go anyway.
any problems following those bad instructions get back to us!
Lewis

Vario II - Can connect to internet or local share but not both at the same time?

I've got my Vario II conected up to my local wireless network.
If I have the wireless network interface set to "The Internet" then I can connect to the internet, but I can't connect to any of my local shares.
If I have the wireless network interface set to "Work" then I can access my local shares through the file explorer (\\myPC\myshare) but I can't use the internet.
Is there any way around this problem? This whole thing with different network types seems to be rubbish - or at least very confusing. What's wrong with just having a normal network connection?

Anyone?

Have you tried to configure only 1 network in the ppc connection manager?
so that internet and work network are the same.
Houser

How do I do that?
Both "the internet" and "work" came pre-configured and I don't think I can delete either one of them?
In the connections manager I have two entried on the "tasks" tab - one says "T-Mobile Internet" and the other says "My Work Network".
If I "manage existing connections" on the internet tab I can see just one t-mobile internet account setup. As far as I can see, there is nothing setup under "my work network".

You must go to the Advanced tab in the connection manager.
Then goto "Select network" and select for private network access
the same internet network from above.
Houser

Ah ha! That did the trick.
I had looked at that before but I didn't understand exactly what it meant, and the manual is next to useless......
Thanks!