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.
Hi all !
look next post for solution
I've been trying to get this thing to work for ages (on both WM5 and WM6) but have been totally unsuccessfull. So far I cannot get the VPN to be dialed over WiFi (!!!).
The idea is to log on a public WiFi hotspot (behind nat) and to be able to "dial" a VPN connection back to my office via PPTP (as it works reliably behind nat) and use that connection for ActiveSync and other needs.
I tried following this howto: http://kb.iu.edu/data/atcn.html
The idea being here is to use "Work Connection" which allows VPN for everything and direct all connections to "work" with an "exception" rule (*.*/*).
Here's a brief summary of the things I did:
1. Create a "dummy" internet connection (My ISP) and select it as the "internet connection" in "connections"
2. Create the "real" connection (My Work) and setup the VPN server with username and password (tested and working with XP). Type PPTP, the rest of the options are default (excluding compression and header compression which are disabled).
3. The "My Work" connection is set as default for "programs that automatically connect to a private network".
4. Create a rule for "exception for intranet addresses" under the "Advanced" tab in Connection settings. Add "*" and "*.*/*" to the URLs which are supposed to use the Work connection (and VPN).
5. Under the "network adapter" settings, select "My network adapter connects to The Internet".
Result: Explorer and ActiveSync don't even try to dial the VPN connection (i.e.... the firewall logs show no activity from the PDA).
It seems that the exceptions is never used, and also that ActiveSync (which is supposed to dial the work + Vpn connection) ignores it completely.
Traceroute/pings (from vxUtil) work to the VPN server. The WiFi connection can be used to surf the internet, so that works too. The VPN server accepts connections from a notebook connected to the same wifi (and it's outlooks syncs properly to the exchange server in the office). I have the same behaviour with both WM5 and WM6 on a Tytn and a Universal...
What am I missing???
Thanks for helping.
Solved.
Oops... the solutions was rather simple and embarassing.
The problem lies in the way WM5 handles the Wireless Profiles. Once you connect a WiFi card to an AP a "profile" is saved for future use. The profile contains the WEP/WPA credentials and the type of network: being either work or internet.
This is where the solution lies: You cannot change the type of network once you save the profile. WM5 (and WM6 as long as I know) remembers the work/internet status but never shows it in any screen.
If the selected type was "WORK" then the VPN is never dialed (because we're already in the WORK network). To get the VPN to be dialed you must select the "internet" network type.
What beats me is:
1. Why you cannot change the type of network (instead of having to delete and recreate the profile.
2. The "network card type" setting in the "network adapters page" is not used for WiFi connections, because it's always overwritten by the WiFi profile.
We have 1 setting that never works and 1 setting that works but which is never shown and cannot be changed.
Beats me!
I nerver really understood Microsofts concept behind the Internet / Private Network differentiation in WM, therefore i got a small problem right now.
What i would like to do is browsing the internet using PIE in the following network environment:
An accesspoint provides access to an unsecured wifi containing nothing but a pptp vpn server. The vpn then allows accessing the internet.
Currently i got managed to connect to the wifi and to properly set up the vpn under the "my work connection" settings. when i manualy connect to the vpn the connection gots established. The problem is that this only works if:
"Programms that automatically connect to the Internet should connect using:" is set to "my isp" and
"Programms that automatically connect to a provate should connect using:" is set to "my work network".
this of course lets the vpn collapse when the pie is running, because it is configured to use "my isp" instead of "my work connection".
When both options are set to "My work connection" mannually connecting to the vpn leads to a "cannot connect with current connection settings[...]" error.
any ideas?
Hi
go to connections then advanced, then go to exceptions and add a new url
add
*
and
*.*
then it should route the connections via the VPN and not disconnect it
Regards
works for PIE!
thank you!
(is there also a solution for the messaging (email) application?)
should do emails too
I havent used VPN for a while so might set it up and try it again if i get some time
Guys,
I'm not a complete noob but this one has me stumped. I have a WPA PSK encrypted wifi network at home that I wanted my Blackstone to connect to. I could get it to connect through to the net whether I used The Internet or Work connection. However, only when I use the "My Work Network" connection for both the "Programs automatically connecting to the internet" and the "Programs that automatically connect to a provate network" settings I can connect to my wifi, browse my files, and still use the net through my wifi's gateway (i.e. my home internet).
This didn't happen when I tried the "Internet" or "My ISP" settings on the connections, networks screen.
Now my issue is that everything works exactly how I want it except one thing. when I'm not at home and I need to access the net, it automatically uses the "contract internet" (GPRS/3G/HSDPA) connection which is great, however this connection only works for the internet and mail....MSN simply gives me an error message that the connection was not made. However when I switch the connections back to "My ISP" it works.
I've always found this connection setup a tad confusing, so if somebody could point me in the right direction i'd be appreciative!
Thanks
Wiggz
I have another thread in here with "what happened to "My work network"" since that doesn't seem to work as it should. This may be related: With the connections set to Work, I can't access network shares and get "can not connect" and the option to change conection settings. That's strange. But this is stranger: If I set the connections to my 3G network provider (Telenor) and try to open a path in File manager it first connects to 3G or Edge (no 3G at home...), and then it actually connects to the network share!
Can somebody please tell me why this is happening? I have tried setting both the Broadcom adapters to both The Internet and Work, but nothing helps.
I have everything set to "the internet", "work" is completely unused. Everything works perfectly.
Strange. I don't even have "The Internet" in my Connections. I have "My ISP" and the stuff my cell provider has put in. Should I add one connection called "The Internet", or what?
Settings -> wireless -> WLAN -> advanced -> network cards -> network cards tab
Make sure when you select the DHD network adapter the dropdown "My network card connects to" is set to "the internet".
Thanks, but like I said in the first post I have tried to set both that and the other Broadcom there to both Work and Internet, and none of them works.