Wi-fi Help?

[bWs]

Hey all,
I just received as an early Bday present an iPAQ RX3115 with wireless capability (802.11b) but I'm having a very hard time getting it up and ready to browse the web.
I currently do not have a wireless network at home, but my campus does.

I tried accessing the web with their network but while it sees the connection it gives me an error while trying to get to the web with it. (Error along the lines of "Cannot establish connection please check your settings and try again".)
FYI, this specific PDA uses Windows Pocket PC 2003 SE.

I'm very new to the PPC+Wireless technology; can someone please help me how to properly config the PDA to access a wireless network with the intent of getting into the web?

If any more info is required just let me know.

Thanks in advance :|
bWs

[Darius Wey]

Hi bWs, welcome to Pocket PC Thoughts.

Based on what you've said, it sounds as though you're already half way there! Since it's a public wireless network on a campus, you'll probably need an encryption key to connect, plus a VPN account (usually established by the campus IT staff to track which students/teachers have connected, and how much you've downloaded).

As long as you can already detect the network, you should be able to connect fine as long as you have the above two. In some cases, you'll also need to set up "Exceptions" in the connection settings of your Pocket PC. This usually requires two entries: (shared IP) and *.* (although it varies - don't treat this as a set guide)

The most important thing is getting the key and VPN account working. If that still does not allow you access to the internet, then those exceptions are probably something you'll need to consider. Unfortunately, I can't help you out with which exceptions to set up since they are specific to your campus, but I'm sure the IT folk will be able to help you out.

Any more questions? Feel free to ask.

[bWs]

Thanks Darius for the prompt answer.
Yes, I have another question which may sound a bit stupid.

Today while I was on the campus my PPC detected the network without any problems and I was up and running. Now I was wondering if I can connect to the wireless network to access the web why is it that I cannot see the other computers that are also currently connected to this same network.

Just like a home network router, I can see both my computer and my wife's and transfer files in between, why can't I see/transfer files to and from the other computers/pda/etc?

I know this is illegal but I'm just curious to the why's and why not's of the wireless world.

Thanks,
bWs

[Darius Wey]

Today while I was on the campus my PPC detected the network without any problems and I was up and running. Now I was wondering if I can connect to the wireless network to access the web why is it that I cannot see the other computers that are also currently connected to this same network.

It all depends on the setup, but in some cases, because of the encrypted nature of the VPN, other IP addresses are protected. If your WLAN isn't using VPN, then that's another matter. If the latter applies, there's no reason why you can't see other computers but that's something I'd rather not go into as far as legality is concerned.

I know this is illegal but I'm just curious to the why's and why not's of the wireless world.

It's fine. Just try not to snoop where you're not supposed to. Many people have forgotten that key point in the past, and well, they've sort of had to pay the price for their actions. :lol: