How can I get my wireless card to automatically detect other wireless routers?

MeTaLFreeK · 10-21-03, 07:37 PM

I can access my wireless network at home without a problem. I want to be able to access the networks at the university and at various airports, but don't know how to get my card/pda to do this. I thought it would be automatically, but alas it's not. Any help is greatly appreciated!

10-21-03, 07:53 PM

Well what PPC do you have? Some PPC's have the feature that automatically detects and connect's to networks. Also i think all PPC with WM2003 has this feature.

10-21-03, 08:03 PM

markprieb is correct in saying that WM2003 has built-in automatic sniffing.

A stand alone app thay's nice is PocketWinC

MeTaLFreeK · 10-21-03, 08:23 PM

I have the Axim 400mhz model. (brand new). My wireless card is an Ambicom.

If you guys could tell me how to enable my ppc to automatically detect wireless networks i would really appreciate it! :D

paulinhobrasil · 10-21-03, 09:04 PM

You get access to the internet IF you have permission. In theory you should be able to access, but only the server or network recognize you or if you have a password. If you check the configuration utility of your wi-fi card it may show a good connection, signal strength, link , etc. BUT that doesn't mean that you have access to their server. Those servers have their own accessebility and protection. Some servers are public and free. Check in your city what is available. Airports usually are free, McDonald's and Starbucks you have to pay for a meal, etc. then they give you a code access. Here in New York verizon has hotspots free if you are a costumer of their online-DSL- service. Excellent !!

paulinhobrasil · 10-21-03, 09:10 PM

Complement: I do also have WM2003 , configuration is automatically but that doesn't mean that I get service in anywhere. Again, some severs are private .

MeTaLFreeK · 10-21-03, 09:44 PM

I should be able to access my school's network...

My wireless cards light flashes at me telling me it cant detect a network at school. However, here at home it works flawlessly

10-21-03, 09:49 PM

Sounds like you're out of range of your campus router(s)

MeTaLFreeK · 10-21-03, 09:53 PM

hm, maybe...so you guys are saying if my school's network allows it, I should be able to just turn on my pda and boom - instant internet access? No configuration necessary?

10-21-03, 09:59 PM

Ask a teacher or technition at your school, if you could have access to the network and then they will probably give you a password or something to let you in.

10-21-03, 10:05 PM

Your original post asked about auto router detection, which WM2003 does have with no reqirements.

Connecting to a WIFI net is a different question.

I doubt seriously if your school's net would allow a direct connection though since most private WIFI nets (like schools) protect logins using either WEP or MAC protection or both.

To again directly answer your question,yes, if the school's WIFI has no security features enabled , then you should be able to connect

paulinhobrasil · 10-21-03, 11:11 PM

Answering MeTalFreek: no configuration! My card flash same as yours (netgear), meaning there's no connection or weak link and it get solid with a strong link, then on config. utility I even see the name of the access point available but if it is a security network I can't browse. Simple !

Jer · 10-21-03, 11:24 PM

I use PocketWinc.

aviationwiz · 10-22-03, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by paulinhobrasil
Airports usually are free, McDonald's and Starbucks you have to pay for a meal, etc. then they give you a code access. Here in New York verizon has hotspots free if you are a costumer of their online-DSL- service. Excellent !!

I know at Starbucks you have to pay to get on, you just enter CC info and then it lets you surf, same with the Lindebergh Terminal at MSP. Never heard of WiFi at McDonalds.

paulinhobrasil · 10-22-03, 08:16 AM

McD's it's been doing this for a while ,here in Manhattan, offered in some locations, buy a extra meal or the card itself (around 2 bucks), it gives you 1 hour surf. Search for McD's wi-fi connections.