Axim 3xi trouble connecting to router

Big Blue · 08-09-08, 06:47 PM

Hi everybody, great forum you have here. I own the Axim 3xi Pocket PC with Wi-Fi compatibility. I have Wi-Fi in my house, with a 2WIRE router, model 3800HGV-B. I've been having difficulty trying to connect to the router through my Axim, It shows up in a list of networks as "Available", but whenever I hold on it and hit Connect, it says, "Connecting" for about 5 seconds and then reverts back to "Available". I end up never connecting to it, not having an internet connection, and having a totally useless Wi-Fi connection. When I look at the strength of the 2WIRE connection, it says it's completely fine. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my Dell WLAN Utility(which I think is the Wi-Fi- thing at the top of my Axim). The link quality is 0dB, the strength is 0dB, and the state it's in in is labled as, "Associating", with one out of five measly connectivity bars. I've tried almost everything I could think of, could anyone help me?

ikehiker · 08-11-08, 05:18 AM

Start with the WiFi Guide linked from my signature. There is a section on WM03 and another on Troubleshooting that may help.

Likely causes are not running a router in 'B' or mixed mode or having security set on the router (WEP/WPA/MAC-filtering).

Big Blue · 08-11-08, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by ikehiker

Start with the WiFi Guide linked from my signature. There is a section on WM03 and another on Troubleshooting that may help.

Likely causes are not running a router in 'B' or mixed mode or having security set on the router (WEP/WPA/MAC-filtering).

Is there any easy way to run it in "Internet" mode and not "Work"?

I tried using these, but still, even when for a second I'm said to be connected, I can't connect to pocket Internet Explorer. It gives me the common popup, "Cannot connect with current connection settings. To change your connection settings, tap Settings".

Big Blue · 08-11-08, 06:14 PM

This is a picture of it. The flash really shows the bad side of my monitors.

Big Blue · 08-11-08, 06:21 PM

One more question, do I want the Radio enabled?

This is what I see when I go to the Dell WLAN Utility page.

The Network I want to connect to.

Always listed as, "Available"

I have no IP address.

The main problem.

Hope these pictures help.

EDIT: Hello?

Big Blue · 08-12-08, 12:00 AM

How do I type in a WEP key to access the network? Just in the instance that that's what's holding me back from getting in.

ikehiker · 08-12-08, 01:30 AM

You want the radio 'enabled' (so do not select 'Disable Radio').

Your second screenshot shows a padlock next to the channel so that suggests some security is set (BTW, 8 is a poor choice for channel. 1, 6, and 11 are the only channels that do not overlap each other so choosing 8 means anyone with their device set on 6 or 11 will be interfering with your network). I'm not familar with the WLAN on the X3i but you should be able to enter the WEP key (exactly 10 or 26 characters) with wireless 'on' in Start, Settings, Connections (tab), Connections, Advanced (tab), Network Card, tap the name of your network, and Network key (tab).

'Work' is usually the better option as described in the Guide. Selecting 'Internet' will cause the device to think you are using a dial up or proxy server.

(P.S. I'm currently in Europe so your 'Hello?' was posted at 6:35am my time)

Big Blue · 08-12-08, 10:15 AM

Wow, thanks for that information! I figured it had to be the WEP key, but what do I do about the whole no IP address and no Subnet Mask problem? I can't figure out where to fill that out on the Pocket PC. Looking forward to your next answer, I'll be more patient this time. :)

EDIT: How would I go about changing the channel to one channel? I always see it constantly changing. I also don't know how to change it to something other than eight.

ikehiker · 08-12-08, 04:25 PM

The channel is set on the router. I'm not familiar with the 2Wire so I suggest you check it's manual for the method.

While you are at it, make sure the router is set as a DHCP server. This is the answer to the IP and subnet question - you don't set it on the Axim, the router does as long as it is working as a DHCP server. It's likely that it already is, but it will not provide the numbers to a device that doesn't know the security key.

Big Blue · 08-12-08, 04:59 PM

Right, and how do I set it as a DHCP server?

:D

ikehiker · 08-12-08, 05:30 PM

As I said, I'm not familiar with the 2Wire so check the manual (but it is probably already set that way unless you purposefully changed it).

Big Blue · 08-12-08, 06:31 PM

Well I don't know how to use the DHCP setting and nothing else is working for me, so I guess I give up. Thank you so much for all the help you've given me though!

ikehiker · 08-13-08, 06:34 AM

I was going to try to help you more but the 2Wire site doesn't seem to have a manual for your router (the only thing I can find is a spec sheet).

One option is to reset the router (there should be a reset button someplace on it and with most router brands you need to keep it depressed for a few seconds). This will take the router back to factory defaults which, again for most routers, is for DHCP to be enabled, for the WiFi to be in mixed (B+G) mode and with no security enabled. If you do this, I suggest you try connecting with your X3i before you add back any of the modifications you want (which, at a minimum, should be having 64-bit WEP enabled and changing the SSID (network name) to something unique). BTW, you do need to leave the router in mixed mode. The X3i is only capable of connecting to 802.11B networks.

Big Blue · 08-13-08, 03:15 PM

Alright, I'll try that! I'll talk to you when I have the time to try it.