Wlan/WiFi connect Choice - Internet or Work

HawkesNest · 02-25-05, 01:38 AM

I'm sure the answer is already on this site somewhere, but being new I can't seem to find it. A link to the threads or the explanation would be greatly appreciated.

When turning on WiFi on the x50v and a good signal is acquired with a SSID name, a window pops up and asks if you want to connect with either a "Internet" or "Work" option. The message at the bottom of the window indicates that if you are connecting using a VPN then choose "Internet". I am not using VPN and have tried choosing either the Internet or Work choice and both seem to work just fine. My question is what really is the difference that I seem to be missing since both internet and work options seem to work the same for me.

Thanks a bunch for the help. :approve:

SquireSCA · 02-25-05, 02:16 PM

I too would like some clarification on this feature. it seems to work on either setting, but I am wondering if there are some different options to be had with either one...

silentknight · 02-25-05, 02:29 PM

I notice when I try to sync over wifi, it only works if I choose "Work"

But everything else works no matter which option i pick.

ikehiker · 02-25-05, 04:36 PM

Here's one thread about it and my response in that thread:

Originally Posted by ikehiker

Here's my understanding or the "Work" vs. "Internet" settings. M$ came up with these terms in PPC2000 (maybe even before) at a time when most people used dial-up at home and LAN connections at work. The Internet (and now "My ISP") usually works with a direct connection to an internet server such as you have with with a dial-up connection or the use of a proxy server. "Work" generally is the best setting when you have a local area network, which many people now also have at home with broadband connections and wireless routers.

I must say I've never been willing to spend the money to connect to T-mobile at Starbucks but I suspect is also acts as a LAN in which case "Work" would be the proper choice. It's probably less important there since you probably aren't likely to be connecting to your PC for ActiveSync or folder shares, and this is where the difference usually shows up.

HawkesNest · 02-25-05, 05:44 PM

Thanks ikehiker, It is a strange set of options that they give with Internet and Work. :rolling: Maybe they will clean that part up a little bit with WM2005.

pdahound · 02-25-05, 06:11 PM

I can't explain it either, but mine is set to work.

Rsaturn9 · 02-25-05, 06:17 PM

I have had no problem with either setting, currently i have it set for internet, and have been able to connect everywhere i go thats has WIFI:approve:

dekruyter · 02-25-05, 06:23 PM

From my experience on this site, Work seems to be the option suggeste d. It's been awhile, but I think there is a second option you can set/check for internet access, under the Work Option.

I also seem to remember that this work/internet set of options is a hold over from windows CE. There is a reason for it, I just can't remember what it is. I vote Work.

BossGeek · 03-02-05, 06:12 PM

Mine does NOT work the same and I wish it would.

With WORK I can sync via WIFI just fine, but if I try to browse the internet - a window pops up and asks me to configure proxy settings. I don't need any proxy settings the dang thing could get to the Internet if it just tried.

If I set to Internet, then I can get to the Internet just fine, but my Syncing to my desktop via WIFI doesn't work.

I can't figure out what to do to allow BOTH. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

ikehiker · 03-02-05, 06:26 PM

Try going into the network settings - Start, Settings, Connections (tab), Connections, Set up my Proxy server. On the Proxy server tab, check the top box (This network connects to the Internet) but leave everything else on this page blank. On the General tab, the name should be "My Work Network."
OK and then select the Advanced (tab), Select Networks and select "My Work Network" from both of the pull down lists. That should allow you to use work for both networking and the Internet.

HawkesNest · 03-04-05, 10:03 AM

:approve: Thanks for all of the great advice, I understand these WiFi setting alot better now. :)

lastj20 · 03-08-05, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by ikehiker

Try going into the network settings - Start, Settings, Connections (tab), Connections, Set up my Proxy server. On the Proxy server tab, check the top box (This network connects to the Internet) but leave everything else on this page blank. On the General tab, the name should be "My Work Network."
OK and then select the Advanced (tab), Select Networks and select "My Work Network" from both of the pull down lists. That should allow you to use work for both networking and the Internet.

This cured my issue. I followed your instructions to get the wireless sync to work, but then I was getting the "Set up a Proxy" request every time I tried to go the the internet. Your instructions are great! :approve: