How to connect a Pocket PC to Palosaari Campus Wireless Network
22 October 2004 in How-To | Comments enabled
Introduction
The following guide describes the steps required to get a Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003 or 2003 Second Edition to connect to PCWN. The older versions of the Pocket PC OS do not feature the zero-configuration methods introduced as of Pocket PC 2003 and as such should be avoided due to their complicated configuration methods.
This guide is also available in the following formats: [PDF]
Prerequisites
A Pocket PC running Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003 or newer with built-in WiFi or an expansion slot with WiFi card (e.g. Secure Digital Input Output, Compact Flash card).
Steps to Connect
1. When you enter the Palosaari campus area, turn on your Pocket PC and make sure that WiFi is activated.
2. Assuming that you are close enough to a base station (access point), your Pocket PC should be able to detect a new network as in the picture below.
3. Select the option The Internet and tap Connect.
4. Open Internet Explorer from the Start Menu or from the Programs list.
5. Enter a URI of your choice, eg.: http://www.uwasa.fi and tap the green arrow.
6. This warning shows up indicating that the secure sockets layer certificate has not been signed by a verified third party. In this case it is the local PCWN’s own signed certificate and naturally OK, so tap Yes.
7. In the following log-in page, enter your username in the form of your “usual” username, e.g. a12345, and the server address, e.g. uwasa.fi, behind the @-sign. In this case it is a12345@uwasa.fi.
8. After logging in, you will see something like the following screen. I recommend that you log out when you are finished or leaving the PCWN area, as it guarantees that you will be able to log in the next time. (Otherwise you might experience problems connecting to the PCWN the next time, if you did not logout previously.)
8. Now that you have logged in, you can enter another destination in the address bar and hit go. When you do so, you will see the following warning.
9. Just tap Yes to continue. For security reasons, I recommend against checking the check box for “In the future, do not…”.
10. You are now connected to the PCWN and can surf around the net and use regular internet applications such as MSN messenger, send emails, watch the news, etc.
Next time you enter a PCWN area, your Pocket PC should connect automatically to the network, only requiring the login steps (step 5 – 10) for you to be able to access the internet. Last but certainly not least, have fun surfing around Palosaari! 
Addendum
If you experience problems or get connectivity error messages when browsing the internet through PCWN, it most likely is due to the signal not being strong enough. Tap on the connection arrows to check the WiFi signal strength or use the freeware program WiFiFoFum to check the signal.
Alternatively, use WiFi Graph to check the access point details and the signal strengths. However, note that WiFi Graph steals the WiFi connection totally and you will not be able to browse the net with it running.
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