For a fast way to send or receive data with
your Pocket PC, use Ethernet to synchronize and retrieve your e-mail.
Ethernet, the network hardware used extensively throughout the
Internet, allows two or more computers to communicate at 10 megabits
per second. And that's fast!
Now you can use Ethernet to quickly
synchronize and put e-mail in the palm of your hand. Your Pocket PC
supports Microsoft� ActiveSync� technology for back-ups,
installations, and almost anything you can do with a serial
connection. With Ethernet, you can do it at an even faster speed. For
example, a full backup of an 8 MB system takes less than five minutes.
Because Ethernet is so fast, there are no more excuses for not making
regular backups!
These instructions are for people without a
corporate network who are interested in setting up Ethernet support
for a Pocket PC and a single PC running the Microsoft Windows� 95/98,
Windows Me or Windows 2000 operating system. Alternatively, if you
wish to connect with a corporate network, you should be able to easily
connect your Pocket PCs via Ethernet. Contact your network
administrator for assistance before attempting to connect.
My personal Web site,
Pocket PC FAQ has additional details on how
to set other configurations on your desktop -- including the Windows
NT� operating system -- to support Ethernet for the Pocket PC, as well
as troubleshooting tips.
PC Configuration
You must configure your PC for Ethernet and
install the Client for Microsoft Networks and the TCP/IP protocol.
Don't forget to fill in the identification section. To do this, follow
these instructions:
- Click Start.
- Click Settings.
- Click Control Panel.
- Click Network.
- Fill in the address field.
I recommend using the TCP/IP address
192.168.1.1, subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
Before you begin using Ethernet, install
ActiveSync 3.1 on the PC.
Pocket PC Configuration
You must follow a few preliminary steps
before loading new components for Ethernet.
- Establish a serial cable,
infrared, or
USB
connection to the PC with which you are going to use ActiveSync.
This is required to put the PC's computer name in your Pocket PC for
use with Ethernet.
- Install the Ethernet drivers from the
Ethernet vendor's installation disk. This will add a Network Control
Panel as well as other relevant files. This installation requires
less than 250 kilobytes of free memory for storage. You may also use
the built-in NE-2000 drivers if you prefer to save the storage
space.
- Reset the device to load the new
components.
Next, configure the Network Control Panel for
Ethernet on your Pocket PC.
- Click Start.
- Click Settings.
- Click Network.
Figure 1: Example of the TCP/IP Properties for Socket's Low
Power Ethernet CF+ Card.
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- Enter the IP address for the Pocket PC. I
suggest the TCP/IP address 192.168.1.2 with subnet mask
255.255.255.0, and the WINS server address, which is the PC's IP
address (192.168.1.1 using my recommended setting).
- Leave the other fields blank.
Figure 2: Properly configured Network Control Panel settings
on the Pocket PC.
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Connecting
- Plug both the Pocket PC and the PC into
the hub. (If you are using a crossover cable, you can connect the
Pocket PC and PC directly without a hub.)
- Turn on the PC and the Pocket PC and plug
the Ethernet PC card into your Pocket PC.
- To start an ActiveSync session, select
ActiveSync on your Pocket PC (choose Start, then
Programs, and then Connections). Make sure the Method is
set to Network Connection and the Connect To matches
the PC computer's name. Then click Connect to start
ActiveSync communications.
If you enable continuous ActiveSync
synchronization, your Pocket PC will stay up-to-date, downloading new
e-mail, tasks, contacts, and other files and data whenever it's
connected to your desktop PC.
Gotcha
After plugging your Ethernet PC card into
your Pocket PC, check for a link light on the PC's Ethernet card. If
it is not lit, you are having a cable or hub problem.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've just connected and
begun synchronization via Ethernet. Go forth and be up-to-date
wherever you are!