Network with pc using cradle?

[Wibble]

New to the forum, so, HI ALL

I'm trying to access files on my pc through my cradle using Activesync (i.e. a network).. but no matter what I do or what progs I try I am failing miserably.

Is it even possible to do this or can I only stream stuff wirelessly.

Sorry for the noob question but I've just bought an XDA IIS (rather good machine) and I'm REALLY trying to learn about it, but no matter how much I read and follow instructions I'm not getting anywhere.

I even tryed Resco file explorer but it;s not mapping any drives... utterly puzzled.

Thx all.

[Wibble]

Can no one even say if it's possible?

I don't know whether it's the machine my proceedures that's preventing me from acessing my pc through the cradle from my pda ..

[yankeejeep]

The ActiveSync conduit is not going to work as a network connection for you. Think of it more as your device becoming a peripheral to the host PC, like a printer or scanner. The link is largely one-way. You can send files to your device from the host PC but you cannot use the AS link to access files on your PC from your device.

To make a network connection, you can use ethernet (wired) or a wireless ad-hoc connection using wifi or bluetooth. AS is not a networking protocol and cannot support the PC access you are looking to set up.

[Wibble]

Thank you..

This was exactly the kind of reply I was looking at (not matter how unwanted the information..:P, heh)

Good news about the bluetooth possibilities though, a dongle and I've got a network (yeah?)

Cheers.

[yankeejeep]

Using bluetooth, you will need to set up a PAN service, the bluetooth version of a wifi ad-hoc network (with shorter range). You can do this through the bluetooth manager that typically comes packaged with the dongle. Check the bluetooth software to make sure it supports setting up a PAN profile.

[Wibble]

Originally Posted by yankeejeep

Using bluetooth, you will need to set up a PAN service, the bluetooth version of a wifi ad-hoc network (with shorter range). You can do this through the bluetooth manager that typically comes packaged with the dongle. Check the bluetooth software to make sure it supports setting up a PAN profile.

Much obliged.

[Wibble]

Another question if you don't mind.

What kind of range could I expect. ?

Thx.

[yankeejeep]

It depends on the adapter you use on your PC. Older USB dongles are usually rated for 10 meters. Newer (USB 2.0) dongles can have ranges of 50-100 meters. You can usually reach across the room with no problem, but there will be more interference through walls and floors than with wifi as bluetooth is a less powerful signal.

[Wibble]

That's was fast thx, I appreciate it.

I know that the XDA IIs is a class 2 device 5-10 m, so presumable if I buy a class 2 dongle for my pc then optimally I can expect a 5-10 m range... however if I buy a class 1 dongle 50-100 m range could I expect a range increase even though my ppc is still only class 2?

Finally (heh, you been really cool answering this stuff for me. ) because it would be an 'open' connection do I have to worry about encryption or firewalling it so other people BT devices can't access my connection?

Cheers.

[yankeejeep]

With my own, I seem to get a little increase in distance by having the more powerful option on my PC, but only a few meters.

You can add security to the bluetooth setup by requiring pairing, where a matching password is required on each device. Pairing is tied to the device ID so any new device is recognized as unpaired. This will help keep anyone from just grabbing the signal and accessing the host PC. Also, when pairing is required, you must actively tell the PC to accept any new device's pairing request.