Problem Connecting to the Wireless Network

[lmk]

My X51v identifies available wireless networks but won't let me connect. I have an encryted network in my house and it won't even let me connect to that even though I enter the correct password. Do you think I have a software problem which needs to be corrected by sending the PDA back to Dell? I even took it into my local office supply store that has a wireless network and had the tech attempt to conntect to their network but was unsuccessful in doing so. Again, we were able to see all the available wireless networks but we couldn't connect?

Any suggestions?

[Mahstah]

What ROM version are you using? Check in Start-->Settings-->System-->System Information. If it does not say A06, download it here.

If you are already at that ROM revision, please post your network settings/errors. I have heard that changing the setting "My network card connets to" in Connections-->Network Cards from "The Internet" to "Work" and vice versa has helped in connecting.

[gorastus]

Before doing anything drastic, remove (disable) WEP on your router and connect to a plain vanilla network and troubleshoot the system. After success, then re-enable WEP and add the key information back to your AXIM.

Be sure to post results.

[mbloof]

After futzing about with my 51 for what seems like forever, I've come to these conclusions:

1. WM5 (Microsoft) and the underlying "Dell Utillity" (actually made by HTC in Taiwan) is incompatable with WPA encryption.

The x51 uses a Maxim radio (designed in Hillsboro Oregon)

2. While the x50 is lised on the Wi-Fi compatability list, the x51 is not. I'd venture to guess that the Odyssey client that Dell includes with the x51 is what makes the x51 (and likely the x50) Wi-Fi compliant (with regards to encryption).

3. I've now used: Linksys, Netgear and D-Link access points with the x51v and the x51 was unable to connect with ANY OF THEM when using only the Dell utility and WM5 Wireless configuration while using WPA encryption.

In two of the three cases listed above, I was able to connect using the Odyssey client.

4. If the Odyssey client is loaded (must remove from startup) and enabled, the default WM5 wireless configuration screen is unaccessable. (via Settings/Connections/Network Cards)

5. There are times when the only way to turn on/off the WiFi radio is to use the "airline mode".


Good luck,

[gorastus]

Originally Posted by mbloof

After futzing about with my 51 for what seems like forever, I've come to these conclusions:

1. WM5 (Microsoft) and the underlying "Dell Utillity" (actually made by HTC in Taiwan) is incompatable with WPA encryption.

The x51 uses a Maxim radio (designed in Hillsboro Oregon)

2. While the x50 is lised on the Wi-Fi compatability list, the x51 is not. I'd venture to guess that the Odyssey client that Dell includes with the x51 is what makes the x51 (and likely the x50) Wi-Fi compliant (with regards to encryption).

3. I've now used: Linksys, Netgear and D-Link access points with the x51v and the x51 was unable to connect with ANY OF THEM when using only the Dell utility and WM5 Wireless configuration while using WPA encryption.

In two of the three cases listed above, I was able to connect using the Odyssey client.

4. If the Odyssey client is loaded (must remove from startup) and enabled, the default WM5 wireless configuration screen is unaccessable. (via Settings/Connections/Network Cards)

5. There are times when the only way to turn on/off the WiFi radio is to use the "airline mode".


Good luck,

I have an X51v and do NOT use the Odyssey client to connect to my WEP enabled Linksys router. Nor do I use it to connect to any other WAP (and I use several). In fact, I use my x51v in exactly the same manner as my X3i in every way. I never mess with "airline mode" (a.k.a. flight settings), either. I just turn on wireless, enter a key (and key position) if required, and turn it off when I am done. Period. No problems. Your mileage may vary.

[lmk]

Thank you everyone for all your help. I'm up and running on the web.

I'd already downloaded the update ROM on my PDA. I changed the setting "My network card connets to" in Connections-->Network Cards from "The Internet" to "Work" as Mahstah suggested and miraculously it's working....for now. Keep your fingers crossed.

I sent an email to Dell complaining about the assine problems with this, too.