How to connect Windows CE to the Internet via the docking cradleCESD|200246Applies To
OverviewHandheld PC users, unlike their modern Pocket PC counterparts do not have the native ability to use the ActiveSync Passthrough technology which has shipped with ActiveSync versions since 3.5. This article discusses the process involved in connecting to the Internet via the ActiveSync host when the device is in the cradle - either using a USB or RS323 serial connection - and outlines a simple way users can achieve Pocket Internet Explorer web access while docked. More InfoPocket PC 2002 introduced the ability for the user to access Internet resources through ActiveSync while the device was docked in the cradle. Under ActiveSync Passthrough system all control and proxy requests are handled using TCP port 7438. Passthrough was introduced into ActiveSync with the original 3.5 release and exists in all subsequent build revisions and new version releases. While support has continued for Pocket PC, Windows Mobile and SmartPhone devices, no updates to allow for backwards compatibility have been released. Microsoft ActiveSync, and Windows CE host connections make use of TCP/IP to synchronise your PIM data and files between the two systems even when using connection methods not ordinarily associated with TCP/IP; such as Serial Null Modem connections. How-to GuideOne of the most easy to configure solutions to allow any H/PC device to connect to the web via the cradle is to use the Freeware AnalogX Proxy application. We have followed the development of the program, now at version 4.14 and recommend it to anyone looking to use Pocket Internet Explorer while docked. Using a Proxy server is not an ideal solution for all users, notably unlike with Passthrough there is a requirement for users to manually toggle the connection setting to the Proxy server within the application being used to connect to the proxy gateway or completely reconfigure the applications settings. AnalogX Proxy is a freeware application for Windows 95, 98, Millennium, NT 4.0, 2000, XP and Windows 2003. The program requires only 300 KB of storage space on the host system and runs in the background with a front-end configuration utility in the system tray. To download AnalogX Proxy visit the AnalogX website. How to configure AnalogX Proxy on the host system
The Proxy server is now configured on the host system to allow communications with devices connected to ActiveSync, the next step is to configure Pocket Internet Explorer. Configuring Pocket Internet ExplorerThe configuration procedure for Windows CE's Pocket Internet Explorer is similar to all devices, there may be some cosmetic differences between the different Windows CE and Handheld PC versions which have not been covered here. The information outlined below is specifically for use with AnalogX Proxy and may differ for other proxy servers
Pocket Internet Explorer is now configured for HTTP and FTP Access through the cradle. |