Socket Mobile 80211GCF User Manual

Socket® Wi-Fi® Products

For Windows Mobile

• Hardware: Go Wi-Fi!™ versions E300, E500, P300 and P500

• Software: Wi-Fi Companion

User’s Guide

7/2006 Document # 6410-00170 L

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2006 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Socket, the Socket logo and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of
Socket Communications, Inc. Wi-Fi Companion and Go Wi-Fi! are
trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark
of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other brand and product names are trademarks of
their respective holders.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the permission of
Socket Communications is expressly prohibited. Please be aware that the
products described in this manual may change without notice.

Feel free to contact SOCKET COMMUNICATIONS at:

Socket Communications, Inc.

37400 Central Court
Newark, CA 94560
USA

Other than the above, Socket Communications can assume no responsibility
for anything resulting from the application of information contained in this
manual.

Socket Communications requests that you refrain from any applications of
Socket Go Wi-Fi! or Wi-Fi Companion that are not described in this
manual. Please refrain from disassembling the card. Disassembly of this
device will void the product warranty.

You can track new product releases, software updates and technical
bulletins by visiting Socket’s website at: www.socketcom.com.

2

Table of Contents

Copyright Notice 2

1 | Introduction 5

Socket Go Wi-Fi! 5
Socket Wi-Fi Companion 5
System Requirements 6
Product Registration 6
Useful Links 7

2 | Software Installation 8

Software Installation 8
Software Registration — Built-in WLAN Radios only 11

3 | Open or WEP-Enabled Networks 13

STEP 1: Insert Go Wi-Fi! or Turn on Built-in WLAN Radio 14
STEP 2: Start Wi-Fi Companion 15
STEP 3: Find and Connect to a WLAN 16
STEP 4: Connect Automatically to Your Network 19

4 | WPA or 802.1x Networks 21

STEP 1: Prepare Network Information 22
STEP 2: Install Authentication Certificate(s) 23
STEP 3: Insert Go Wi-Fi! or Turn on WLAN Radio 25
STEP 4: Start Wi-Fi Companion 26
STEP 5: Find a WLAN and Create a Profile 27

5 | Wi-Fi Companion 33

Turn Wireless Radio On/Off 34
View IP Addresses 35
Find Networks 36
Enable Power Save 38
Install Personal Certificate for EAP-TLS 39
Manage Certificates 40
Ping 41
Trace Route 43
View Rates 45
View Graphs 46
View Tables 47
View Help Files 48

APPENDICES
A | Specifications
B | Safety and Usage Tips 57
C | Network Information 59
D | Troubleshooting 61

49

3

E | Technical Support 62

Limited Warranty 64
Limited Software Warranty 65
Regulatory Compliance for Go Wi-Fi! 66

4

1 | Introduction

Socket Wi-Fi products for Windows Mobile are the perfect tools to connect
to enterprise and public Wi-Fi systems, so you can access email, the
Internet, and corporate servers from your favorite Pocket PC.

Socket Go Wi-Fi!

Available in both Secure Digital (SD) and CompactFlash
(CF) form factors, Socket Go Wi-Fi! wireless LAN cards
use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology
to provide a high-capacity network and are Wi-Fi Certified
to interoperate with other Wi-Fi products. The E300 and
E500 conform to IEEE 802.11b specifications with data
rates up to 11 Mbps. The P300 and P500 comply with
IEEE 802.11b/g with data rates up to 54 Mbps.

The Battery Friendly® Socket Go Wi-Fi! cards were designed
to use minimal power, so you can use them longer without
having to stop and recharge your Pocket PC.

The cards work with these types of WLAN security:

• Open systems

• 40/64-bit or 128-bit WEP encryption

• 802.1x with EAP-TLS or PEAP

• WPA and WPA-PSK

Socket Go Wi-Fi! P300 and P500 also support AES and WPA-2
Enterprise. Odyssey Client from Juniper Networks is required. For more
information, please visit:

www.juniper.net/customers/support/products/oac.jsp

Socket Wi-Fi Companion

Socket Wi-Fi Companion is an intuitive and graphical
utility for Pocket PCs with either a Socket Go Wi-Fi!
card or a built-in WLAN radio. The software enables
you to find WLANs in range, view their properties in
detail, and connect whenever your favorite networks
are available. You can even manage power settings to
maximize battery life. Plus, diagnostic tools and
connection statistics are provided for advanced users.

Note: Support for square screens and landscape mode is
included.

(Windows Mobile 2003SE and 5.0 only)

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5

System Requirements

Note: For information about support for MontaVista Linux and Real-Time
Operating Systems (RTOS), please email

[e-mail]

Minimum device requirements for Wi-Fi Companion software:

• Pocket PC running Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE or 5.0

• Socket Go Wi-Fi! card or WLAN radio built into Pocket PC

• Software installation via ActiveSync requires ActiveSync 4.0 or greater.

Alternatively, advanced users can install a CAB file.

Additional device requirements for Go Wi-Fi! E300 or P300 (SD cards):

• Available SDIO slot

• For Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE, SDIO Now! software from

BSQUARE is required in ROM

Additional device requirements for Go Wi-Fi! E500 or P500 (CF cards):

• Available CF or PC Card slot (PC Card adapter required for PC slot)

• The Go Wi-Fi! E500 only connects to access points or radios that use

long preamble. Every 802.11b/g access point supports long preamble,
and most are configured this way by default.

Product Registration

Software Activation for Software-Only Package

If you purchased Socket Wi-Fi Companion for use with your Pocket PC’s
built-in WLAN radio, product registration is required to activate a full
version of the software. Otherwise, the software will expire three days after

installation. Register at: www.socketcom.com/wfc
instructions. This website is specifically for Wi-Fi Companion activation and
not the general product registration site.

General Product Registration

Registration is not required to use Wi-Fi Companion with the Go Wi-Fi!
cards, but is highly recommend. Registered users receive the following

benefits:

• Priority for technical support

• Special offers for future products and product upgrades

• The latest new product information

Register online at: www.socketcom.com/prodreg. Do not use this website to
try to obtain an activation code for Wi-Fi Companion.

. See Chapter 2 for

6

Useful Links

• Software updates: www.socketcom.com/support/support_wlan.asp

• Device compatibility database: www.socketcom.com/matrix

• For a list of Wi-Fi hotspots and service providers in your area, visit

www.socketcom.com/product/wlan.asp and click on the Public HotSpots

info link.

Go Wi-Fi! Status Indicator LEDs

E300/P300 Link LED

LED LED Behavior Meaning

Off Radio disabled/cannot transmit.

Link

Slow flash Radio on, not connec ted.
On Connected

E500 LEDs

LED LED Behavior Meaning

Off Radio disabled/cannot transmit.

Power

Flashing Radio on, using Power Save Mode

Green

On Radio on, not using Power Save Mode
Off Radio disabled/cannot transmit.

Activity

Slow flash Radio on, no data traffic.

Amber

Rapid flash

Connected. Faster fl ash den otes
greater network activity.

P500 LEDs:

LED LED Behavior Meaning

Power

Green

Activity

Blue

Off Power off.
On Power on.
Off Not connected.
Flashing Transmitting/receiving data.
On Connected.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 7

2 | Software Installation

Follow these instructions to install the software into your Pocket PC.

• If you are using Wi-Fi Companion with the built-in WLAN radio of

your Pocket PC, you will need to register the software after you install it
to activate a full version of the software.

• If you are using Socket Go Wi-Fi!, you will need to install two software

components: the card drivers and Wi-Fi Companion. No software
registration is required to use the software with Go Wi-Fi!

ADVANCED USERS: For CAB file installation instructions, please refer to
the README file in the installation CD.

.

Software Installation

1. Go Wi-Fi!: If your Pocket PC already has an older version of Socket

WLAN software, you must completely remove it before you install the
new software. Remove both the utility and the card drivers.

• Make sure the WLAN card is not in the Pocket PC.

• Tap Start | Settings | System tab | Remove Programs.

• Select the WLAN card drivers and tap Remove.

• Repeat to remove the WLAN utiity.

• Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button.

2. Make sure you have ActiveSync 4.0 or greater. Download it free online:

msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/windowsmobile/downloads/default.aspx

3. Make an active connection between your Pocket PC and a host PC. Use

ActiveSync and a serial/USB connection cable or cradle.

8

ActiveSync should report Connected, and the ActiveSync icon should
turn green.

4. Insert the installation CD into your host PC. Use My Computer or

Windows Explorer to access your CD-ROM drive.

Alternatively, if you downloaded the software from Socket’s website,
extract and save the contents to your computer. Remember where you
save the software.

5. If you plan to use Socket Go Wi-Fi!

, you must install the card drivers

first, then install Wi-Fi Companion. In the CD contents, click on the
correct DriverSetup.exe file for your version of Socket Go Wi-Fi!

If you plan to use the built-in WLAN radio of your Pocket PC

Wi-Fi Companion. In the CD contents, click on WIFISoftwareSetup.exe.

, install

CHAPTER 2: SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 9

6. The InstallShield Wizard will begin. Follow the wizard to install the

software.

7. If you plan to use Socket Go Wi-Fi!

, after installing the card drivers,

install Wi-Fi Companion. Return to the CD contents and click on
WIFISoftwareSetup.exe. Follow the wizard to install the software.

8. After software installation, disconnect the Pocket PC from the host PC.

9. Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button.

IMPORTANT! If you installed Socket Wi-Fi Companion on a
Pocket PC with built-in WLAN, you must register the
software. Otherwise, the software will expire in three days.
See the instructions on the next page.

No software registration is required for Socket Go Wi-Fi!

10

Software Registration — Built-in WLAN Radios only

1. To register the software, access Socket’s Wi-Fi Companion Software

Registration Wizard at www.socketcom.com/wfc

.

2. In the first screen, enter the CD Serial Key printed on a sticker inside the

CD case.

3. As directed in the next screen, check your Pocket PC’s owner name.

To register the software, you will need to enter the owner name.

If you have not assigned an owner name yet to your Pocket PC, tap
Start | Settings | Owner Information to do so.

4. In the next screen, enter your Pocket PC’s owner name.

5. Complete the rest of the wizard. You will receive an activation code by email.

CHAPTER 2: SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 11

6. Make sure your Pocket PC’s clock is set for the correct

date, or the registration code will be rejected.
Tap Start | Settings | Clock. After adjusting the date, tap ok.

7. Start Wi-Fi Companion. Either turn on the WLAN radio of

your Pocket PC to automatically launch the program, or
tap Start | Programs | Wi-Fi Companion.

8. Tap on the Socket status icon at the top of your screen to

view the main screen of Wi-Fi Companion.

Socket status icon,
search mode.

9. In the main screen of Wi-Fi Companion, tap About at the

bottom of the screen.

10. At the bottom of the About screen, tap Register.

11. In the Product Registration screen, enter the code you

received by email. Tap ok.

Formatted: Font: Italic

12

3 | Open or WEP-Enabled Networks

This section covers how to use Socket Wi-Fi Companion to find, configure
and connect your Pocket PC to a WLAN running an open system or WEP
encryption. Before you begin the instructions in this chapter, make sure you
have installed the software, as described in Chapter 2.

For help using the software, tap
Start | Help.

Connection Summary

STEP 1: Insert Go Wi-Fi! or turn on WLAN radio.
STEP 2: Start Wi-Fi Companion.
STEP 3: Find a WLAN and create a profile.
STEP 4: Connect automatically to your network.

CHAPTER 3: OPEN OR WEP-ENABLED NETWORKS 13

STEP 1: Insert Go Wi-Fi! or Turn on Built-in WLAN Radio

If using Socket Go Wi-Fi!, insert the card into the card slot of your Pocket
PC. Make sure the card is positioned correctly in the slot. In most cases, it
should be right-side up. Do not use excessive force, or damage may occur.

Note: To remove the SD card, press it into the slot. A spring will push the
card out. Do not remove the card by simply pulling, or damage may occur.

If using a WLAN radio built into your Pocket PC

your Pocket PC manual for instructions.

, turn on the radio. Refer to

Note: Your screen may vary from the one shown.

14

STEP 2: Start Wi-Fi Companion

1. After you insert the WLAN card or turn on the

WLAN radio of your Pocket PC, Wi-Fi
Companion will automatically launch, indicated
by the Socket status icon at the top of the screen.
Tap on the icon. The icon varies depending on
your connection status.

Socket status icon,
search mode.

Windows Mobile 5.0

: You can also tap Notification

at the bottom of the Today screen to access the
main screen of Wi-Fi Companion.

Alternatively, you can manually start the
program by tapping:

Start | Programs | Wi-Fi Companion.

2. The main screen of Wi-Fi Companion will

appear.

Formatted: Font: Italic

CHAPTER 3: OPEN OR WEP-ENABLED NETWORKS 15

STEP 3: Find and Connect to a WLAN

1. In the main screen of Wi-Fi Companion, tap on the large tower icon, or

tap Tools | Wi-Fi Finder.

2. Wi-Fi Finder will list WLANs detected in range. Tap on any WLAN in

the list to view additional properties.
If desired, tap on the Type or Sort by drop-down menus to change how

the list is displayed. By default, All types are displayed, sorted by Name.
If your WLAN is not listed, tap Refresh.

Tap to filter the
list by type.

Current
connection.

Tap on any listing to
expand details.

Tap and hold stylus
on any listing to
manage profiles
and/or connect.

Signal strength of strongest
AP/ad hoc radio

WEP encryption, WPA (PSK),
WPA (TKIP) or 802.1x

No encryption

Channel number

Profile saved

802.11b, 802.11g

3. If Wi-Fi Finder cannot find your WLAN because its SSID is hidden, tap

New at the bottom of the screen to create a new profile for your network.

4. If your WLAN has a profile (indicated by a folder icon), Wi-Fi

Companion may have already connected to it, indicated by a
tower icon with a green burst on top.

Tap to sort the list.

Tap on the MAC
address line to view
AP Details.

16

To connect to a WLAN with a profile, tap and
hold your stylus on the WLAN in the list. In
the pop-up menu, tap Connect.

5. If your WLAN does not

have a profile (no folder

icon), tap and hold your stylus on the WLAN in
the list, then tap Get connected to create a profile
for the selected SSID.

Creating a WLAN Profile

After you tap New or Get connected in Wi-Fi Finder, you will be directed to
Wireless Zero Config (WZC), the wireless connection editor built into Windows
Mobile, to create a WLAN profile. For help with WZC, please refer to your
Pocket PC manual. Consult with your network administrator to determine the
settings needed to connect to your network.

1. In the Configure Wireless Network screen,

enter the Network name (SSID) if it isn’t
already provided. The SSID is case-sensitive.

Connects to:
Select either The Internet or Work.

Note: In most cases, you should select
The Internet. For a VPN/proxy server, refer to
your Pocket PC manual for instructions.

2. Follow the appropriate instructions for your type of

network to enter the necessary security settings.

Open Networks

Depending on your Pocket PC version, your device
may show two or three tabs at the bottom of the
screen. If your device shows three tabs, enter the
following settings:

¾ Network Key tab:

Authentication: Select Open.
Data Encryption: Select Disabled.

¾ 802.1x tab:

Do not enter any settings. Tap ok.

CHAPTER 3: OPEN OR WEP-ENABLED NETWORKS 17

If your device shows two tabs, enter the following
settings:

¾ Authentication tab:

Uncheck all boxes. Tap ok.

WEP-Enabled Networks

Make sure your WEP key has the correct length. For 40/64-bit WEP, the key
length is 10 hexadecimal or 5 ASCII characters. For 128-bit WEP, the key
length is 26 hexadecimal or 13 ASCII characters.

Depending on your Pocket PC version, your device may show two or three tabs
at the bottom of the screen. If your device shows three tabs, enter the following
settings:

¾ Network Key tab

• Authentication: Select Open.

• Data Encryption: Select WEP.

•

The Key is provided for me automatically:
Uncheck. Enter the Network key and Key index.
Use the correct key length.

¾ 802.1x tab

Uncheck Use IEEE 802.1x network access control
and tap ok.

18

If your device shows two tabs, enter the following settings:

¾ Authentication tab

• Data encryption: Check.

• Network Authentication: Check if your network is

set up for this. In most cases, you should uncheck.

• The key is provided to me automatically: Uncheck.

Enter the Network key and Key index. Use the
correct key length.

• Enable network access using IEEE 802.1X:

Uncheck. Tap ok.

STEP 4: Connect Automatically to Your Network

1. After you enter the settings and tap ok, your device will automatically

try to connect. You may see the Socket status icon at the top of your
screen change from “networks available” to “networks out of range but
configured.”

2. When your Pocket PC has connected, the following will occur:

• The Socket status icon will change to 1-5 bars.

• The “x” will vanish from the connection icon.

• In Wi-Fi Finder, the WLAN will appear first in the list, showing a

signal tower with a green burst on top.

Note: After you save a profile for a WLAN, Wi-Fi Companion will
automatically try to connect to it whenever you insert the WLAN card or
turn on the WLAN radio built into your Pocket PC.

3. Tap ok to return to the main screen.

Socket Status Icons

Associated or Connected. Number of
bars indicates signal strength.

Networks available.

Searching for networks.

Networks out of range
but configured.

CHAPTER 3: OPEN OR WEP-ENABLED NETWORKS 19

Main Screen of Wi-Fi Companion

The screen content varies depending on your connection status.

Socket status icon. Tap to access
this screen from outside the utility.

Your device properties.

• Device name

• IP address

• Packets sent and

received

The icon always
appears regardless
of connection status.
Tap to view more
IP addresses.

}

Internet ready.
Tap to access email,
the Internet, ping or
trace route. Icon
appears only when
Internet access is
ready.

Encryption status.
Tap to access a
certificate
management utility
for WPA or 802.1x if
needed.

Access point/remote device properties.

• SSID

• Connection duration

• Signal quality rating and percentage

• MAC address (also known as BSSID)

• Channel number (in black circle)

Tap for Wi-Fi Finder.

Data rate. Tap to
view signal
strength and data
rate distribution.

20

4 | WPA or 802.1x Networks

This section covers how to use Socket Wi-Fi Companion to configure and
connect your Pocket PC to a WLAN running WPA or 802.1x with PEAP or
EAP-TLS authentication. Before you begin the instructions in this chapter,
be sure to install the software, as described in Chapter 2.

WPA is supported by Windows Mobile 5.0 and
2003 Second Edition devices as well as some
Windows Mobile 2003 (original version)
devices with an updated ROM from the device
manufacturer. If your device supports WPA,
WPA and WPA-PSK options will appear in the
“Configure Wireless Networks” screen.

For help using the software, tap Start | Help.

Connection Summary

STEP 1: Prepare network information.
STEP 2: Install authentication certificate(s).
STEP 3: Insert Go Wi-Fi! or turn on WLAN radio.
STEP 4: Find a WLAN and create a profile.
STEP 5: Connect automatically to your network.

CHAPTER 4: WPA OR 802.1X 21