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Setting up an Ad-Hoc WiFi Connection with the Dell Axim
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There are two main types of WiFi Network modes. The first is Infrastructure or Access Point mode. In this mode, the pda connects to the network through a wireless base station or access point. An access point is typically a kind of radio-enabled network hub connected to a computer by a cable. Devices are routed through the access point to the network and are registered like any other computer on the system.
The second mode is called Peer-to-Peer or Ad-Hoc. As the name suggests, this mode is used for connecting devices in a smaller, less structured, local network. Whereas the Access Point mode is similar to a cellphone, connecting to a remote station and being routed to a larger network with many other clients, the Ad-Hoc mode is similar to having a pair of walkie-talkies which require less infrastructure to set up but can only communicate with a smaller number of units on a pre-arranged channel. The Ad-Hoc network allows you to activeSync between a desktop computer and a pda without having to use a USB or Serial cable.
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Click image to see larger version.
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In this example, we'll be creating an Ad-Hoc network between the Dell Axim X5 and a Dell Inspiron 7500 laptop using the Netgear PCMCIA (MA401) and CompactFlash (MA701) WiFi network cards. It is certainly not necessary to use the same brand of network cards, but in theory at least, the manufacturer will have made sure the two play nicely together.
To start, insert the PCMCIA card which will bring up the plug-n-play hardware installation screen. When prompted for the driver, install the driver compact disc and browse to the appropriate drive. Navigate to the specific card (in this case MA401) and the correct OS. Click next on the plug-n-play screen and follow the onscreen prompts.
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When completed, you should see the wireless icon displayed in the system tray.
 Green means you have a good connection.
 Red means you do not currently have a connection.
 A crossed-out icon indicates that the wireless adapter is turned off.
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Right click on the wireless icon to bring up the status menu.
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Then click on the Wireless Network Status label to bring up the Wireless Network Configuration Utility. The status should say either radio off or scanning, indicating the adapter is searching for a connection.
Click on the configuration tab. Change the Network Mode to 802.11 Ad-Hoc. Make sure that the SSID is set to Any and the channel is set to 11. Then, press apply. The laptop is now setup for an Ad-Hoc mode and should be scanning for connections.
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