It is possible to use an infrared enabled cell phone for a dial-up connection when a landline connection or Wi-Fi connection is not possible for mobile workers. Learn how you can take advantage of the infrared capabilities of your cell phone and laptop.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 15 mins.
Here's How:
- Turn on infrared connectivity on the cell phone and point it at the infrared port on the laptop.
- Configure WinXP to accept the infrared connection - Right-click My Network Places and select Properties.
- Click on Select a New Connection.
- Select Connect to the Internet, then Next.
- Select Set up my connection manually, then Next
- Select Connect using a dial-up modem, then Next.
- Click on the option Modem - Standard Modem over IR Link #2 (Coms) - (you may get a different COM port number), then click Next.
- Create a name for your ISP and then click Next.
- Enter the phone number for your ISP for GPRS access, then click Next.
- Select My Use Only, then Next.
- Enter your ISP user name and password.
- A new icon has been added to the Network Connections now.
- Double-click on the icon and click the Dial button to connect to the Internet.
Tips:
- Remember that your infrared cell phone must be in a straight line of site with the laptop IR port.
- Rules regarding cell phone usage while in flight still apply - even if using a cell phone as a modem.
- Problem:
You get the message "Wireless link interrupted - the link has been blocked or the device moved out of range" even when the devices are in proper place.
Solution:
1. Right-click on IR icon in tray & select Properties.
2. Click Hardware & select Properties.
3. Click Advanced & select IR Transceiver Type property.
4. Change value to "Vishay TFD"
What You Need:
- Infrared enabled cell phone
- Infrared port on laptop
- If your laptop does not have an infrared port you'll need an IR adapter
- Adequate space to have both items in a straight line of site arrangement
