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August 01, 2007 Why WiFi? Posted by Dean at 05:31 PM | Categories: E-Series Smartphone Tips

What is WiFI and why should you care?

WiFi, strangely, stands for “Wireless Fidelity”. What it really means is a wireless networking (“wireless LAN” or “WLAN”) technology that allows computers, phones, and other mobile devices to connect to a computer network. It differs from Bluetooth (another wireless networking technology) mainly in that Bluetooth usually connects devices to computers or devices to devices, whereas WiFi connects devices or computers to a network.

Why care? Because WiFi technology comes integrated into many Nokia phones, including most E-series phones and “multimedia computers” like the N95. Using WiFi you can, for example, browse Web pages over your phone’s browser much faster than you could even over a 3G data connection. Even better, using WiFi means you aren’t burning any data minutes from your service plan. You can also use WiFi to run “connected” applications like Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite Email.

In case you haven’t noticed WiFi is everywhere, including many home networks, airports, businesses, and coffee shops. With a little setup effort, you can be using your phone’s WiFi connection many places within your regular travel route.

To configure your phone to use WiFi, you’ll use the WLAN Wizard (found in the main menu under Connectivity on E-series phones or on the N95 under Tools). When you launch it, the WLAN Wizard automatically searches for WiFi networks within range. You’ll be prompted to enter the secure passcode information that restricts access to the WiFi network.

If you have a home wireless network, I recommend you start there to get the feel for it. You’ll likely know the security information well. Then try WiFi networks in your local coffee shop or work.

Now your turn: Do you use WiFi on your phone? If so, where and why? Have you had any trouble configuring WLAN access or was it easy to set up? Please post a comment here!

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Comments

Yeah. Using wi-fi on my E90 mostly in bed, when I'm too lazy to open my notebook:-)

I'd use it more frequently at home if it was powerful enough. It's difficult to connect on the E90, it seems like it is weaker than the 9300i.

Boom

I use it as much as possible. One thing that would make it even more useful would be if the apps that use WiFi search and connect to the network automatically, like Shozu does on most S60 phones. Shozu allows you to enter the networks you use and then it will find the network based on the order you specify, "behind the scenes", w/o prompting the user to pick a network. This elimates a couple of clicks when using Shozu.

I've heard that the S60 APIs could make it easier for developers to develop apps in this way....

Hi,

I am not sure but does not Devicescape do something like this ?

David

Better connection management would be great...!

When the connection goes from WiFi to EDGE and back I get a notification each time. If I make a group that has my home WiFi and my carrriers EDGE service don't force an annoying message on me if the connection has to change mid-use. Put a quick prompt "Connection changed..." float up from the bottom of the screen that doesn't interrupt browser use.

In general S60 notifications are VERY annoying. Who cares that my battery is full, data connection suspended/resumed.

The latter "Packet Data Connection Active" "Packet Data Connection On Hold' IS VERY VERY VERY annoying on Series 60 phones when not in 3G coverage. This over-notify the user stuff makes the WiFi a pain also with similar message on "Connected" "DIsconnected"... Just connect quietly (e.g. Icon change) and quietly fallback to packet data if WiFi loses signal. Menu options to set notificaiton would be nice.

In other words guys : Look at how iPhone does the data handling for packet/WiFi...

Great article but I have 2 things to say:
1) Wifi is not everywhere. (At least not Wifi that you could use for free and without a password)

2) S60 needs to reduce the amount of those annoying notifications but instead make it possible to seamlessly switch from Wifi to data if I want such switch to occur. (Because some people don't have a data plan. And others don't want to (yet) use WiFi).
And this kind of seamless switching Should be for all apps.

Just my 2 cents... Because I know how it feels when you're downloading a file on your S60 and then lose the Wifi connection ;( You have to start over!

One more thing: the CAPTCHA STINKS. I never get my comment posted on the 1st try!!!

So good to get Wifi on my E61 both for Web surfing, connecting to Internet with some applications and also for SIP. My E61 is my only phone at Home as it connects both to my GSM line, and my landline that is SIP based through my ADSL Wifi network. Too good :D

notifications are useless,
wiFi is extrem helpful for downloads, but often needs a lot of time to find the connection, even when sitting beside the router

I love the Wi-Fi feature on my E61i. I use it regularly at home and when I'm outside, at a coffee shop or so.

The connectivity was a breeze although the E61i throws up on WPA encryption once in a while!!! Oh and it does not support Ad-Hoc yet... And I cant send files from PC to Smartphone or vice versa! :(

Chao...
Ashwin Murali.


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