Setting Up a New Network Connection Manually
A 'manual' connection works in just the same way as any other network connection (e.g. wired connection to a modem or WiFi/WLAN connections) but uses your 3G card as a modem. You can use your preferred usual software programs for email and surfing the web.
To setup a new connection, there is a Wizard in Windows (called the Network Connection Wizard) which will take you through the process one step at a time. You can start this from 'Control Panel' by clicking on 'Network Connections' and selecting 'File' and then 'New Connection'. (See below for more detailed instructions)
Once a connection has been made, Windows will put a small icon in the taskbar in the bottom-right hand corner of the screen. When you have an active connection, this shows two computer screens which flash a paler shade of blue. When the connection is disconnected, the icon has a red cross over it. If you hover your mouse pointer over the icon, Windows will report on the connection speed. Unfortunately the speed that Windows reports is not an accurate measurement of the actual connection speed; you would need to measure the connection speed (perhaps by timing the downloads of some large files) manually.
Connection Parameters
When you connect your PC via your datacard, you are connecting to your operator's 3G network. To setup a connection manually you will need to enter some parameters for this network. Your operator should be able to give you these, but you might also find them in our list.
Specific Instructions
The process is not difficult, as you follow the steps of the wizard. Chose the setup closest to your own configuration :
- Connecting in Windows 2000 via a Merlin U530 card
- Step-by-step screenshots in Windows XP connecting via a Sierra Wireless Aircard
- Step-by-step screenshots in Windows XP (Classic View) connecting via an Option GT Max card
Troubleshooting
If the connection fails, the most likely cause is that one of more of the parameters you entered is incorrect. The phone number, username and password and the cdgcont settings are very easy to mis-type, so check them carefully. This can result in error codes 777 or 692.
