In the final of three articles, I explain how VPNs, Hubs, Cradles and Network Connection Managers can all lead to failures in connection and synchronization between a Windows PC and a Windows Mobile device over an ActiveSync managed connection.
Hardware Conflicts
ActiveSync connectivity issues can persist beyond the realm of firewalls and poor USB cables.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), USB hubs, mobile device cradles and Network Connection Managers can all cause problems and in many cases can be the single cause of ActiveSync error messages that often indicate the problem is elsewhere.
Furthermore the use of Network Connection Managers - software for managing connectivity - can lead to Windows Mobile devices being incorrectly identified, a clear and obvious case where an error can manifest.
Network Connection Managers are usually found in conjunction with other hardware of course, so by narrowing down these hardware conflicts the issue can be quickly resolved. The issues listed in this article can all be resolved ultimately by upgrading to Windows ActiveSync 4.5.
Network Connection Managers and VPNs
Typically Network Connection Managers will manage the various connection interfaces and methods to enable a PC with several connection types to take advantage of the best available connection. In order to do this, nmay of these utilities disable other connections in order to make sole advantage of the single best link - and this can cause ActiveSync to be incorrectly recognised as a connection ot the internet.
Usually this will happen due to ActiveSync's use of the TCP/IP stack; Network Connection Managers work by monitoring and managing use of the TCP/IP protocol that is used for connecting PCs to networks.
The same is true of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) - your Windows Mobile device appears as a network interface, causing the handset to be interrupted when syncing, leading to considerable difficulties connecting while the PC is connected to a VPN.
An upgrade of Windows ActiveSync to version 4.5 or a reinstall once the Network COnnection Manager or VPN is setup and configured should resolve these errors.
USB Hubs, Docking Stations and Cradles
The varying quality in the USB hubs on the market can cause considerable problems and issues for users of ActiveSync and Windows Mobile devices. As such, it is wise to bypass a hub connection when hooking up a Windows Mobile device via USB - there is considerable scope for interference from other connected devices and frequencies.
Laptop docking stations meanwhile are also susceptible to similar interference, as well as a possibility of a loss of connectivity by routing the connection incorrectly to the laptop.
USB cradles for Windows Mobile devices meanwhile can suffer the same connectivity issues as a barebones USB cable connection - with each of these issues, the best resolution is to connect the or cradle directly to the PC or laptop.
Troubleshooting ActiveSync Connection Issues
This series looks at the various ActiveSync connectivity problems and their causes.