Sending Data via GPRS

Question

Hi

I wish to develop an application based on a Motorola MC55 running win ce. I have no problems with this and have done similar projects in the past using SQL CE as the local database.

However, the client wants the ability to send the collected data from the middle of a field (literally!) to a server on a regular basis. I think that this involves the use of GPRS?

Can anyone point me to some sample code (preferably VB.net) that could assist?

Thanks

Roy

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Roy T

Answer 1

Assuming your data is in the SQL CE database using RDA or merge replication would be the a good choice. Or you can use a web service.

Check out these articles:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa446539.aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa446501.aspx

Oh, and I forgot to mention: whatever it's GPRS, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet or something else does not really matter. It's all just a TCP/IP pipe over Internet. 

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Answer 2

Hi Ilya

Thank you for your reply.

As a complete newbie to this concept are you saying that RDA or Merge Replication will work via some sort of telephone connection?

My user will be standing in the middle of a field - they gather fruit! They will not have any sort of wireless connection or Bluetooth or similar. They should have a mobile telephone signal.

What I am looking for is some pointers to how to code for such a connection and so far I have ony been able to work out that I use something called GPRS. is this correct?

Forgive my naievety but as I say I am completely new to all this. I can code for the device and SQL CE, but I have always used TCP Sockets before to access a Host program via a Wireless connection.

Thanks again

Roy

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Roy T

Answer 3

We (humans) managed to send messages to/from Mars, surely we can send messages to some field on Earth with cell coverage. :)

Connection type does not matter as long as it is functional and running TCP/IP. With TCP/IP connection types are (almost) transparent and irrelevant.

If you prefer TCP sockets you can probably keep using them over GPRS. Just remember what GPRS is slower and less reliable than Wi-Fi but works the same way with the same code. You may also need to establish connection before you can use it and terminate it after you done. Also some cell carriers may restrict certain protocols, check with your specific carrier.

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This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Answer 4

Thanks again Ilya - very useful.

Can you point me at any sample code?

Roy

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Roy T