Configure Cellular Proxy in Windows Mobile 6.5

This article outlines the proxy server configurations available for cellular data connections in Windows Mobile 6.5. By routing cellular traffic—such as GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS/HSDPA—through designated proxies, legacy devices can access secure corporate intranets, utilize carrier-specific WAP gateways, or optimize mobile web browsing. Below are the specific proxy types, network parameters, and configuration options supported by the operating system.

Proxy Server Types and Protocols

Windows Mobile 6.5 handles proxy settings through its native Connection Manager, dividing proxy options by protocol:

  • HTTP Proxy: Primarily used for standard web browsing via Pocket Internet Explorer. It directs outbound HTTP requests through a proxy server (typically listening on port 80 or 8080).
  • WAP Gateway (Wireless Application Protocol): Configured for legacy carrier networks to access WAP content. Standard, non-secure WAP gateways typically operate on port 9201.
  • Secure WAP Gateway: Used for encrypted WAP sessions (WTLS), conventionally operating on port 9203.
  • Socks Proxy: Used to route general TCP/IP network traffic through a proxy server rather than direct IP routing. Windows Mobile 6.5 supports Socks4 and Socks5 protocols, generally utilizing port 1080.

Configuration Fields in Cellular Data Profiles

When modifying an Access Point Name (APN) or managing the "Work Network" profile under cellular settings, the following parameters can be assigned:

  • Proxy Server Address: The Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or static IPv4 address of the target proxy server.
  • Port Numbers: Specific port mappings for each protocol (HTTP, WAP, Secure WAP, Socks).
  • Proxy Type: Selection between standard HTTP proxying, WAP 1.0/2.0 gateways, or Socks protocols.
  • Authentication Credentials:
    • User Name: The username required to pass through authenticated proxies.
    • Password: The corresponding authentication secret.
    • Domain: The Windows NT / Active Directory domain name if using NTLM authentication across a corporate proxy.

Advanced and Provisioning Settings

Beyond the basic user interface, proxy configurations in Windows Mobile 6.5 can be assigned using OMA Client Provisioning (XML files) or the Registry:

  • Proxy Exclusion Lists: Defines local domains or IP subnets (bypass lists) that the device must connect to directly without passing through the proxy.
  • CM_ProxyEntries (Registry/CSP): Cellular connections can be mapped to specific GUIDs representing network destinations (such as "The Internet" or "Work"). Through the Configuration Service Provider (CSP), administrators can enforce whether an APN automatically invokes the proxy or establishes a direct cellular IP route.